June 2023 – C/W CSTAC Tools and Resources
Featured Resource:
The Community Schools Needs Assessment Toolkit
Community Schools initiatives are most successful when they are centered around the assets and needs of children, families, and communities. Identifying programs and services that are important to the youth and families we work with, is essential in developing meaningful pathways for support.
Needs assessments are a powerful process designed to align and expand resources to optimize family engagement, student success, and community partnerships. The Community Schools Needs Assessment Toolkit was created to provide guidance on the needs assessment process, as well as valuable resources and templates to support implementation.
The document shares insight about what a needs assessment is (encouraging practitioners to think broadly beyond online surveys), why it is important, who should be included in the process, when assessments should be conducted, and how teams can plan and implement a needs assessment. Folks should make sure to review the sample tools included in the “Resources” section, which can be adapted to meet unique district or program needs.
We hope you find this toolkit helpful as you strengthen and expand the amazing Community Schools work being done in your community!
Additional Resources:
The New York State Department of Labor (NYSDOL) recently created videos in English and Spanish as part of its ongoing effort to educate the public about the protections in place for minors in the workplace. This information is especially relevant for those running summer programs or community members who are starting a summer job this season!
Do you have a community school story that you would like featured in our e-newsletter? Email cstac@binghamton.edu.