Session Description:
COMPASS programs are required to expand their approach to inclusion and accessibility starting this fall, and Program Directors and Inclusion Coordinators are accountable for what that looks like in practice at the site level. Naming the day-to-day expectations and the tools to meet them before launch is what allows PDs to train staff, communicate with families, and build inclusive practice into program operations from the first week rather than after the first incident.
Program Directors and Inclusion Coordinators will work through a checklist of COMPASS inclusion requirements: reviewing the foundations of inclusion, neurodiversity, and disability, examining tools and training resources, and adapting the checklist to their site's specific population and staff readiness. The session moves between guided discussion and breakout work time on the leader's own site.
By the end of the session, participants will leave with a Site-Level Inclusion Action Plan: COMPASS requirements mapped to their site, tools and training resources identified, and a set of action items naming what the PD or Inclusion Coordinator will put in place before launch. The plan gives the site-level leader what they need to prepare staff and communicate expectations to families before fall programming begins.
Intended Audience:
Program Directors and Inclusion Coordinators
Jen Siaca Curry, Ed.D., Founder and CEO
Jen Siaca Curry, Ed.D. (she/her) founded Change Impact in 2017 to help social impact organizations achieve results and advance equity. Since then, Change Impact has trained nearly 60,000 professionals, raised over $240 million in grants for nonprofits and schools, and designed program and equity strategies for more than 140 partners. Change Impact's projects include partnering with the City of New York to design a summer learning program for 110,000 youth and launching Change Up Learning to support anytime, anywhere professional development for educators and youth workers.
Prior to starting Change Impact, Jen was the inaugural NYC Director of Samaschool, an innovative job training program focused on incorporating freelancing education into traditional workforce programs. Jen previously served as COO of ExpandED Schools, an intermediary that supports schools and community organizations to design and operate after-school programs. Jen has served as a featured author and speaker on equity in youth work for the National Afterschool Association and Afterschool Matters journal.
Jen grew up in Queens, is a product of NYC public schools, and first-generation college graduate, also earning a masters in nonprofit management and doctorate in education leadership from New York University. She was named a 2018 Rising Latino Star by the NYS Hispanic Coalition. In 2020, she was selected to participate in the Stanford University Latinx Entrepreneurship program, representing the 1% of Latinx entrepreneurs nationwide who scale a business. In 2021, she was named one of the Next 1,000 up-and-coming entrepreneurs by Forbes Magazine, and in 2023 was awarded NYU’s Distinguished Young Alumni Award. Jen is a proud member of the 21st CCLC National Technical Assistance Advisory Group.
Allison Wittenberg, Senior Director, Professional Learning + Growth
Ali Wittenberg (she/her) has always had a passion for helping others and enhancing communities. After graduating with a Bachelor’s degree in Elementary and Special Education, she served as a teacher and enrichment specialist in Westchester, New York. Her interest in youth development and desire to learn more about the non-profit space led her to the American Camp Association, New York and New Jersey. As the Director of Member Services, Ali spent eight years connecting with individuals and organizations in camping and youth development. She devoted resources to assessing community needs as well as growing and diversifying the membership. During her time at ACA, NY & NJ, Ali developed a robust training and consulting program, with an emphasis on programming, staff culture, and operations. Focusing on experiential learning and engaging curriculum, she designed and facilitated workshops for countless youth-serving organizations. Delivering customized sessions for numerous clients and presenting at professional conferences allowed Ali to collaborate with thousands of youth development professionals annually.
Utilizing her background as an educator, facilitator, and consultant, Ali offers a unique perspective while providing meaningful support to programs.
She has received certifications in Mindfulness Fundamentals and Mental Health First Aid, as part of her commitment to expanding her knowledge of social and emotional learning. She enjoys developing tools to help organizations enhance the positive impact on the audiences they serve. In addition to her professional role, Ali volunteers for a number of organizations throughout New York City, allowing her to channel her enthusiasm for relationship building and the summer camp experience.
Organization: Change Impact
Website: https://www.changeimpact.net/
Org Description: Change Impact is a social impact consulting firm dedicated to helping youth-serving organizations, schools, and nonprofits strengthen their programs, leadership, and organizational capacity. Through professional learning, coaching, and strategic planning, Change Impact helps organizations create meaningful and lasting change for young people and communities.