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FKO has been fortunate to recruit dedicated, passionate staff who love working with children, yet with the extremely competitive labor market, keeping passionate workers in programs has never been harder for childcare providers. Utilizing funding from COVID-relief grants, FKO creatively designed what is believed to be the first apprenticeship model program for the OST workforce in the Commonwealth. 

As part of the apprenticeship model, FKO’s cohort of full-time workers are enrolled in an early childhood college certificate program targeted specifically to the learning needs of  OST educators through a partnership with North Shore Community College (NSCC). Funded in part through the Massachusetts Department of Early Education and Cares Early Educator Career Pathways Program, there are no costs to staff. The cohort is also benefitting from weekly community of practice sessions facilitated by NSCC, weekly 1:1 meetings with an assigned mentor, and  on the job training to help put their new skills into practice.

The apprenticeship model is drawing on extensive FKO fundraising with 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 and EEC’s Early Educator Career Pathways Program.  With these resources, FKO has expanded existing part-time OST work into full-time positions with benefits for a cohort of 22 staff members. Work is underway to secure public and private funds to continue and expand this important initiative over the long-term. The overall goal for the cohort is to increase worker’s ability to deliver quality enrichment for school-age youth and to support the retention of skilled workers. With their expanded roles and increased income, group leaders are participating in extensive professional development opportunities and daily planning time to design lessons and activities that support children’s learning and social-emotional recovery after two very difficult years.

FKO is honored to be able to continue to offer this incredible opportunity to those interested in developing classroom, youth development and mentoring skills. An ideal candidate would believe in the overall mission of FKO, serve as a leader to young students, as well as a key collaborator with parents, caregivers, teachers, and local community groups. To learn more about this opportunity visit fkoafterschool.org/careers/.

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Jhovani’s story with FKO began back in 2017 when he was a high school student with a passion for shaping young minds. Taking on the role of an Assistant Group Leader, he embarked on a path that would lead him to become a cornerstone of the FKO community. Jhovani’s journey evolved as he embraced the responsibilities of a Group Leader upon reaching the age of 18. Balancing these responsibilities with his pursuit of a double major in Secondary Education and Math at Lesley University demonstrated his ability to excel both within and beyond the classroom.

One of the defining aspects of Jhovani’s relationship with FKO was the organization’s willingness to accommodate his college schedule. This support allowed him to flourish academically while making a lasting impact on the lives of countless children under his mentorship. Graduating with a double major in 2022, Jhovani’s path took another significant turn as he ventured into assistant teaching at Pioneer Charter School of Science.

Remarkably, his connection with FKO persisted, even as he embraced his new role. The summer months and school vacation weeks found Jhovani returning to the familiar walls of FKO, ensuring his continued contribution to the growth and development of young minds.

As the new school year approaches, Jhovani finds himself on the brink of an exciting chapter, stepping into the role of a lead teacher for 6th grade math at Pioneer Charter School of Science. Looking back at his journey, he expresses heartfelt gratitude for the knowledge and experiences gained during his time at FKO. The skills honed as an Inclusion Specialist this summer further solidified his commitment to fostering an inclusive and nurturing learning environment.

In a true display of dedication and gratitude, Jhovani eagerly anticipates the continuation of his dual roles, contributing both to the academic year at Pioneer Charter School of Science and returning to FKO during the summer months and school vacation weeks. His story shines as a beacon of inspiration, proving that a foundation of passion and learning can elevate an individual’s trajectory and, in turn, shape the educational landscape for generations to come.

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“As a nonprofit, our organization needs to think creatively with how to best fulfill our mission in the most cost-effective way,” said Deborah Kneeland Keegan, Executive Director at FKO. “We understand the challenges parents and caregivers are facing in finding early childhood experiences for their little ones, as well as a changing workforce dynamic, and we thought this program could address the needs of children and families in the community.”

