In 1979 Michelle Seligson founded what would become the National Institute on Out-of-School Time (NIOST). Until 1999 she directed NIOST’s efforts to develop and improve after-school care programs for schoolage children. Michelle was a pioneer in raising national awareness around the issue of children home alone after school. Many national research and action projects were initiated during her tenure which charted a course for the fledgling field of after-school care. She participated in the 1997 White House Conference on Child Care.

Michelle is also co-author of several books and articles. With the publication of School-Age Child Care: An Action Manual, Michelle and co-author Jim Levine provided program models that promote the well being of children when they are not in school. The Project introduced the concept of assessing program quality and determining program standards which led to program accreditation.

With her colleagues at NIOST, Michelle also supported the development of state associations, promoted professional networking, established a public policy agenda and developed training initiatives. School-Age Child Care: A Policy Report created a public agenda for out-of-school time and Michelle was instrumental in the initial legislation that resulted in the 21st Century Community Learning Center initiative that is in place today. The “Bringing Yourself to Work” Project focused on personal development of after-school program staff.

Michelle says, “After school programs, all child care programs, should create a positive and safe emotional context for children in a nurturing environment that values children. To be seen, acknowledged, and valued is what we all need for healthy development, children and adults alike, and that is what we should be able to expect from our interactions with family members, teachers, and caregivers.”

Most recently Michelle worked as a film producer on a documentary about women. She is completing training to be a Jungian psychotherapist. She has two children and lives in Cambridge, MA where she has a private Jungian psychotherapy practice.

The School Age NOTES Foundation applauds her contributions to the field and is proud to honor Michelle Seligson with the first Excellence in Leadership Award.

School-Age NOTES Foundation is a 501(c)(3) not-for-profit organization incorporated

in the state of Kansas to support to support quality after-school programs through a

national awards program, training and the promotion of excellence.