Good news!
We’ve launched a NEW USER FRIENDLY job board for OCASA!  It’s run directly out of the yahoo listserv group.
Click on the link below to go directly to go directly to the job board where you can post or search after school jobs.  (Please note, you will have to log in to the Yahoo group).
http://groups.yahoo.com/group/ocasa/app/jobs/view/list 
To access the job board within the Yahoo group, scroll to the bottom of the menu column on the left side of the screen, there you’ll see:

• Groups Labs (Beta)
• Applications

Click on applications.  There, click on the job board.

California State University, East Bay in collaboration with the Oakland Public Library will launch the Big Read in Oakland this upcoming February. The Big Read is an initiative of the National Endowment for the Arts designed to restore reading to the center of American culture.  www.theoakalndcenter.com

In Oakland’s first year participating in this exciting program, Ernest Gaines’ novel, A Lesson Before Dying will be celebrated in various forms of public events, book clubs, art shows, theater productions, and more.

During February and March the Big Read will join Oakland neighborhoods, bringing various events inspired by the novel and its themes. These events will include film screenings, teen art exhibits, panel discussions, poetry readings, theater performances, music, and more.

During the Big Read, energy will be focused on reaching the nonreaders of Oakland.  These nonreaders include everyone from teenagers to working professionals, it is our hope that by including activities that integrate various mediums of art we will excite and inspire typically reluctant readers to pick up the book!

By partnering in this month of activities you are helping to promote literacy and the arts in our strong and diverse community.  We have books to give away for adult and teen readers.

JOIN US FOR THE BIG READ!
LIVE THEATRICAL PERFORMANCE MARCH 4 @ OAKLAND MAIN LIBRARY
PERFORMANCES AT 6:15 AND 7 PM

The Lincoln Community Schools Learning Laboratory

April 27-29, 2009
The Cornhusker Marriott Hotel: Room Rate- $99/night
333 South 13th Street
Lincoln, Nebraska 68508
402-474-7474

The Lincoln Community Schools Learning Laboratory is designed for teams from schools and communities that want to move on a community schools strategy. Ideal teams will diverse organizations e.g., represent school systems, local government, public and private agencies, community-based organizations, higher education institutions, parents and parent organizations and community groups. We encourage teams of 4 or more to provide a stronger basis for action back home. All are welcome.

REGISTER BY FEBRUARY 28th AND RECEIVE 10% OFF OF YOUR REGISTRATION FEE!!

Dear Colleagues,

The Region 4 After School Programs annual spring conference is fast approaching.  This year’s conference theme is Be the Change: Confronting the Achievement Gap After School Style. The conference will take place in Oakland, CA on Saturday, March 28, 2009.  The conference location is Ascend Elementary School, 3709 East 12^th, Street, Oakland, CA.  You can register at www.acoe.org click on “Professional Development, scroll to “Be the Change After School Annual Conference” and register.  Fee is $30.00

Hector Garcia

Director,

Curriculum & Instruction

(510) 670-4175

hgarcia@acoe.org

Joe Hudson

Program Manager

Curriculum & Instruction

(510) 670-7732

jhudson@acoe.org

Alameda County Office of Education

313 W. Winton Ave.

Hayward, CA  94544

fax: (510) 670-3175

www.acoe.org

Prescott Circus Theatre
Showcase 2009
Sunday, March 8th
3:00 pm
Malonga Casquelourd Center
1428 Alice Street, Oakland
Free!
Come early for seating.
Featuring Youth Circus Stars from Lockwood,
Piedmont Avenue, Garfield, Laurel, Parker,
Manzanita, and Prescott Elementary Schools
For more information, call (510) 482-1674 or
visit www.prescottcircus.org

Full-Service Schools Funding Note

Table of Contents (Jump To):

Federal Funding for Out-of-School Time Initiatives

Funding Example

Current Opportunities

Additional Resources

Funding Focus: Out-of-School Time Initiatives

The Finance Project is pleased to announce the first installment in an ongoing series of E-blasts designed to share information and technical assistance resources on financing and sustaining full-service school initiatives.  Monthly E-blasts will provide valuable information about key funding sources and financing strategies to support the array of programs, supports, and services offered through full-service schools, including out-of-school time programs, health services, family supports, parental engagement, community and economic development, as well as advocacy and education reform efforts.  E-blasts will also include links to additional resources as well as information on current funding opportunities for full-service schools. 

