There’s an old adage that says, “first with the head, then with the heart.” The Center for Afterschool, Summer and Enrichment (CASE) for Kids recently teamed up with the YMCA to apply the message, which combined planning with passion to afterschool programming during its Spring Symposium.  

On March 20, more than 100 out-of-school-time professionals gathered at the Irvington Conference Center to attend six sessions focused on informing communities about the importance of afterschool time and creating innovative opportunities for students to build new skills that lead to success.  

Dr. Jelisa Boykins, a behavior analyst at the University of Texas Health Systems and keynote speaker for the one-day professional development event, brought the theme, “Lead, Learn, Connect” into focus. She provided tools to help afterschool providers detect signs that children need extra support with the hopes of preventing outbursts throughout programming. Boykins also emphasized the importance of self-regulation when supporting student social-emotional wellness.  

Attendees left with new tools, further insight and a renewed commitment to lead with their heads and hearts to ensure each student is supported, engaged and prepared for life beyond the classroom.