Using the California After School Program Quality Self

Assessment Tool

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Promoting Continuous Quality ImprovementFor After School Programs

Today’s Goals

• Learn about the origins of the CA After School Program Quality Self Assessment (QSA) Tool.

• Review content of the QSA Tool, User’s Guide, and how to use each resource.

• Explore the QSA Tool and strategize how it might be used in your program.

About the QSA Tool

• Available online at www.afterschoolnetwork.org/qsatool

• Origins• You are in control of how you use it• Not mandatory, not an external evaluation

tool• Part of a staff directed process to improve

program quality.

Overview of the QSA Tool

• 11 quality elements including two new quality elements.

• Increased Point-of-service (site level) focus (esp. Program Environment and Safety, Youth Development, Family Involvement, Nutrition and Physical Activity, Promoting Diversity, and Supporting Els)

• Revised with input from multiple CA and National Experts and Stakeholders.

• New layout allows users to provide examples of each indicator in their program.

11 program Quality Elements

Overview of the QSA Tool• Description of program

element• Description of indicators• Rank each indicator

1 - 4 based on scale • Provide examples of

how these indicators play out in your program

• Record action planning ideas and assistance that may be needed

QSA User’s Guide

• Intended use of the tool (p. 3 and 5)

• Quick Guide (p. 7)

• Survey to Discussion Method (p. 8)

• Consensus based discussion (p. 10)

• Issue Diagnosis Guide (p. 16)

• Action Planning (p. 19)

• Requesting Technical Assistance (p. 21)

Dig in to the tool

• In separate groups you will take on one section of the tool.

• You will have the chance to see the work that others have done following your exploration of a section

Other Uses of the Tool

• Illustrate what the program is doing well

• Begin conversations with Teachers, Schools and Program Administration

• See how QSA Data compares with other assessments such as youth and parent surveys

Thanks for doing what you do!

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We are here to helpwww.afterschoolnetwork.org