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BOSTnet Manuals and Toolkits:

Please read through the descriptions of the manuals and toolkits below. All are published and/or written by BOSTnet staff. These publications are organized under BOSTnet's three main initiatives: Strengthening Programs; Promoting Access For All; and Out of School Time Landscape.  Feel free to download pdfs (when available). Otherwise, contact BOSTnet to request copies of these publications. Email: info@bostnet.org phone: 617.720.1290


Strengthening Programs Publications:

NEW: Developing Spaces by and for Teens in Out-of-School Time Programs
Not only does the environment of a program affect the types of activities that can occur, but also who can access these activities, what information it gives about the program, and how the children and youth interact with their environment. The physical space of an Out-of-School Time program and program quality go hand in hand. From school age programs to youth development programs, the space and environment of the program plays an essential role in the overall quality of the program. Based on lessons and practices from the on-going ten year Facilities Initiative of Children's Investment Fund and BOSTnet, "Developing Spaces by and for Teens in Out-of-School Time Programs" highlights the importance of teen voice in developing spaces for teens.

View Press Release and Excerpts from the Guide: pdf version.
Please contact info@bostnet.org or 617.720.1290 to request a hard copy for $10 per copy.

NEW: Focus on Families! How to Build and Support Family-Centered Practices in After School
Everyone benefits when after school programs build relationships with families and involve parents in their children's after school activities. BOSTnet, the United Way of Massachusetts Bay, and Harvard Family Research Project are proud to announce this publication. Focus on Families is a comprehensive, easy-to-read guide, and a critical resource for any after school provider looking to create or expand existing family engagement program.

Press Release for Focus on Families: http://www.uwmb.org/press-room/06-engaging-families-new.html
Download the pdf version of Focus on Families!
Please contact info@bostnet.org or 617.720.1290 to request a hard copy for $10 per copy.

Engaging Families In Out-of-School Time Programs Toolkit
This is a toolkit filled with tools, strategies, and resources for practicioners.  Lessons are based on BOSTnet's Engaging Families Initiative and strategies are provided for programs that are just starting to involve families and for those who want to improve already existing practices.

Download the pdf version of the Engaging Families In Out-of-School Time Programs  Toolkit
Please contact info@bostnet.org or 617.720.1290 to request a hard copy for $10 per copy.

50 Nifty Tips
This guide provides you with fifty ideas that have been proven to increase parent involvement and engagement in schools and out-of-school time programs.  For more information, contact BOSTnet at (617) 720 1290 or info@bostnet.org. 
Download the pdf version of 50 Nifty Tips! 

Starting an Out-of-School Time Program (2005, Revised)
This 100-page startup manual is geared toward potential providers, schools, and parents. It includes sections on Exploration and Assessment, Planning and Licensing, Implementation, and Resources. Contact information for important organizations and sample documents are also included. For more information, contact BOSTnet at (617) 720 1290 or info@bostnet.org. Cost: $10.

How to Start a Before-School Program (2005, Revised).
This 48-page manual on how to start a before-school program is divided into five sections: Assessing Need and Organizing Parents, Building School Support, Program Development & Establishing Policies, Putting it All Together, and Maintaining the Program. It includes sample documents such as parent surveys in English and Spanish, flyers, proposals, job descriptions, staff application and interview questions, policies, budget scenarios, and registration packets. For more information, contact BOSTnet at (617) 720 1290 or info@bostnet.org. Cost: $10.


Promoting Access for All Publications:

Promoting Inclusion of Children and Youth with Disabilities:Tips and Tools for After-school Professionals        This publication was developed out of a partnership between the Boston Community Learning Centers and the Lead to Opportunities for Youth with Disabilities Initiative of BOSTnet. It was designed to provide out-of-school time professionals with tools and general tips for serving children and youth with disabilities. Each section of the Inclusion Tool Kit can be photocopied and used individually. For more information, contact BOSTnet at (617) 720 1290 or info@bostnet.org. Please contact info@bostnet.org or 617.720.1290 to request a hard copy for $10 per copy.


The Out-of-School Time Landscape Publications:

The BOSTnet Guide to Boston's Before and After School Programs
This is our annually published guide of out-of-school time programs that we have compiled for the Boston community for the past 17 years. It is available on-line (in both English and Spanish) and in print. Designed for families and organized by neighborhood, the guide provides a detailed listing of more than 400 out-of-school time programs in the Boston area.

Cost: Free for 1-2 copies. For quantities above 2, a $1 per copy fee will be charged to cover mailing and handling costs.

Please contact BOSTnet at 617.720.1290 or info@bostnet.org to request copies.

The Guide is available as a pdf online.  Please click here to open BOSTnet's Guide to Boston's Before and After School Programs

The BUZZ
Want the latest news on what’s happening in the OST field? Want to be a part of an information network including over 900 of your colleagues?
Sign up to receive the BUZZ, BOSTnet’s monthly e-newsletter, by emailing your name, address, and email address to: buzz@bostnet.org. To view past issues, click here.

Meeting the Challenge: Financing Out-of-School Time Programming in Boston and Massachusetts (2001) 
This is a report on the work of the Out-of-School Time Financing Working Group, convened by BOSTnet in 1999 to address the issue of financing out-of-school time. The group spent a year assessing supply and demand, current funding, annual cost per child, and options for addressing unmet need. This document details the findings of the committee and articulates recommendations to address the gap between current funding and the cost of out-of-school time programs. Please contact info@bostnet.org or 617.720.1290 to request a hard copy for $10 per copy.


State of the Field Series!
BOSTnet introduces the new State of the Field series. These are short easy-to-scan overviews of the after school field in Boston. The data is gathered from our Guide, nearly 20 years of trainings, Leadership Roundtables, and other resources. The first issue focuses on Family Engagement in After School, an issue that programs throughout the city are struggling with. Find out how we are doing and why it's important! Each release is accompanied by additional resources (toolkits, checklists, etc.) available here on the BOSTnet website. For an overview of the series, Series Overview.

Latest Report:
Volume 2, Issue four (May 2008): Environment Matters! Promoting Positive Program Environments.  To read this brief, Promoting Positive Environments.

Archived editions:

  • Volume 1, Issue one (Oct. 2006): Family Engagement in After School.  To read the first brief, Family Engagement. View the Family Engagement Checklist. For additional resources, Focus on Families.
  • Volume 1, Issue two (Dec. 2006): Older Youth in Afterschool.  To read this brief, Older Youth.
  • Volume 2, Issue one (Jul. 2007): Access in Out-of-School Time. To read this brief, Access in OST.
  • Volume 2, Issue two (Nov. 2007): Expanded Learning Time and Out-of-School time. To read this brief, ELT in OST.
  • Volume 2, Issue three (Feb. 2008): Chasing Standards: Afterschool and Out-of-School Time Accrediation. To read this brief, Accreditation in OST.

 

Mapping Project
The latest in BOSTnet's Out-of-School Time Landscape Mapping Project...
View BOSTnet's Map of Program Locations and Youth Population by Neighborhood
View BOSTnet's Map of 163 OST sites with Wheelchair Accessibility

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