Quality
Quality in Out-of-School Time
APOST supports OST programs in meeting high standards through quality campaigns, data-driven insights, and continuous improvement practices, leading to better outcomes for youth.
Statement of Quality
What We Deserve: A Statement of Quality in Afterschool
Quality out-of-school time programs inspire and promote 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.
Pennsylvania Statewide Afterschool Youth Development Network (PSAYDN) Program Quality Value Statement identifies principles and ideals which we believe should guide the actions of afterschool programming, regardless of program purpose or ages served. It does not, however, indicate levels of program quality. The purpose of this statement is to provide a straightforward framework to define quality for Pennsylvania’s afterschool programs and all other individuals, organizations, and entities that have a vested interest in the quality of these programs, including public and private funders, parents, and youth.
Quality programming requires the following elements:
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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/family input, strategic planning, and professional development
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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
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Safe and accessible environment
Clean & well maintained facilities
Programming and environments which promotes fitness, good nutrition, and healthy choices
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Activities which are intentionally designed, are age-appropriate, develop skills, promote learning, and foster positive youth development
Activities which contain varied content, learning strategies and combine different academic, recreational, and cultural elements
Activities which are youth-centered, are responsive to youth interests, and actively involve youth in program development, planning, and implementation
Activities which promote understanding and respect for youth’s and others’ cultures
APOST Programs Focused on Quality Improvement