Classrooms will be transformed from their afterschool arrangement into playgroup spaces, equipped with engaging learning materials tailored to the unique needs and interests of infants and toddlers. The environment will be designed to promote exploration, creativity, and cognitive development in a fun and supportive setting, while providing a much-needed opportunity for socialization among children and their caregivers.
Through an ongoing partnership with Project Play Winthrop, a parent-led initiative to provide social and creative programming to young children and their caregivers, the Community Playgroup will also offer weekly activities led by specialists such as singalongs, music and movement classes, sensory workshops and STEM activities. These activities will be organized by Project Play and included as part of the weekly Playgroup schedule at no additional cost to families.

Beginning October 2nd, the playgroup will be open to all children ages 0-5 for a drop-in fee of $5 per day per family or a monthly family membership for $40. The playgroup schedule will run Monday through Friday from 9:30-11:30am at 233 Winthrop Street. Community Playgroup will align with the Winthrop Public Schools calendar, and not be offered on half days, no school days, and vacation weeks. Interested participants can register for the program by visiting www.fkoplaygroup.as.me.

For more information about the FKO Community Playgroup program, please visit www.fkoafterschool.org/Community-Playgroup or contact Ashley Asquith, Community Playgroup Lead at aasquith@fkoafterschool.org.

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Sandra Drover, a dedicated officer from the Peabody Police Station, will lead the FKO L.E.A.D.S program. Officer Drover is well-known in the community for her work in launching the Above the Influence (ATI) program, specifically tailored for 7th and 8th graders at the Higgins School in Peabody. The ATI program focuses on helping young individuals rise above the influence of negative peer pressure by emphasizing positive actions and choices.

Officer Drover has extensive experience in working with children and has been instrumental in supporting them in developing leadership skills. The FKO L.E.A.D.S program represents a new venture for her, as it is geared towards 5th graders, with the aim of nurturing leadership qualities and encouraging active community involvement.

Last school year, the FKO L.E.A.D.S program primarily allowed Officer Drover to familiarize herself with the 5th-grade population and gain insights into creating a customized curriculum that aligns with the program’s goals, including service learning.

This school year, the FKO L.E.A.D.S program will shift its focus to empower 5th graders as leaders within the program. The sessions will take place every Wednesday from 3:15 to 4:15 PM and will commence with a 15-minute working snack period. Officer Drover, who already serves as a guest reader for the Carroll 5th grade, has a strong rapport with many of the children, making her a natural fit for leading this initiative.

FKO is excited about this partnership with the Healthy Peabody Collaborative, as it represents a unique opportunity to inspire leadership and life skills development in 5th graders. This program not only enriches the lives of participating children but also strengthens the community’s bond by involving them in local events and service-learning opportunities.

“We believe that FKO L.E.A.D.S is an excellent opportunity for both the children of Peabody and our community as a whole,” said Patricia Namey, Peabody District Director, at For Kids Only Afterschool. “We are grateful for the collaboration with the Healthy Peabody Collaborative and look forward to seeing this initiative grow and make a positive impact with the support of the community.”

For more information about the FKO L.E.A.D.S program and how you can get involved or offer support, please contact Patricia Namey, District Director, at pnamey@fkoafterschool.org.

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FKO is a non-profit organization dedicated to bringing families and communities together by providing a safe and nurturing space for children during out-of-school time hours. Their holistic learning approach focuses on helping children love, learn, and grow while inspiring them to make a positive impact on the world.

On September 29^th, Macy’s South Bay welcomed children who attend FKO Revere, giving them the opportunity to select clothing and back-to-school items to prepare for the upcoming academic year. 

In addition to the shopping spree, FKO children had the unique chance to learn about various roles within Macy’s. They gained insight into the retail industry by interacting with Macy’s employees in roles such as cashiers, makeup artists, managers, and more. This hands-on experience provided valuable knowledge about the diverse career opportunities available in the retail sector.

To cap off this special day, Macy’s South Bay treated FKO children and staff to a delicious meal at Wahlburgers, further enhancing their shopping experience and creating lasting memories.

