Vision: BOSTnet envisions a future in which all families have access to a rich network of out-of-school time opportunities that challenge, reward, and inspire children and youth.
Mission: To enhance the quality and increase the capacity of the out-of-school time field.
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BOSTnet’s History
BOSTnet was founded in 1987-as Parents United for Child Care-to expand access to quality, affordable child care in Massachusetts. Over twenty years later, BOSTnet has grown into a professionally managed organization with a broader focus: ensuring that children and youth are well cared for during out-of-school time (OST) hours. BOSTnet addresses the need to enhance and provide access to opportunities and resources by reaching out to low- and moderate-income families, out-of-school time providers and local and state policymakers.
Building the Field of Programs for Children and Youth--BOSTnet is widely recognized as a pioneer in Boston and the nation for organizing after school programs through leadership in system building projects such as the national Making the Most of Out-of-School Time (MOST) initiative.
Increasing Access to Programs for Children and Youth--Throughout the 1990's, BOSTnet was an active leader in coalitions that advocated for increased public and private resources to support program opportunities for children and youth. Key victories include the BOSTnet-led ACE Campaign, which added more than $83 million to the state budget for childcare subsidies to low-income families over three years starting in the Fiscal Year 2000 cycle.
Improving Program Quality, Promoting Access for Children with Disabilities--BOSTnet focuses on quality improvement, developing innovative long-term initiatives that address quality enhancements in programs, whether improving space, fostering environments that promote positive behavior, improving learning, or improving program and organizational capacity. Through our 8-year Lead to Opportunities for Youth with Disabilities (LOYD) initiative, BOSTnet has a special interest in increasing access to quality opportunities for children with disabilities.
Currently, BOSTnet has three main areas of focus in out-of-school time:
Building After School Educator Skills and Careers
Improving Program Quality and Access
Building a Rich Network of OST Programs.
Our Annual Report
