Every year, thousands of people from throughout the nation come together in the last week of April to celebrate National Afterschool Professionals Appreciation Week. This and every last week of April is a time to recognize and appreciate the estimated 850,000 professionals nationwide who dedicate themselves to making a difference in the lives of children, youth, families, and communities during out-of-school hours. The National Afterschool Association has created a resource web page that includes ideas and inspiration, a toolkit, and an informational video for administrators, families, and community partners to support celebrations nation-wide. Participation is easy.

• Start simple: Share information with families and administrators about National After School Professionals Appreciation Week. Encourage administration and families/ participants to create hand written cards for program staff. Access CAN Executive Director, Jeff Davis’s brief video thanking after school professionals.
• Plan a celebration: access the National Afterschool Professionals Appreciation Week Toolkit.  
• Spread the word: use the hashtag #heartofafterschool to broadcast your messages and celebration. Access sample tweets and social media posts here.
• Go the extra mile: Circulate a press release, join the amplify the social media campaign, and engage leaders in your community to create proclamations in support of after school professionals. Access more information to go the extra mile.