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RALEIGH – April 24-28 is After Schools Professionals Appreciation Week. Celebrated the last full week in April of every year, After Schools Professionals Appreciation Week is a time to recognize and appreciate those who work with youth during out-of-school hours. In the U.S. there are over 850,000 afterschool professionals and an estimated 10.2 million U.S. children participate in afterschool programs each year.
In North Carolina, 96 percent of parents report being satisfied with their children’s afterschool programs. Additionally, 96 percent of parents report that their children’s afterschool programs have knowledgeable and caring staff. These statistics reflect the positive impact afterschool professionals can and do have. By supplementing classroom instruction with continued learning opportunities with an array of focuses, afterschool professionals help enrich students and help extend education and development beyond school.
“Our amazing afterschool professionals are the key to high quality and effective afterschool programs. Studies have shown us the positive impact that caring, supportive relationships between afterschool professionals and children in afterschool programs can have on both children’s social skills and students’ academic performance,” said Elizabeth Anderson, Director of the North Carolina Center for Afterschool Programs, shared, “We are so proud and appreciative of the good work that afterschool professionals in North Carolina do to support children, youth, and their communities.”
“The Pitt County Educational Foundation is incredibly grateful for the afterschool professionals who serve the students of Pitt County Schools. It is a tremendous responsibility to educate and prepare our students to be future leaders, members of a productive workforce, and service-centered citizens in our communities,” said Pitt County School Director of the Pitt County Educational Foundation Beth Ulffers. “Afterschool professionals are vital educational partners who ensure safe and structured environments and provide access and opportunities to grow, learn, explore, create, and thrive. We appreciate and value all afterschool professionals as we work collaboratively to meet the needs of all children.”
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