Breakfast Club Blog

The BOOST Breakfast Club Blog is a curated space where bloggers from around the world contribute content on a continual basis about a variety of topics relevant to in and out-of-school time. The BOOST Breakfast Club blog is at the heart of an ongoing dialogue where expanded learning and education professionals share their personal thoughts and stories from the in and out-of-school time field. They also tell us what they ate for breakfast!

The views and opinions expressed in this blog are those of the authors and do not necessarily reflect the official policy or position of any other agency, organization, employer, or company. Enjoy the brain food.

The BOOST Breakfast Club Blog is Brain Food for In and Out-of-School Time Leaders!

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TK-Tastic Adventures: Learning to Play (and Playing to Learn!) with Our Youngest Learners

Ever feel like your Transitional Kindergarten (TK) students are tiny, energetic, and curious little humans sent to teach you a whole new language? You’re not alone! Working with four-year-olds in an expanded learning setting is a delightful, yet unique, adventure. Join us for a joyful, jam-packed session that will turn your TK program into a developmentally appropriate, standard-achieving wonderland! We’ll stop guessing and start knowing exactly what makes these little explorers tick. Come prepa... Read More

Supporting Neurodiverse Students: Building Equity, Access, and Belonging in Expanded Learning Spaces

Expanded Learning programs play a powerful role in creating spaces where every student feels seen, supported, and capable of success. Yet, many traditional approaches to neurodiverse students still rely on deficit-based views of disability. This interactive session invites expanded learning professionals to reframe how they understand and respond to neurodiversity through an equity and access lens. Participants will explore the difference between the medical and social models of disability, exam... Read More

Connect, Collaborate, Celebrate: Build Lasting Relationships in Your After-School Program

Join us for an engaging workshop designed to empower after-school staff with the tools and mindset to connect, collaborate, and celebrate within their programs. Participants will explore strategies for understanding commitment, fostering active participation, and building strong relationships with students, families, and the community. Enjoy fun interactions while setting meaningful goals to enhance your after-school environment and culture. Read More

25 Fabulous Enrichment Ideas & Where to Get More

This is your time to remember what is it all about, having FUN with your children through intentional youth development! Get inspired and take your enrichment game to the next level as we explore a ton of fabulous ideas. We’ll also examine many low-cost and free resources to keep the fabulous ideas flowing once you are back home. A fast, interactive experience as you customize fabulous enrichment just right for your program! Read More

Uncover Your Purpose: Discovering and Defining Your WHY.

Embark on a transformative journey to uncover the core of your motivation! This engaging workshop presentation invites participants to dive deep into their values, passions, and aspirations. Participants can expect to engage in the following: Interactive Exercises Values Assessment Drafting Your WHY Statement Sharing and Feedback Action Plan Development Presenter: Dwayne Wiggins, Jr., Owner/Founder, A Human. Being!, La Mesa, CA Read More

Coaching Through Chaos: Helping Staff Navigate in Uncertain Times

This informative session offers after-school leaders a practical guide to help staff navigate change and uncertainty. Through real talk, tools, and reflection, we will explore five strategies: Adapt, Anticipate, Act with Excellence, Achieve More with Less, and Manage Fear. Whether you lead a small team or a large site, you’ll leave with tools, ideas, and a renewed mindset to support your staff through tough times. Presenters: Ray Trinidad, CEO, !Mpact People/Players; Gabe Ogilvie, Co-Founder, !M... Read More

Compassionate Systems: A Path to Educational Renaissance

This interactive workshop introduces expanded learning practitioners to the Compassionate Systems Framework, a powerful approach to fostering well-being, equity, emotional intelligence, and transformative leadership in education. Participants will explore practical strategies to cultivate self-awareness, empathy, and systemic thinking, empowering them to create learning environments where students and staff thrive. Through reflective exercises and collaborative discussions, attendees will gain t... Read More

#AfterschoolWorks – Opportunities and Challenges in the Trump Administration

How does the 2024 election impact afterschool? This Town Hall will discuss opportunities and challenges our field will face under the Trump administration, the nongovernmental committee, and at the state level. It will also focus on messaging: what works and what doesn’t when communicating about afterschool and how to engage local business advocates and allies. Read More

The Why Behind the Importance of Integrating Social and Emotional Learning into Your Out-of-School Time Programs

Join us for an interactive workshop on Social and Emotional Learning in out-of-school time programs. You will learn what SEL is and our “Why” behind the importance of integrating it into programs. Lay the foundation to support your children in learning and practicing skills that set them up for academic success, fulfilling careers, healthy relationships, and responsible civic engagement. As well as leave with practical hands-on activities that you can implement immediately in your programs. Read More

Unlocking Intrinsic Motivation: A Coaching Approach for OST Leaders

Are you ready to transform your team into self-motivated, proactive problem-solvers? Coaching is a powerful approach that fosters growth, autonomy, and engagement. Join us for an exploration of coaching fundamentals tailored to Out-of-School-Time (OST) settings. Discover the purpose of effective coaching, learn practical techniques for various levels, and build a culture where everyone can reach their full potential. Read More

Lead, Listen to, and Love Your People: 3 Guiding Principles for Great Leadership

Leaders in education are playing their most vital role to-date as they guide and support their teams through these ever-changing times. Join this session to discover what it truly means to lead your people well with practical applications you can implement every day. Learn how to Lead, Listen to and Love Your People to build high-performing teams and create happier workforces. Learn how to be the leader your team needs so that they can focus on their most important job – helping children thrive. Read More

Evolution of Out-of-School Programs: How to Tailor Your Programming to Fit the Needs of Your Students and Community

Join us as we explore how to use research to evaluate your out-of-school experience and evolve your curriculum to ensure fidelity in your programs. From literacy frameworks to cultural activities , discover how district leaders evolved their programs to elevate their standards of quality. Through group dialogue and shared best practices, this session will encourage creative solutions and evolved practices to meet your students’ educational and cultural needs. Read More