Since its inception in 1998 as the Kids’ Time Trainer Network, the now called CalSAC Trainer Network has aimed to provide a diverse array of experiential, interactive training and learning opportunities that build the skills and confidence of youth providers at all levels, from line staff and practitioners to managers and program directors. Each year we seek to increase the number of youth across California who benefit from quality out-of-school time (OST) programs, by serving OST professionals who work with kids from all communities and programs of all sizes.
Ready to learn more? Reach out to Vincent Arroyo, Program Manager, varroyo@calsac.org for more information.
Application Process
If accepted into the Trainer Network, participants are required to:
Attend a 60-minute pre-Trainer Network Institute orientation webinar. If you cannot attend one of the scheduled webinar dates we will schedule a one-on-one orientation call with you.
Complete self-reflection prior to the Trainer Network Institute, developed from the trainer competencies.
Attend in full a 3-day Trainer Network Institute in Oakland, CA.
Submit a one-time fee (if accepted). This fee covers the full trainer certification process: three days of professional development at the Trainer Network Institute (meals, materials and shared accommodations for two nights), mentorship, observation, and certification support. Travel to the Trainer Network Institute and to subsequent trainings is not included.
Trainer Network Testimonials
“I believe that front line staff are often placed on the job without the skills, knowledge, and tools necessary to be successful. I believe that it is just as important to work with your staff and help them grow as it is for our students. By doing this we are creating leaders who can take the skills and knowledge gained and provide quality programming to other youth work in the future.”
Approach to Adult Learning
The CalSAC Trainer Network is grounded in the belief that the out-of-school time workforce is full of talented, passionate leaders who care deeply for young people and their success. They bring an array of knowledge and experience gained through informal learning and through years of being on the ground implementing quality youth programs. Our approach helps professionals make the most of their knowledge and passion by creating a space to share and learn from one another while deepening their skills.
Trainer Competencies
CalSAC believes the competencies for trainers in the field of out-of-school time, based on best practices in training adults, provide a necessary starting point for ensuring that the training and support the field receives is of the highest quality. CalSAC’s Trainer Competencies offer a framework that trainers can use to assess and build upon their skills and knowledge.
Adult Learning| Training Delivery| Professionalism and Ethics| Equity and Diversity | Co-Training
Adult Learning Cycle
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Becoming a CalSAC Trainer - Certification Process
CalSAC Apprentice Trainers complete an 8-month certification process where they participate in a three-day intensive Trainer Network Institute, implement CalSAC's on-site training curriculum to programs in their community, and receive ongoing mentoring from a Senior Certified Trainer.
The Trainer Network is the beginning of the trainer's journey, and is foundational to the CalSAC trainer experience. This multi-day, rigorous professional development experience prepares participants to deliver high-quality training and thrive as members of the CalSAC Trainer Network. Participants leave the Trainer Network Institute equipped with a range of resources, new contacts and a deeper connection to the out-of-school time community.
CalSAC's Trainer Network builds the training and facilitation skills of out-of-school time professionals and connects them to a vast network of their peers, organizations and resources to help them develop professionally and deepen their impact on the children and communities they serve. In turn, these individuals provide training and support to staff working in a variety of youth development programs across the state. When individual providers increase their skills and confidence, it benefits not just the young people they work with, but the strength of the out-of-school time field as a whole.
Professionals who join the Trainer Network hone and deepen their:
Training and facilitation skills
Ability to deliver effective technical assistance
Leadership capacity
Knowledge and connection to the statewide out-of-school time field
