Presented by: Tammy Marino

1
Quality Standards and Core Competencies for
Afterschool Professionals

• Presented by Tammy Marino
• Training and Education Consultant
• OregonASK
• Tammy.marino_at_oregonask.org

2
What does a quality afterschool program look like?

• In small groups discuss the common elements of a
  quality afterschool program.
• Make a list to share with the larger group.
• What do you feel are the successful components of
  your program

3
Reflection

• What do you feel are the successful components of
  your program.
• What feedback has led you to these conclusions?

4
Quality afterschool programs include

1. Identified child and youth outcomes.
2. Program alignment with vision and mission.
3. Best practices.
4. Highly skilled staff.
5. Effective engagement of many stakeholders.
6. Positive relationships.

5
Quality afterschool programs

• Discuss the six elementshow do you feel they
  impact each other? Are there any that are more
  important than others?

6
Program Organization, Procedures, Policies
7
Relationships

• How children interact with each other.
• How staff interact with children.
• How staff interact with each other.
• How families and staff interact.
• How the program forms relationships with the
  community.
• How administrationinteracts with staff.

8
Safety, Health and Nutrition

• Safety procedures such as medication, field
  trips, pick-up, emergency etc.
• Health checks on children, CPR/First aid
  requirements, illness policies for staff and
  children, preventative resources.
• Meals and snack options served, opportunities for
  exercise, resources and education for families.

9
Environment

• Space meets the needs of the children and youth.
• Space and materials are in good repair.
• Variety of materials and opportunities.
• Equipment and environment is flexible for the age
  of children and youth in
  the program.

10
Activities

• Variety
• Age appropriate
• Reflects culture and needs of children and youth
• Opportunities for choice
• Inclusive of all children and youth

11
Why are standards and indicators important?

• In small groups discuss the layout and features
  of the quality framework documents.
• Why is it critical to have standards and
  indicators
• What do they tell us about quality and positive
  youth outcomes?

12
Common steps for program evaluation

• Gather a group of stakeholders.
• Determine the focus of the evaluation.
• Select a tool and process.
• Conduct a self-assessment.
• Identify areas for focus in improvement.
• Create an improvement plan.

13
What will you do next?

• Identify next steps for improving the quality of
  your program.