FKO Receives State Earmark for Full-Time Group Leader Initiative

For Kids Only Afterschool (FKO) is thrilled to announce the receipt of a significant earmark from the State of Massachusetts in support of the groundbreaking Full-Time Group Leader Initiative. This public funding made possible through the leadership of Representative Joe McGonagle and dedicated efforts of other elected officials marks a crucial milestone in FKO’s commitment to its dedicated educators and providing quality programming for low-income and at-risk children.

The Full-Time Group Leader Initiative focuses on workforce development to create a sustainable, high-quality educational environment. This initiative has gained momentum and shown remarkable success, thanks to the support of both public and private supporters who share FKO’s vision of comprehensive care and educational opportunities for all children in need. Representative Joe McGonagle’s commitment to creating this legislative earmark underscores the importance of investing in programs that make a tangible impact on the lives of children and working families. This newly dedicated funding will enable FKO to continue its important work that addresses the pressing needs of some of the Commonwealth’s most vulnerable children through the expansion of the Full-Time Group Leader Initiative.

FKO’s apprenticeship model draws on extensive support from the Amelia Peabody Foundation, the Department of Elementary and Secondary Education’s ASOST-Rebound grant, EEC’s Commonwealth Cares for Children’s C3 grant, EEC’s Early Educator Career Pathways Program, 21st Century Community Learning Centers grant, Liberty Mutual Foundation and United Way of Massachusetts Bay. With these resources, FKO has expanded existing part-time OST work into full-time positions with benefits for a cohort of 23 staff members. Work is underway to secure additional resources to continue and expand this innovative initiative over the long-term.

One key indicator of the initiative’s success is the stark difference in retention rates between part-time and full-time group leaders. Recent data looking at employee retention over the last two years indicates that full-time group leaders had a 76% employment retention rate, 40% higher compared to part-time group leaders over that same timeframe. This compelling data highlights the significance of investing in comprehensive workforce development to create a stable and nurturing environment for both children and educators. In addition, NIOST is providing continuous evaluation of various quality measures in programs. 

As part of their commitment to continuous improvement, FKO educators enrolled in the upcoming school year will participate in an Early Childhood Educator certificate program at North Shore Community College (NSCC,) funded by EEC’s Career Pathways Program. Alternatively, they may engage in a curated series of Continuing Education Units (CEUs) facilitated by The Institute for Education and Professional Development (IEPD). This holistic approach ensures that FKO staff receives comprehensive training and mentorship, building their capacity to deliver high-quality OST programming. 

FKO expresses immense gratitude for the support and commitment demonstrated by the State of Massachusetts, Representative Joe McGonagle and the entire Massachusetts Legislature as well as our varied and various public and private partners. This dedicated earmark represents a pivotal moment in FKO’s journey to enhance educational opportunities for low-income and at-risk children. Together, FKO and its supporters are shaping a brighter future for the children and families they serve, as well as the essential out-of-school-time workers who support them.