Quality Standards for Expanded Learning Programs www.afterschoolnetwork.org/sites/main/files/file-attachments/quality_standards.pdf 1. Safe and supportive environment -The program provides a safe and nurturing environment that supports the developmental, social-emotional and physical needs of all students. Page 7 2. Active and engaged learning -Program design and activities reflect active, meaningful and engaging learning methods that promote collaboration and expand student horizons. Page 8 3. Skill building -The program maintains high expectations for all students, intentionally links program goals and curricula with 21st-century skills and provides activities to help students achieve mastery. Page 9 4. Youth voice and leadership -The program provides and supports intentional opportunities for students to play a meaningful role in program design and implementation, and provides ongoing access to authentic leadership roles. Page 10 5. Healthy choices and behaviors -The program promotes student well-being through opportunities to learn about and practice balanced nutrition, physical activity and other healthy choices in an environment that supports a healthy life style. Page 11 6. Diversity, access and equity -The program creates an environment in which students experience values that embrace diversity and equity regardless of race, color, religion, sex, age, income level, national origin, physical ability, sexual orientation and/or gender identity and expression. Page 12 7. Quality staff -The program recruits and retains high quality staff and volunteers who are focused on creating a positive learning environment, and provides ongoing professional development based on assessed staff needs. Page 13 8. Clear vision, mission and purpose -The program has a clearly defined vision, mission, goals, and measurable outcomes that reflect broad stakeholder input and drive program design, implementation and improvement. Page 14 9. Collaborative partnerships -The program intentionally builds and supports collaborative relationships among internal and external stakeholders, including families, schools and community, to achieve program goals. Page 15 10. Continuous quality improvement -The program uses data from multiple sources to assess its strengths and weaknesses in order to continuously improve program design, outcomes and impact. Page 16 11. Program management -The program has sound fiscal and administrative practices supported by well-defined and documented policies and procedures that meet grant requirements. Page 17 12. Sustainability -The program builds enduring partnerships with the community and secures commitments for in-kind and monetary contributions. Page 18
There is great importance in having standards for expanded learning programs. Having quality standards ensures that programs are providing the same quality of learning. The standards provide guidance and help in shaping programs. Without the standards, programs would all be different with no known structure, quality, or benefit.
In the Mahoney article it mentioned that childhood obesity has doubled over the last 25 years. Since childhood obesity has doubled in numbers of children affected, it is crucial that programs focus on health and well-being to reduce these numbers. The article also mentions that about seven million children participate in after school programs. That great big number of students could each be affected if programs focus on health and well-being. Another thing brought up in the article was race and poverty. Most of child obesity is connected with race and poverty. Being that both of these categories are found in after school programs nationally, it is important that programs focus on health and well-being to target these students and help benefit their lives positively.
Healthy Choices and Behaviors Quality Standard -Programmatic Level Standards in Action Example: The program incorporates nutrition in snack and a physical activity rotation every day. -Staff Level Standards in Action Example: Staff model good nutrition by ensuring unhealthy snacks and drinks are not consumed around students. -Participant Level Standards in Action Example: Students are given options for physical activity every day.
Safe and Supportive Environment Quality Standard -Programmatic Level Standards in Action Example: Staff wear badges to ensure parents find them identifiable. -Staff Level Standards in Action Example: Staff ensure students are being sent home with their parent/guardian making sure they aren’t being released to someone they do not know. -Participant Level Standards in Action Example: Both participants and staff take responsibility in creating community and belonging.