PSAYDN’s Statement of Quality in Afterschool

The four core areas necessary for a quality afterschool program are structure and management, positive connections, safety and health, and activities.

Structure and Management

  • Well-trained, consistent staff and volunteers that represent the community being served.
  • Written policies and procedures that are consistently used and updated and supported by management.
  • Sustainable funding and sound fiscal management.
  • Continuous improvement methods including evaluation, outcomes measurement, participant and family input, strategic planning, and professional development.

Positive Connections

  • Positive relationships between and among youth and staff.
  • Strong partnerships with families, schools, businesses and other community stakeholders.
  • Opportunities for youth to contribute to the well-being of the community.

Safety and Health

  • Safe and accessible environment.
  • Clean and well-maintained facilities.
  • Programming and environments which promote fitness, good nutrition and healthy choices.

Activities

  • Activities that are intentionally designed, age-appropriate, develop skills, promote learning and foster positive youth development.
  • Activities that contain varied content, learning strategies and combine different academic, recreational and cultural elements.
  • Activities that are youth-centered, responsive to youth interests and actively involve youth in program development, planning and implementation.
  • Activities that promote understanding and respect for youth’s and others’ cultures.