Kentucky

Kentucky Out-of-School Alliance

The Kentucky Out-of-School Alliance (KYOSA) serves as the infrastructure to support the continued growth, development and accessibility of quality out-of-school time (OST) programs to promote the success of children and youth. KYOSA aspires to help children and youth succeed through effective OST experiences.

Kentucky Out-of-School Alliance
Accomplishments: 
  • KYOSA’s focus in 2012 was to share the Kentucky School-Age Quality Framework with Kentucky’s out-of-school time providers through broad dissemination of the Framework and informative trainings and workshops. The Framework serves as a guidebook for Kentucky’s out-of-school time programs and includes the following components:
    • School-Age Program Standards
    • School-Age Core Competencies for Child/Youth Development Staff and Out-of-School Time Program Directors
    • School-Age Credential
    • School-Age Trainer/Training Information Resource
    • School-Age Regulation Recommendations
    • School-Age Accreditation and Quality Rating Systems Review
  • The Framework has been adopted as a guiding resource by both the Kentucky Cabinet for Health and Family Services, Division of Child Care and the Kentucky 21st Century Community Learning Centers Advisory Council.
  • KYOSA woke to help pass the Senate Bill 95 by Kentucky’s General Assembly.  The bill aids in the establishment of summer learning programs for low-income and struggling elementary school students and encourages the development of programs which "provide a blend of evidenced-based instruction in the core subjects of reading and mathematics plus experiential and enrichment activities in the arts, technology, and sports." The bill also encourages strong school-community partnerships through the use of "existing resources, local community services, and other organizations to build long-term investments in summer programs."
  • KYOSA worked with the Kentucky Department of Education to create a seamless structure of learning focused on expanding learning opportunities for the learner, without regard to time, place or provider. The team hosted a state-wide convening of stakeholders. Outcomes of the convening included three suggested areas of focus over the next 2-3 years in order to work toward our vision. The focus areas include public relations; policy review and recommendations; and professional development, best practices and resources.
  • As a member of the National Governors Association Technical Assistance Grant Leadership Team, KYOSA’s director represents Kentucky’s OST programs to ensure both legislators and policy makers recognize and understand the critical role OST programs play in a competency-based system.  
     
Current Projects and Initiatives: 
  • KYOSA’s evaluation and research committee is developing, implementing and disseminating high-quality, evidenced-based materials, services and supports.
  • KYOSA’s marketing and public information committee is developing marketing materials, special events and public relations pieces in a coordinated manner to build awareness and maintain consistent messaging.
  • KYOSA’s policy and advocacy committee is developing recommendations and support for policies to increase positive outcomes for youth and afterschool programs.
  • KYOSA’s quality and training committee is developing ongoing recommendations and supports for high-quality programs accessible to all children, youth and families during OST through a united network.
  • KYOSA’s sustainability committee is developing and implementing fundraising and development strategies to help ensure sustainable funding streams for OST programs across Kentucky.