Find a Program

Identifying a Quality Program

Quality OST programs inspire learning and positive youth development by providing opportunities for autonomy and leadership, caring relationships, connections to family, community and school, safe environments and engaging activities. PSAYDN’s Statement of Quality provides a defining overview of quality for anyone with a vested interest in identifying and working with quality programs. Below are other thoughts to consider when finding a program:

• Observe potential programs you would like your child to participate in. Look at the relationships between the staff and other students. Be aware of the physical environment, is it clean and safe?
• Ask about staff training, experience, qualifications, etc.
• Ask about extracurricular activities, the daily schedule, academic enrichment, and other activities offered during the program time.
• Talk to friends and others about programs they would recommend.

Regulated vs. Non-Regulated Care

In Pennsylvania, there are regulated and non-regulated programs. Regulated must meet certain requirements:

• Provide a certain number of staff per amount of children and youth
• Provide constant supervision
• Provide nutritious meals
• Ensure that all enrolled children are immunized
• Meet state health and safety standards
• Provide learning opportunities

Regulated programs are also inspected every year. Non-regulated programs are more informal and are not required to meet the guidelines listed above.

Find a Provider (younger children)

Keystone STARS provides families with a tool to find and gauge the quality of regulated early learning programs. Programs participating in Keystone STARS care about providing quality early learning to your child. The COMPASS Online Child Care Provider Search lets you search for providers near you, displays STARS ratings, and other information about a provider.

PSAYDN developed the state’s only online, searchable database for out-of-school time programs. This database helps parents find programs for their youth and communities produce local reports to identify assets and gaps.