Federal Funding for Out-of-School Time Initiatives

Out-of-school time (OST) programs are an important component of many full-service schools, and, as a growing body of research indicates, play a key role in helping young people to succeed both academically and socially.  Over the past decade, federal funding sources have provided billions of dollars to states and communities to support OST initiatives. Federal funding sources represent an important category of funding for full-service school leaders to consider.  Major sources of federal funds that can support OST programming include:

Education Funds: The U.S. Department of Education administers a number of funding programs to support OST initiatives. The 21st Century Community Learning Centers (21CCLC) program, supports community learning centers that provide students with a broad array of academic enrichment services, community services, and cultural activities.  In 2008, 21CCLC distributed over $1 billion dollars to state education agencies, which then awarded discretionary grants to eligible entities, including local education agencies and community-based organizations.  The No Child Left Behind Act (NCLB), passed in 2001, created additional funding opportunities for OST programs.  For example, NCLB requires that supplemental educational services be available to low-income children attending schools that do not meet minimum performance standards.  OST programs may become eligible providers of supplemental services.

Juvenile Justice Funds: Funds from the Department of Justice can support violence prevention programs that may be held in OST settings. For example, The Title V Incentive Grants for Local Delinquency Prevention funds collaborative, comprehensive, community-based delinquency prevention efforts. States may use these grants to fund a wide range of prevention programs relevant to OST, including mentoring, gang prevention, substance abuse prevention, and youth development.  In 2007 approximately $15 million in Title V funds was allocated to states.

Community Development Funds:  Funds from the Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) program provide communities with flexible resources to address a range of community development needs.  The CDBG program received over $1billion in fiscal year 2008, and 15 percent of those funds were earmarked toward public services and can support a range of social services including OST, health, welfare, education, employment, and youth development programs.  The recently enacted economic stimulus (American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009) provides for an additional $1 billion in funding for CDBG. In addition, the Corporation for Community and National Service manages the national AmeriCorps, Senior Corps, Learn and Serve America, and VISTA programs all of which can provide a range of volunteer resources for OST programs.

Child Care Funds: The federal Child Care and Development Fund (CCDF), a block grant administered by the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS), provides subsidies to low-income families to support care for children under age 13. Federal dollars also support state quality improvement initiatives, including funds specifically targeted toward improvements in the quality of school-age care.  In 2006, these federal dollars included almost $3 billion dedicated to mandatory and matching funds, and another $2 billion for discretionary grants.  Funding flows to the lead agency, and from there to parents, program administrators and providers.

TANF Funds: Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF) is another flexible block grant to states that provides cash assistance and work supports to low-income families. Its major goals are to help individuals move from welfare to work and to strengthen two-parent families. Up to 30 percent of a state’s TANF allocation may be transferred to CCDF. Funds may also be spent directly on OST programs, typically under the purpose of reducing teen pregnancies or as a child care support to eligible families.  States develop plans for allocating these dollars.   OST advocates can work to influence the development of those state plans to include support for OST programs.  In addition to regular block grant funds, the economic stimulus provides an estimated $3 billion in additional TANF funding for states through 2010, as part an emergency contingency fund and extension of TANF supplemental grants.

Funding Example

Claremont School District; Strong Programmatic Vision Sustains Community School Initiative:  Claremont School District in New Hampshire pro­vides extensive before and after school program­ming to students in grades K-12. These programs are part of the district’s Schools of the 21st Century (21C) initiative that provides comprehensive school-based services to children and families in the community. The district serves over 600 of their 2000 children in out-of-school time activities, and runs a range of related community programs, including dental services, a youth employment program, and parent education programs.  The district is able to support these programs through a variety of federal and state funding sources. In June of 2001, Claremont became a recipient of a federal 21CCLC grant of $1.5 million dollars, allowing the district to provide before and afterschool homework help and enrichment services to four elementary schools, four middle schools and four high schools. 21CCLC funds also supported school breakfasts, the salary of a parent educator, and vacation camps.  In addition, the district was also able to leverage funding from the New Hampshire Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS) in early 2001 for a parent education program.  The district is able to maintain and operate programming at full capacity through employing a number of strategies, including: (1) developing a clear vision before seeking funds; (2) making strategic financing choices; (3) and developing broad-based commu­nity support.  Due to strong community support for the program, in 2005, Claremont town meeting attendees sup­ported a district budget that included the balance of funds needed to sustain programming. The district continues to coordinate with community partners to apply for additional sources of funding, including a federal Safe Schools/Healthy Students grant and additional state funding to sup­port afterschool and home visiting programs.

