While education — especially K-12 — doesn’t often dominate the national conversation the way other hot-button social issues tend to, it’s slowly becoming a larger focal point for the nation as a whole. Changes in education are something educators are already familiar with, and are all handled in different ways, depending on the school district or program. The current administration has voiced support for school choice, but not necessarily full funding of public education programs, which will begin to change the national landscape as more legislation is passed. While the White House’s proposed budget aims to cut 21CCLC funds entirely, it is extremely unlikely this will happen, as Congress has already agreed to fund this program for the next several years.  

Many programs and districts may already have their funding for the next couple of school years, but there are still many things administrators and directors can do in order to ensure maximum program efficacy and efficiency, thus preparing their education communities for the future, no matter what changes come.

So what can educators and program administrators do?

Collaborate with other programs.

While portions of these programs are funded by federal grants, there is often money available from other sources, and students may find support through other centers or programs. Grants are often available from other sources, and in order to best prepare for the future, it’s important for all programs within communities to communicate and collaborate with one another. This will help to achieve the best possible outcomes for each individual student while still supporting as many students as possible.

2. Keep impeccable records.

While many different software solutions exist to help businesses keep records of clients, incomes, and expenditures, not many of them are strictly focused on meeting the reporting needs as mandated by the APR21 portal. Utilizing software that fills that specific need can be invaluable, especially in helping program directors organize funding applications for future grants or program expansions. An after-school program management software service in particular can help navigate the often-complicated waters of record-keeping, therefore saving time, energy, and resources that can be better used to help students.  

3. Invest more resources.

If after-school programs can achieve a higher level of organization when it comes to reporting, they are able to re-invest those saved resources and apply them directly to the program in a more positive way. For example, if organizational software can help staff members save time on data management, program managers may be able to reduce clerical staff, investing instead in more resources that benefit students in a more tangible way, such as more class offerings or better school supplies.  

When educators, program managers, and administrators can spend less time on data management, they begin to see more positive results by allocating resources to other areas that need their attention, such as securing funding from all available sources, leading to more positive outcomes for students. To learn more about setting your 21CCLC program up for success and planning for the future, visit www.21cclc.com.