Interested in Hosting an Endorser Training or Refresher?

The credibility, strength, and success of NAA's Program Improvement and Accreditation System relies largely on our pool of highly qualified Endorsers, an elite group of experienced professionals who are trained to accurately and consistently interpret the NAA Standards for Quality in a wide variety of afterschool programs around the world.

NAA is always looking to add to our team of quality Endorsers, and in order to achieve this goal, we are seeking individuals or organizations who would be interested in hosting an Endorser Training.

Hosting an Endorser Training provides a unique opportunity to contribute to the afterschool field and to promote quality program improvement through NAA's system of Accreditation. Endorsers visit each program that applies for Accreditation in teams of two; subsequently, each Endorser rates the program relative to the NAA Standards, and together they make a recommendation to NAA to accredit or defer. It is highly important that Endorsers are trained to follow all Accreditation policies and procedures for conducting visits and reporting the results accurately.

An Endorser Training can be a highly valuable resource for your community, bringing together a network of highly qualified afterschool professionals and providing them with the necessary guidance to better support regional afterschool programs. The training consists of an intensive 2 ½ day workshop on the ethics, responsibilities, and role of being an NAA Endorser, including site visits to various afterschool programs. An Endorser Refresher is a shorter version of the Endorser training, aimed at ensuring that current Endorsers remain up-to-date on all aspects of their vital role in the Accreditation process.

Planning for an Endorser Training must begin at least four months before the proposed planning date. As a host, you will need to form an Endorser Training Planning Committee, composed of local leaders who will sponsor or find sponsorship for the training. With the support of this committee, you will determine if there is financial support for a training, establish a timeline for work completion, and create a budget that includes a flat-fee payment to NAA. You will work closely with the Coordinator of Endorser Trainings (IC) and the lead Endorser and will be responsible for the oversight and coordination of efforts and logistical support for the training, including the recruitment and selection of a diverse group of Endorser candidates.

If you are interested in learning more about this opportunity, please contact Stephanie Brumbeloe, NAA's Director of Program Improvement and Accreditation, at sbrumbeloe@naaweb.org.