Navigating Virtual Policies and Procedures for AfterSchool Programs

Dr. Willie Williams

FREE & VIRTUAL Health and Safety Training on May, 6th 10am-12pm

This workshop assists afterschool administrators and leadership teams in managing student safety in the modern digital landscape while harmonizing school-day standards with afterschool program requirements. Participants will examine the detrimental effects of social media and online environments on youth, the ways in which students discover and report distressing or hazardous information, and how staff may recognize improper adult conduct and digital warning signs. The session employs a clear Safety First, Second, and Third framework, concentrating on prevention, response, and follow-up, while also tackling ambiguous situations, trauma-informed decision-making, and accountability. Leaders will emerge with actionable insights for developing or enhancing a clear, age-appropriate Terms of Service (TOS) that safeguards youth, assists programming staff, and complies with Illinois mandates.

Objectives:

• Participants will be equipped to compose or enhance an afterschool Terms of Service (TOS) that explicitly defines expectations for kids, families, and staff.
• Participants will use a Safety First, Second, and Third framework to avoid mishaps, react effectively, and assist students after safety issues.
• Participants will set clear, developmentally appropriate procedures for youth to report uncomfortable or harmful information and will be equipped to recognize indicators of improper adult conduct and execute appropriate reporting and escalation protocols.

Audience: Youth development staff including managers, coordinators, directors, and anybody eager to comprehend how Virtual/online safety best practices for after school providers may facilitate enjoyable and educational activities outside school hours. 

Willie Williams, Ph.D 

Willie Williams has over 10 years of experience as a Licensed Teacher and Youth Worker, Educational Advocate, and 17x Published Author. As an educator, Willie obtained a grant which allowed him the opportunity to take 15 teens from the south and west sides of Chicago to the West Wing of the White House to meet President Obama. In 2019, Willie received the Teach2Give Award honoring Chicago’s Most Remarkable Educators. During his time as an educator,  Willie Williams was a Network 9 Social Science Professional Development Presenter, CPS Civics Committee Member, and Teacher Facilitator for CPS. Socially, Willie Williams has lead various community initiatives such as the Black Community Cleanup, Homeless Food Drive Giveaway, and Therapy for Black Women fund. Willie has designed curriculum with Better Arguments (Jeff Bezos Foundation), Stanford University, University of California Riverside.  Willie currently serves as the Rebecca Crown Youth Center Local Advisory Board Chair and Community Service consultant for Chicago Greek Weekend.