NYS TARC Newsletter—November 2026
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The 2026-2027 Timeline is here! You can view the complete timeline on the 21st CCLC Website.
Local Evaluators: Complete 26-27 Annual Evaluation Report and send to the Program Director and NYSED (EMSC21stCCLC@nysed.gov) by October 31. Obtain student outcome data from districts as needed for local objectives.
Convene 2nd Advisory Board Meeting. Include all stakeholders. Topics might include review of initial program implementation efforts, enrollment/participation, family engagement plans/activities, staff development plans, and internal improvement cycle/QSA processes.
Participate in the 1st Evaluator’s Site Visit, conducted by the Local Program Evaluator. This is an opportunity to open the program to the observation of the partnering evaluator, collaborate to track progress indicators, and to receive valuable, actionable feedback about program implementation. Summary findings from this visit can inform the continuous improvement cycle and communicate progress updates to staff and stakeholders.
Update the Evaluation Plan and Logic Model/Theory of Change, see SMV indicator H-3, as needed.
Enter fall 2026 program participation and activity data into AS21 by December 31, 2026.
Conduct required, Internal Review/Check-In of Program Service Delivery. This is the opportunity for Program Leaders to observe their staff using a formalized process/protocol while staff are delivering programming to participants; they review the implementation of activities as designed/planned, the performance of staff, and the levels of engagement/targeted responses from participants. This provides valuable formative feedback to integrate into the internal improvement cycle. Additional information about this requirement and the Program Activity Implementation Review (PAIR) is in the Site Monitoring Visit Tool (SMV), Indicator D-2.
Afterschool21 Guidance
You can now view the updated AS21 Staffing Guidance on our website here.
PD/Events
Policy Pulse
Date/Time: November 13, 2026,12-12:30 PM
Format: Zoom
Join Policy Pulse for an update on the latest federal policy developments impacting afterschool programs. The next session will be held on November 13, 2026, from 12:00-12:30 PM. Stay informed about current legislative and policy changes that may affect your program.
On-Going Offering: Self-Paced Professional Development on Change Up Learning
We're happy to remind you that 21C subgrantees have access to a number of free, self-paced courses through our partnership with Change Up Learning! Each course takes approximately 1-1.5 hours to complete, offers a Certificate of Completion (with SACC credits), and features resources you can utilize at your site.
With over 50 topics and a growing library, consider one of these areas relevant to your role:
Youth Development: Ages + Stages: Child + Youth Development; Boosting Engagement & Belonging; Equitable and Inclusive Approaches to SEL
Curriculum and Lesson Planning: Curriculum + Lesson Plans; Culturally Responsive Practice; Educational and Fun Project-Based Learning
Leadership and Staff Development: Communication for Managers; Activating Leadership Skills; Effective Program Management
Equity and Inclusion: Introduction to Equity and Inclusion; Antiracism in Organizations; Understanding LGBTQ+ Inclusion
Get started today!
If you’re based in NYC, activate your account here.
If you’re based in the rest of NY state, activate your account here.
Resources
The Site Monitoring Visit (SMV) process has been updated, and there are several changes to the SMV Tool.
Whether you're receiving an SMV this year or simply want to stay informed, take a moment to watch this overview of what's new. The SMV Town Hall recording is below and on our website here.
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Program Spotlights
Let's Hear It for the Groton Community Band!
The Groton Community Band is starting back up this fall with approximately 45 members, ranging in age from 11 to well into their 70s! Supported by the 21st Century Program, the group brings our community together for weekly practices featuring a variety of musical pieces suited for all abilities.
A highlight of the program is the series of four public concerts the band hosts throughout the year. This season's ensemble truly spans generations and backgrounds, featuring elementary, middle, and high school students, students from Cornell and Ithaca College, and a diverse group of local residents, including one of our County District Attorneys!
-Submitted by Groton’s Program Director, Monica Dykeman
National Million Father March at PS 47
The National Million Father March is an annual event that encourages fathers and father figures to take an active role in their children's education. Hosted in partnership with former Assistant Principal Mr. Peay and Phi Beta Sigma Fraternity, Inc., the day included a celebratory ceremony, classroom visits (where fathers read or assist teachers), and opportunities to connect with the school community.
Each year, Counseling In Schools (CIS) tables at the event to:
Share program information and resources.
Connect directly with fathers and caregivers.
Distribute enrollment materials and collect student program consents.
This event was a valuable opportunity to build family-school relationships, engage fathers as educational partners, and kick off CIS services for the school year.
-Submitted by Kelly Hernández-Arriaga, Counseling In Schools (CIS)
To be featured in an upcoming newsletter, submit your stories and photos here.
Evaluators' Corner
Program Staff Feedback about SMVs from the Spring 2026 Staff Survey.
Overall, SMVs were viewed positively by program staff who were largely satisfied with the preparation process, the visit itself, and the post-visit report and action plan.
TARC staff were seen as helpful and supportive throughout the SMV process.
Most program staff took advantage of the SMV process as an opportunity to take stock of their programs; they looked to TARC suggestions and action plan items as well-received suggestions for program improvement.
Suggestions for improving the SMV process included providing document templates and exemplars and better aligning expectations across reviewers.
Between 83% and 89% of respondents were satisfied with every aspect of the SMV.
Respondents Reporting Satisfaction with Components of the SMV
(n=160)
Program staff explained...
"Every aspect was helpful as we held info sessions to discuss areas that required clarity and justification. The process was smooth, the engagement was great, and overall a detailed but organized SMV. No changes in my opinion!"
"We were well informed of what the expectations are for our program and the educational piece. Nothing was left undiscussed ahead of time, allowing us to crosscheck everything on our end to ensure we are providing our students with the best program opportunities we can."
"Site monitoring visits are always helpful whether it is positive or critical feedback. A second set of eyes helps to see things that might have been missed. It holds a district accountable."
"It was a great and supportive learning experience. Learned a great deal. Appreciated the user friendly systems put in place."
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