Macy’s South Bay is proud to be an active member of the local community and is committed to giving back and sharing joy with those in need. This partnership with FKO is just one example of Macy’s ongoing efforts to support organizations whose work is integral to strengthening and enriching our community and beyond. FKO’s Executive Director, Deborah Kneeland Keegan, expressed gratitude for the partnership, stating, “We are thankful to Macy’s South Bay for their generosity and support. This event helped FKO children prepare for school and inspired them to dream big and explore the world of opportunities ahead of them.”

For more information about partnership opportunities, please contact FKO Director of Development, Nicole Preston at npreston@fkoafterschool.org. 

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Acting Mayor Keefe took time to visit FKO Revere, where children were actively engaged in a range of exciting STEM activities such as Volcano Pumpkins, Hands-On 3-D Shapes and Life-Size Scarecrows. The visit provided an opportunity for the local government leader to witness firsthand the positive impact that afterschool programs have on the education and development of the community’s youth.

During the visit, Acting Mayor Keefe interacted with the children, answering their questions, sharing insights, and inspiring their curiosity about STEM subjects. He emphasized the importance of STEM education in preparing students for future career opportunities and encouraged them to explore their passions.

“It was truly a pleasure to visit FKO during Massachusetts STEM Week and witness the remarkable work being done to nurture the next generation of scientists, engineers, and problem solvers,” said Acting Mayor Keefe. “FKO is providing an exceptional environment for children to engage with STEM concepts in a fun and interactive way. Their commitment to fostering a love for learning is commendable.”

FKO Revere is dedicated to providing high-quality afterschool programs that not only support children’s academic growth but also instill a lifelong love of learning. Their commitment to STEM education has been a driving force behind their success in preparing young learners for the challenges and opportunities of the future.

“We were honored to have had Revere Acting Mayor Patrick Keefe visit FKO Revere during Massachusetts STEM Week,” said Deborah Kneeland Keegan, Executive Director of FKO. “The involvement of local politicians in out-of-school time care is crucial for ensuring children have access to quality educational opportunities beyond the classroom. Their support and engagement are instrumental in shaping the future of our community and providing our youth with the resources they need to thrive.”

For more information about For Kids Only Afterschool and their innovative educational programs, visit www.fkoafterschool.org.

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As a leading provider of high-quality out-of-school time (OST) enrichment programming, FKO provides safe, nurturing environments where children can learn, thrive, and explore their interests when school is out and enables parents and caregivers to work. United Way’s support will strengthen FKO’s efforts to expand access to OST programs and empower working families in Chelsea, Revere, and other FKO communities to achieve financial well-being.

FKO is profoundly grateful for United Way of Massachusetts Bay’s 15 years of generous funding support. This new extended collaboration signifies the profound commitment shared by both organizations in realizing a vision of an economically just region. United Way’s unwavering support bolsters FKO’s mission to provide a safe haven for disadvantaged children.

United Way’s support also aids in funding FKO’s dedicated staff who play a pivotal role in connecting families with various available resources, including meal programs, transportation, winter clothing, and more. This holistic approach reflects the shared commitment to addressing the complex challenges faced by our communities, necessitating a collective effort.

“We are truly grateful for the continued partnership with United Way of Massachusetts Bay,” said Deborah Kneeland Keegan, Executive Director at FKO. “This funding support not only enables parents and caregivers to work and pursue their own education and professional development- it also empowers them to secure higher-paying jobs, thereby improving the prospects for themselves and their families.”

This partnership exemplifies the power of collaboration and underscores the transformative impact that can be achieved when organizations unite to address the root causes of poverty and economic injustice. For more information about For Kids Only Afterschool and its programs, please visit fkoafterschool.org.

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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.

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This funding is part of $3 million that has been awarded to 15 local organizations to support economic mobility and financial stability initiatives in Boston and North Suffolk County. The Phillip and Susan Ragon Building, a multi-year construction project that will result in a state-of-the-art clinical care building on the Massachusetts General Hospital  campus, triggered this landmark investment through the Massachusetts Determination of Need (DoN) process.

