There is no definitive approach to starting an OST program in Pennsylvania; however, there are best practices and regulations around the provision of quality programs. Your needs depend on the type of program you plan to create. This section will provide you with resources and tools to start a quality OST program.
Quality OST programs inspire and promote learning and positive youth development by providing opportunities for autonomy and leadership; caring relationships; connections to families, communities and schools; safe environments; and engaging activities.
PSAYDN’s Statement of Quality in Afterschool defines core elements that should guide afterschool programming and provides a framework to define quality for Pennsylvania’s OST/afterschool programs and all other individuals and organizations that are interested in the quality of these programs, including public and private funders, parents and youth.
