OST in Action: Ana Morales at Cayuga Elementary

Out-Of-School Time (OST) programs play a critical role in supporting young people beyond the school day, providing safe, engaging spaces where students can learn, explore, and build meaningful connections.

For nearly 20 years, Ana Morales has been a dedicated leader in OST, currently serving as the Site Director at Cayuga Elementary School. Through her work with Catholic Social Services, she has built a program centered on creativity, student engagement, and strong relationships with families. In this Q&A, Ana shares what inspired her to join OST and what continues to drive her work today.

What inspired you to work in OST?

I was inspired to work in OST somewhat unexpectedly. At the time, I was working part-time in the school district and was looking for another opportunity. My sister, who worked in social services, told me about a position helping students with homework in an OST program. I applied, was hired, and initially thought it would just be a short-term group leader role.

However, I quickly grew to love the work. I enjoyed being creative, leading activities and crafts, and building relationships with the students. The most rewarding part is seeing their excitement when they ask, "What are we doing today?" or don't want to leave because they're engaged and having fun. What started as a second job turned into a true passion. Watching students grow, improve, and feel happy in the program continues to inspire me every day.

What are some activities and/or dynamics of your program that are highlights?

Some of the highlights of our program are the level of engagement and enjoyment our students experience every day. I truly value the creativity we bring into the space, whether it's organizing field trips, bringing in consultants for yoga or dance, or hosting celebrations for birthdays, holidays, and special occasions. These moments create lasting memories and give students something to look forward to.

Our students especially enjoy hands-on activities such as baking and decorating cupcakes, as well as participating in interactive math and science experiments. Watching their excitement as they explore, create, and discover is incredibly rewarding.

Beyond the activities, what I value most is the culture of respect and communication within our program. We prioritize open communication with parents and maintain mutual respect among students, staff, and families. That strong foundation of respect and collaboration is what truly makes our program special.

Are there any barriers or challenges in OST Programming that you recently improved?

One challenge we've experienced in our OST program is language barriers. Some of our staff do not speak Spanish, which can sometimes make it harder to communicate with certain students or families. To improve this, we've been intentional about pairing students [with limited English proficiency] with bilingual staff so they can receive the support they need and feel fully understood.

Another area we're continuing to work on is staff training. As group leaders, I want them to feel confident and well-prepared in the activities we lead and in how we support our students each day. We are looking for more hands-on training that connects directly to the work we do with children, so we can continue to grow and meet program expectations.

Overall, we are always looking for ways to improve and make sure our students and families receive the best support possible.

Ana's story is a reflection of the impact OST programs can have, not just on students, but on the dedicated staff who support them every day. Through creativity, strong relationships, and a commitment to growth, leaders like Ana help create spaces where young people feel supported, engaged, and inspired.

Interested in OST programs like the one at Cayuga Elementary? Learn more today!