This new grant partnership between FKO and MGH will ignite hope and opportunity for individuals across their service areas and strengthen essential programs for working families. “We are deeply grateful to MGH for believing in our vision and for becoming a vital partner in creating lasting change by empowering both OST educators and the youth they serve,” said Deborah Kneeland Keegan, Co-Founder and Executive Director of FKO. 

MGH’s significant investment will enhance FKO’s newly launched apprenticeship program, which is the first of its kind for full-time OST workers nationwide. FKO’s unique model offers full-time paid positions while participants complete a formal apprenticeship recognized by the U.S. Department of Labor and registered with the Massachusetts Division of Apprentice Standards (DAS).

FKO designed the apprenticeship model to help individuals build lasting careers in a field that plays a critical role in child development. It equips participants with the tools they need to succeed in high-demand roles and addresses workforce shortages while fostering a more inclusive and sustainable OST workforce by recruiting from the communities FKO serves.

In addition to full-time employment, apprentices receive fair compensation and benefits such as healthcare and paid time off, along with 2,000 hours of on-the-job learning, 150 hours of formal training, and 1:1 mentorship to support their personal professional development. Upon completion, apprentices earn a certificate and acquire valuable, marketable skills that can propel them toward long-term economic well-being and upward mobility.

Since the COVID-19 pandemic, many communities have faced more significant barriers to economic mobility, including job loss, increased housing insecurity, limited access to education and healthcare, and a widening digital divide. These challenges have made it harder for individuals to achieve financial stability and upward mobility, highlighting the urgent need for targeted interventions.

“Access to greater economic mobility is essential to advancing health equity, particularly in historically marginalized communities,” said Elsie Taveras, MD, MPH, Chief Community Health and Health Equity Officer at Mass General Brigham. Taveras further emphasized that achieving financial stability and economic mobility will enable individuals to prioritize their health while building generational wealth for themselves and their communities.

“The OST apprenticeship demonstrates a profound investment in individuals by placing them on the path toward financial stability and upward mobility, while simultaneously strengthening our programs and fostering a brighter future for the youth we serve,” said Kneeland Keegan.

FKO remains steadfast in its mission to deliver exceptional programming and create meaningful opportunities that uplift children, families, and the OST workforce.

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I began my journey at FKO as an Assistant Group Leader in one of our Chelsea programs at the age of 17, uncertain if I would succeed working with children due to my minimal experience. I decided to give myself the chance to follow my dreams. I was eager to learn and interact with the children daily.

Despite my self-doubt, my supervisor at the time saw something in me and provided me with opportunities to grow, both professionally and personally. My peers, with years of experience, taught me the importance of working with children and the difference we could make in their lives. It was eye-opening for my younger self to understand that my passion for working with children could have such a meaningful impact.

After six months as an Assistant, I was promoted to Group Leader. The day of my first promotion is a day I will forever cherish. I was thrilled to lead my own group of children and create a safe environment for them. I constantly came up with ways to create lasting memories, leading enrichment clubs and engaging activities that fostered their development. As the children were learning, I was learning with them.

My journey with FKO continued, when I was asked to transfer my skills to FKO’s program in Revere. Leaving the children and team I had grown close to was one of the hardest things I had to do. However, I was excited to experience a new environment and meet new peers. Working in Revere allowed me to step out of my comfort zone even more and gain more experience working with various school-age groups. I had the opportunity to grow within my own potential.

Finally, after two years of hard work and a lot of fun with the kids, I was given the chance to become an interim Site Director. This role eventually transitioned into a permanent position in March 2023. This promotion marked a significant milestone in my career, solidifying my commitment to youth development and leadership.

Being a Site Director has been an incredible opportunity. Ensuring that all the children have fun and a safe space to thrive has been incredibly rewarding. I have had the chance to see first-hand the positive impact out-of-school-time programs have on children, and I am grateful to be part of such a positive change.” Jennifer Ruiz-Hernandez, FKO Site Director

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