our History
The Connecticut After School Network is a nonprofit 501(c)(3) organization originally founded in 1989 and incorporated in 1990 under the name Connecticut School Age Care Alliance (CSACA). In 1990, CSACA became affiliated with the National School Age Care Alliance (now the National AfterSchool Association). CSACA was awarded nonprofit tax-exempt status by the IRS in 1991. For years, the dedicated volunteer Board of Directors of the organization provided leadership, education and advocacy for after school professionals in Connecticut.
In 2003, the State Department of Education applied to the Charles Stewart Mott Foundation for a three-year grant to establish the Connecticut After School Network to provide a means for joint planning and sharing of resources and best practices, to build bridges to and between federal, state and local after school initiatives and forge partnerships necessary for comprehensive statewide after school policies. The Network would also provide a means to encourage local and state policymakers to invest additional resources wisely, expand quality after school opportunities and address particular needs to improve quality and sustainability.
In July, 2004, CSACA, Connecticut’s after school professional organization, through a competitive RFP process, was accepted as intermediary organization for the Connecticut After School Network.
As a result of the changes brought about by the growth of the Network, CSACA’s board underwent a year-long process of introspection in 2006. This resulted in an expanded vision and mission, revised bylaws, a new organizational chart and the name change from CSACA to the Connecticut After School Network, Inc. Building on the prior accomplishments of the Connecticut State Department of Education, the After School Advisory Council, the Connecticut School Age Care Alliance (CSACA) and others, the Network has built a strong foundation for future success.
Today, the Network has four full-time and four part-time staff members, as well as a roster of over 20 professional trainers. For information about the Network staff, click here. To learn more about the Network's accomplishments click here.