Current Opportunities: Competitive Grants for Out-of-School Time Initiatives

The focus of this month’s funding opportunities is on competitive grants that school leaders and/or their partners can apply for to support their out-of-school time initiatives.

Office of Safe and Drug-Free Schools: Partnerships in Character Education Program

Purpose:  This program supports grantees as they design and implement character education programs that can be integrated into classroom instruction, are consistent with state content standards, and can be implemented in coordination with other reform efforts. Funds can be used to purchase materials, teacher training, and provide assistance to schools or Institutions of Higher Education.  

Eligibility:  Local Education Agencies (LEAs), State Education Agencies (SEAs)

Total Available Funds: $1,277,480

Deadline: February 24, 2009

For more information, visit: http://www.ed.gov/legislation/FedRegister/announcements/2008-4/122208b.html

Carol M. White Physical Education Program

Purpose:  The Carol M. White Physical Education Program provides grants to LEAs and community-based organizations (CBOs) to initiate, expand, or enhance physical education programs, including after-school programs, for students in kindergarten through 12th grade.

Eligibility:  LEAs, including charter schools that are considered LEAs under State law, and CBOs, including faith-based organizations provided that they meet the applicable statutory and regulatory requirements. The Secretary limits eligibility under this discretionary grant competition to LEAs or CBOs that do not currently have an active grant under the PEP program.

Expected Number of Awards: 95

Deadline:  March 6, 2009

For more information, visit: http://www.ed.gov/programs/whitephysed/index.html

Saucony Run For Good Program

Purpose:  The Saucony Run for Good Program financially supports community-based organizations that initiate and support running and fitness programs for children under 18. 

Eligibility:  Community-based organizations and Non-profit organizations that initiate and support running and fitness programs for children.  Program participants must be 18 years of age or younger. All proposals must demonstrate the grantee will conduct programs that increase participation in running in order to positively impact the lives of participants. Organizations must provide proof of tax exempt status.

Maximum Award: $10,000

Deadline:  June 13, 2009

For more information, visit: http://www.sauconyrunforgood.com/

Additional Resources

For more information on financing and sustaining the OST component of your full-service school initiatives, see the following resources, available at www.financeproject.org:

• Federal Funding Database: An up-to-date, online tool that enables leaders to search for federal funding sources relevant to their specific needs. This tool brings together information on funding sources and their purposes, how these funds can be used across an array of policies, programs and services, eligibility, potential partners, the flow of funds, and funding history.
• Out-of-School Time Clearinghouse brings together The Finance Project’s resources with the resources developed by other organizations dedicated to building better after-school programs.  The OST Clearinghouse includes a variety of resources, such as publications, tools, reports and articles. 
• Finding Resources to Support Mentoring Programs and Services for Youth
• Preparing to Take Advantage of New Programs in the Economic Stimulus Package: Considerations for Out-of-School Time Providers and Stakeholders
• Snapshots of Sustainability: Profiles of Successful Strategies for Financing Out-of-School Time Programs
• Using CCDF to Finance Out-of-School Time and Community School Initiatives
• Using CDBG to Support Community-Based Youth Programs
• Using NCLB Funds to Support Extended Learning Time: Opportunities for Afterschool Programs
• Using TANF to Finance Out-of-School Time Initiatives

Stay tuned for the next E-blast installment to help finance and sustain full-service schools!

