Press Releases - Department of Recreation

Montgomery County Recreation Celebrates Its Afterschool Professionals Who Make A Profound Difference in The Lives of Young People

For Immediate Release: Friday, April 23, 2021

Montgomery County Recreation is celebrating Afterschool Professionals Appreciation Week April 19-23, along with the National AfterSchool Association, to recognize, appreciate and advocate for those who work with young people during out-of-school hours.

“During Afterschool Professionals Appreciation Week, I want to thank our afterschool staff who make a profound difference in the lives of young people, which has been especially important this past year when many youth were unable to be with their peers because of the threat of COVID-19.” said Montgomery County Recreation Director Robin Riley. “It is important for young people to have a supportive, safe environment both in and out of school. I appreciate the dedication of our afterschool providers, and all our recreation staff, who work hard to inspire, empower, and encourage our young people to reach their full potential.”

Montgomery County Recreation’s Youth Development Team operated a modified version of Excel Beyond the Bell (EBB) at South Lake and JoAnn Leleck Elementary schools since October 2020. Neelsville Middle School opened Thursday, April 22 and on Tuesday, May 4 Forest Oak Middle School will reopen. The team is currently working closely with EBB school administrations to discuss plans for reinstating additional afterschool programs as quickly and safely as possible.

Why is it important to recognize Afterschool Professionals?

An estimated 10.2 million children participate in afterschool programs each year, and for every child in an afterschool program there are two more waiting to get in. Every young person deserves quality afterschool experiences that positively impact their development. It takes skilled professionals to create these experiences. Because of the important role afterschool professionals play in the lives of kids, they deserve recognition and support!

What is Afterschool Professionals Appreciation Week?

Afterschool Professionals Appreciation Week is a time to recognize, appreciate and advocate for those who work with young people during out-of-school hours. The week is marked by celebrations and public relations efforts encouraging appreciation and support for all the afterschool professionals who make a profound difference in the lives of young people. 

Who is an Afterschool Professional?

Afterschool Professionals are skilled individuals who work with children and youth in diverse school and community-based settings to provide a wide variety of positive developmental relationships and experiences during out-of-school hours. Currently in the US, an estimated 850,000 individuals are practicing members of the afterschool profession.

This Excel Beyond the Bell video highlights the programming at JoAnn Leleck and South Lake Elementary schools that providing enrich afterschool program while adhering to COVID-19 safety guidelines.

Montgomery County Recreation’s website provides more information about the Youth Development Team programming. The National Afterschool Association provides more information about Afterschool Professionals Appreciation Week.  

 

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Release ID: 21-266
Media Contact: Judy Stiles 240-328-4049