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Quality Counts!
It had been thought that quality programming is like good art--you know it when you see it. What we know now is quality is definable and measurable. The Afterschool Quality Advancement (AQuA) tool does exactly that and helps create a roadmap for continual quality improvement. The needs expressed on the created action plan can seem overwhelming, especially considering limited resources available to organizations. This monthly publication will share ideas for moving quality forward, many of them free and/or easy to implement!
Quality from the Beginning
Are you opening a new site this summer or next fall? AQuA reminds opening programs of elements / indicators that should be in place before doors open for children. Get a full list of these quality expectations here. |
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Free and Easy
Practices that increase the quality of your program immediately:
1. Look through registration forms and create a master list of the children with allergies and other medical concerns, such as epilepsy or diabetes. Keep this list at the front of the registration binder or in another easily located place. When a new staff member or volunteer begins in your program, make sure he or she looks at the list and knows where it is kept.
2. Post your weekly activity schedule in your program space or on a tri-fold board. Try to be specific so children and families are able to plan for the week and get excited about upcoming activities.
3. Give children opportunities to be leaders. Leading the line, passing out materials, or assisting with activities are sure ways to help children stand out in our program. Use a system of taking turns so all children experience this success.
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As Seen in Our Programs
Quality Advisors share exemplary practices observed in our member programs:
Help every child create relationships by finding time each day to share with a large or small group something about his or her day. Snack time may be an opportunity in which to fit this activity. Children take turns telling something they liked or disliked about the day or something they succeeded at or were challenged by in their day. Allow other children to support the each speaker with appropriate actions, including clapping, cheers, or advice for challenges.
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It Takes a Bit of Work
These quality practices take a bit of time or money to implement:
Create a communication journal for each child in your program to go from program to home and back again! A small spiral works well. Include good news from the day as well as questions, concerns, and ideas. Leave room for families to respond and sign. This does not have to be completed every day, but a rotating schedule that ensures each child has a communication home each week will help children feel supported. For families that speak a language not represented by your staff, use translation software (i.e. google languages) or services to assist in creating short and meaningful statements.
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Research says...
This piece of research will help you explain the importance of quality to your stakeholders:
The Massachusetts Special Commission on After School and Out of School Time was created by the Massachusetts Legislature to help define what is needed to support the healthy development of children and youth in and out of school. Read their 2007 brief "Making the Case: Quality After School Programs Matter" to see what NIOST researchers Hall and Gruber prove.
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