Jump Start 2026

Helping afterschool professionals explore engagement strategies that help youth feel seen, heard, valued, and connected beyond the school day. Discover how intentional everyday moments strengthen relationships, increase participation, and foster confidence, leadership, and future readiness. Engage in collaborative activities, reflection, and real-world scenarios, and walk away with an Engagement Strategy Plan and practical tools they can immediately implement to create meaningful experiences that lead to lasting impact.

"This advanced leadership session connects strategic organizational communication with daily program management, focusing on how supervisors can empower front-line staff to build immediate trust with families. Led by a veteran communications director and a seasoned principal, this interactive workshop teaches leaders how to train their direct-care staff in clear, empathetic communication techniques that de-escalate parent concerns.

Attendees will leave equipped with a practical, three-step ""Bridge to Focus"" communication framework. This tool is designed to turn stressful daily interactions into positive, trusted connection points—proving that the little moments of deliberate, reframed communication yield big outcomes in staff retention and strategies for meaningful family engagement."

Discipline, De-Escalation, and Positive Behavior Support.This workshop is for afterschool professionals who work with students, including those who display challenging behaviors. Participants will learn how to set clear expectations, use positive reinforcement and token programs, and guide youth through the SODAA process: Situation, Options, Disadvantages, Advantages, and Act. Afterschool professionals will walk away with practical tools to reduce power struggles, encourage positive choices, improve accountability, and help youth successfully return to program activities.