If you would like to add or remove a contact from this dissemination list, please send an email to info@financeproject.org with the subject line “Full-Service Schools E-blast”

Job Description

Executive Director

Prescott Circus Theatre

The Prescott Circus Theatre is an exciting and innovative after school circus arts education program serving youth in Oakland, California since 1984.  The program’s original site, Prescott Elementary School, is the home of the performing company, comprised of 4^th and 5^th graders who train, rehearse, and entertain throughout the year.  Circus skills include juggling, stilting, unicycling, acrobatics, balancing, hip hop dance, Hambone body percussion, clowning/acting, and performance production.   The Prescott Circus also offers satellite programs at 6 additional Oakland schools.  Our staff of 25 teachers and artists implement our program model that combines best practices in youth development with a culturally conscious pedagogy and curriculum.  The Prescott Circus is a well-known and highly valued community asset. Our young stars entertain over 30,000 fans annually.  Our staff and students alike share the core values of the Prescott Circus Theatre:  “Hard Work, Teamwork, Practice, Believe in Myself, and Never Give Up!”

The Prescott Circus Theatre is currently seeking qualified applicants for a new Executive Director (ED) for our 501c3 organization.  The ED will replace our founder as our five-year succession plan enters its fifth year.  This transition is supported in part by the Youth Development Donor Circle at the East Bay Community Foundation.

The ED will work with staff and Board of Directors to assure long-term stability and thoughtful growth of the Prescott Circus Theatre programs.  Position is 75% time with potential to grow.  Preferred start date is July 1, 2009.

For more information about the Prescott Circus Theatre, visit www.prescottcircus.org or contact us at info@prescottcircus.org.

Executive Director responsibilities include:

Executive Leadership

• Provide day-to-day and strategic leadership for the organization
• Supervise and support 3 direct reports
• Work with Board and staff to develop long and short term goals
• Create strategic and business plans to meet goals
• Provide leadership in developing program, organizational and financial plans with the Board of Directors and staff, and carry out plans and policies authorized by the board.
• Promote active and broad participation by volunteers in all areas of the organization’s work
• Manage Operations, Marketing, and Public Relations including website updates

·                                 Negotiate contracts as arts service provider for after-school programs, working with school principals and lead agencies

• Work with program staff leaders to create calendar and schedules
• Respond to telephone and email inquiries
• Conduct official correspondence of the organization
• Maintain a working knowledge of significant developments and trends in the field

Development

• Responsible for all fundraising and the fiscal well-being of the organization

• Prepare funding proposals for already-established sources of support
• Research new sources and generate new proposals and donations
• Expand individual donor base
• Ensure that adequate funds are available to permit the organization to carry out its work
• Prepare all progress and final reports for grants and donations

Fiscal Management

• Prepare, manage, and monitor annual budgets, with regular reporting to the Board
• Maintain accurate and timely financial records and documents including payroll process
• Maintain official records and documents, and ensure compliance with federal, state and local regulations
• Review all check requests and employee time sheets

Human Resource Management

• Implement policies and procedures to streamline human resource practices
• Set goals for staff that are monitored and evaluated annually
• Work with program staff leaders to identify and hire new staff as needed 
• Develop new job descriptions as needed
• Prepare provision for emergency succession planning within the first year
• Provide professional development for staff and volunteers as needed
• Maintain a positive climate that attracts, keeps, and motivates a diverse staff of top quality people

Qualifications:

·                                 B.A. degree required; Masters Degree desirable in Public Administration, Business or other appropriate discipline

·         Experience with non-profit sector, arts experience preferred

·         Grant writing and reporting experience including government, foundations, and corporations

·         Established relationships in the not-for-profit world that will enhance work at Prescott Circus Theatre

·         Expertise at developing donor base of individuals and businesses

·         Creative energy and initiative balanced with strong organizational skills, efficiency, and experience

·         Cultural competence or willingness to learn

·         Computer skills: Word, Excel, QuickBooks, and data base management

·         Ability to develop and sustain positive relationships with board members, staff, volunteers, the Oakland community, and donors/supporters

·         Ability to navigate and negotiate with OUSD systems and personnel

·         Strong verbal and written communication skills

·         Passion for the concept of youth development through circus arts education

Additional Desired Skills:

Intention for long-term commitment

Specific experience with City of Oakland grants a plus

Experience working with public schools a plus

Willingness to wear a red nose

Interested candidates should submit letter of interest, resume, and references to info@prescottcircus.org.  All inquiries will be held in strict confidence. 

Application deadline is March 15, 2009.