ReCharge! Training Center | Train-the-Trainer Tools | Model Outreach Programs: Effectively Structuring ReCharge! Orientation and Training


		A total of 20 after-school programs in Missouri participated in ReCharge! during the 2005-06 school year — making efficient orientation and training of ReCharge! essential, and resulting in a series of useful tips and recommendations from Missouri Action for Healthy Kids Team members about what works best. The Team honed its own 90-minute training sessions for staff, which included a program introduction and overview; careful review of the program’s nine-page "Getting Started" section (in the ReCharge! binder); a group viewing of the explanatory DVD included in the ReCharge! kit; and more. Note: The ReCharge! Training Center includes a powerpoint presentation, sample program materials, video demos, and other resources that can be used in your own training session. See the About ReCharge! section of this website. In typical "train the trainer" style, one staff member from each participating school was present — generally an after-school manager or supervisor — and this person was expected to go back and share the training with other on-site, after-school staff. No incentives were offered, and the Team worked through each district's after-school director to set up the training sessions. Here's what the Team learned: Tip #1: Summer hours. If at all possible (and in some cases it's not) try to schedule ReCharge! orientation and training during the summer, to take advantage of the luxury of time and to really familiarize staff with the fine points of the program. Having an entire day to spend on training, rather than just a 90-minute workday session, is a huge bonus. Tip #2: The more the merrier. While "train the trainer" is a tried-and-true technique, encourage as many after-school personnel as possible to attend ReCharge! trainings — not just managers. The reality is that some after-school program managers, directors, and supervisors are so busy they can't be as hands-on about ReCharge! training and education with their colleagues when they're on site as they ideally should be. Tip #3: Focus on lesson specifics. ReCharge! is so comprehensive it can be a bit daunting. That's why, for some staff, a broad, comprehensive overview of the program is less useful than picking out four or five specific, likely-to-be-used ReCharge! activities and understanding them in-depth. In other words, where time is of the essence, try to focus the training. Tip #4: Know it in advance. As much as possible, encourage or require staff to review the ReCharge! kit/materials prior to arrival at training sessions. It makes training much easier and saves a great deal of time when staff have done their homework and aren't coming at the subject "cold." Work through after-school program directors to make it clear that staff are expected to come to trainings "briefed" on ReCharge! Tip #5: Training is never over. Ongoing, on-site support is important. Moreover, Action for Healthy Kids Team members shouldn't just visit ReCharge! schools and observe, but ideally should schedule actual hands-on help sessions, even months after training has taken place. Contact Information Erika Devore Missouri Action for Healthy Kids 913-319-7233 edevore@midwestdairy.com

A total of 20 after-school programs in Missouri participated in ReCharge! during the 2005-06 school year — making efficient orientation and training of ReCharge! essential, and resulting in a series of useful tips and recommendations from Missouri Action for Healthy Kids Team members about what works best.

The Team honed its own 90-minute training sessions for staff, which included a program introduction and overview; careful review of the program’s nine-page "Getting Started" section (in the ReCharge! binder); a group viewing of the explanatory DVD included in the ReCharge! kit; and more.

Note: The ReCharge! Training Center includes a powerpoint presentation, sample program materials, video demos, and other resources that can be used in your own training session. See the About ReCharge! section of this website.

In typical "train the trainer" style, one staff member from each participating school was present — generally an after-school manager or supervisor — and this person was expected to go back and share the training with other on-site, after-school staff.

No incentives were offered, and the Team worked through each district's after-school director to set up the training sessions.

Here's what the Team learned:

Tip #1: Summer hours.

If at all possible (and in some cases it's not) try to schedule ReCharge! orientation and training during the summer, to take advantage of the luxury of time and to really familiarize staff with the fine points of the program. Having an entire day to spend on training, rather than just a 90-minute workday session, is a huge bonus.

Tip #2: The more the merrier.

While "train the trainer" is a tried-and-true technique, encourage as many after-school personnel as possible to attend ReCharge! trainings — not just managers. The reality is that some after-school program managers, directors, and supervisors are so busy they can't be as hands-on about ReCharge! training and education with their colleagues when they're on site as they ideally should be.

Tip #3: Focus on lesson specifics.

ReCharge! is so comprehensive it can be a bit daunting. That's why, for some staff, a broad, comprehensive overview of the program is less useful than picking out four or five specific, likely-to-be-used ReCharge! activities and understanding them in-depth. In other words, where time is of the essence, try to focus the training.

Tip #4: Know it in advance.

As much as possible, encourage or require staff to review the ReCharge! kit/materials prior to arrival at training sessions. It makes training much easier and saves a great deal of time when staff have done their homework and aren't coming at the subject "cold." Work through after-school program directors to make it clear that staff are expected to come to trainings "briefed" on ReCharge!

Tip #5: Training is never over.

Ongoing, on-site support is important. Moreover, Action for Healthy Kids Team members shouldn't just visit ReCharge! schools and observe, but ideally should schedule actual hands-on help sessions, even months after training has taken place.

Contact Information

Erika Devore
Missouri Action for Healthy Kids
913-319-7233
edevore@midwestdairy.com