Diversity, Equity & Inclusion
At Discover After School, diversity and inclusion are not just words – they are the cornerstone of our organizational culture. We recognize that each individual brings a unique set of experiences, perspectives, and talents to the table, and we believe that harnessing this diversity is essential to our success.
Our initiatives go beyond mere tolerance; they actively promote a sense of belonging and acceptance for all members of our team, regardless of their background, identity, or lived experiences. We understand that true inclusivity requires ongoing effort and commitment, which is why we continuously strive to create a workplace where every person feels valued, respected, and empowered to be their authentic selves.
In practice, this commitment to diversity and inclusion manifests in various ways throughout our organization:
Employees & Volunteers
- Welcoming Environment: We foster a welcoming environment where every individual feels comfortable and supported. From the moment you step through our doors, you will be greeted with warmth and inclusivity.
- Equal Opportunities: We provide equal opportunities for professional growth and development, irrespective of factors such as race, gender, sexual orientation, age, religion, or disability. Advancement within our organization is based on merit, skills, and potential.
- Open Communication: We encourage open and honest communication among our team members. We value diverse perspectives and actively seek input from individuals at all levels of the organization. Every voice matters, and every opinion is heard.
- Training and Education: We offer training and educational programs to promote awareness and understanding of diversity and inclusion issues. These initiatives help to foster empathy, reduce biases, and create a more inclusive workplace culture.
- Diverse Representation: We are committed to building a diverse workforce that reflects the communities we serve. We actively recruit and retain individuals from underrepresented groups and strive to create a workforce that is reflective of society as a whole.
- Supportive Policies and Practices: We have in place policies and practices that support diversity and inclusion, including flexible work arrangements, accommodations for individuals with disabilities, and zero-tolerance policies for discrimination and harassment.
- Celebrating Differences: We celebrate the rich tapestry of diversity within our organization. Whether it’s through cultural events, affinity groups, or other initiatives, we take pride in recognizing and honoring the unique backgrounds and identities of our team members.
Ultimately, our goal is to create a workplace where every individual feels valued, respected, and empowered to contribute their best work. By embracing diversity and inclusion as core values and embedding them into every aspect of our organization, we believe that we can create positive change, both within our company and beyond. Together, we can build a more inclusive and equitable future for all.
Accommodating Staff with Special Needs
Discover After School strives to ensure that all our employees can perform their job duties safely and effectively. If they require reasonable accommodations in the workplace due to a personal medical-related injury, illness, or disability to fulfill their job’s essential functions, we provide a form specifically designed for workplace accommodations for them to fill out. Our staff’s well-being and ability to thrive in their role are important to us, and we are committed to supporting them in any way we can.
DEI Initiatives for Staff
Discover After School is proud to offer Diversity & Inclusion Initiatives, designed to foster a culture of belonging and equity within our organization.
- Women Empowerment: This year we invited and covered the costs for the Women in Corporate Management of Discover After School to participate in prestigious networking events like The West Orange Chamber Women’s event held this past March.
- Inclusive Gatherings: We cultivate a sense of community through our quarterly inclusion and social gatherings called Meetups, providing employees and their families time to bond.
- Employee Community: Our online Employee Community features Interest Clubs that can be initiated by employees, fostering connections and inclusivity across the organization.
- DEI Training: We ensure all staff members are equipped with the knowledge and skills to create an inclusive environment through mandatory DEI online training.
- Cultural Integration: Our curriculum incorporates culturally enriching activities, celebrating the diversity of our community.
- Feedback Loop: We actively seek feedback from employees through surveys, driving continuous improvement in our initiatives.
- Diverse Hiring Practices: Our commitment to diversity extends to our hiring practices, ensuring equal opportunities for all. We ask the question: What does Diversity mean to you, and how do you believe it contributes to a positive work environment?
- Flexible Holiday Schedules: We provide flexible holiday schedules for our staff to accommodate a range of diverse needs.
Students & Families
Discover After School is committed to providing an inclusive environment free from discrimination. We believe that every student and family deserves to feel welcomed, respected, and valued. That’s why we do not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, gender, national origin, age, disability, or any other protected status. Our dedication to inclusivity is evident in our core values and the initiatives we undertake:
- Promoting Diversity: We understand the importance of reflecting the rich tapestry of our communities. We actively recruit and retain staff members and families from various backgrounds and identities to ensure that our programs represent the diversity of the world around us.
- Ensuring Equity: We recognize that systemic barriers can hinder equal access to opportunities and resources. Therefore, we are committed to providing equitable access to our programs, services, and advancement opportunities for all children, families, and staff members.
- Fostering Inclusion: At Discover After School, we believe in the power of inclusivity. We promote a culture where every individual feels a sense of belonging and is empowered to participate fully in our programs and activities. We celebrate differences and encourage students to embrace their unique identities.
- Creating Safe Spaces: The safety and well-being of our participants are paramount. We prioritize creating physical, emotional, and psychological safe spaces where students can thrive without fear of discrimination, harassment, or prejudice.
- Cultivating Cultural Competence: We understand that cultural competence is essential for creating an inclusive environment. That’s why we provide ongoing training and professional development opportunities for our staff members to enhance their cultural competence and awareness of diverse perspectives.
Accommodating Students with Special Needs
DEI Initiatives for Students & Families
Discover After School is proud to offer Diversity & Inclusion Initiatives for students and families designed to foster a culture of belonging and equity within our organization
- Family Night Out Events: Regular events where families are invited to participate in fun activities, games, and bonding experiences, fostering a sense of community and inclusion.
- Black History Programs: Educational programs and activities designed to celebrate and raise awareness of the contributions and achievements of Black individuals throughout history.
- Hispanic Heritage Month Celebrations: Events and activities honoring Hispanic culture, traditions, and contributions, including music, dance, food, and educational workshops.
- Autism Awareness Initiatives: Awareness campaigns, workshops, and activities aimed at promoting understanding, acceptance, and support for individuals with autism spectrum disorder and their families.
- Community Service Projects: Engaging students and families in community service projects that promote social justice, equity, and compassion, instilling values of empathy and civic responsibility.
For Questions or Concerns
Employees: Contact HR (407) 395-3553 Ext. 103 or email work@discoverafterschool.com
Parents & Guardians: Contact your schools Site Director or email families@discoverafterschool.com.
