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.