Continuous Quality Improvement Recommended Resources
Quality Self-Improvement Resource Library
The Arizona Center for Afterschool Excellence and the Valley of the Sun United Way developed the following resource library for out-of-school time programs to us in developing their own continuous quality improvement strategy.
Because each program has strengths and weaknesses that are unique to how they are structured, staffed, and run, there is no one size fits all in terms of recommendations or strategy on how to improve the quality of your program. It is up to you and your staff to prioritize which areas you want to focus on in your quality improvement strategy.
All of these recommended tools align with the Arizona Quality Standards for Out-of-School Time Programs.
Quality Self-Improvement Resource Library
AzCASE Developed Training Curriculum
These are basic training curriculum for five of the seven Arizona Quality Standards that programs can use internally or request training on. The five curriculums are based directly on the following five Standards.
Beyond the Bell. Creating Effective Afterschool and Expanded Learning Programs – The Beyond the Bell Tool Kit (4th Edition) features ready-to-use tools to organize and simplifying the implementation of your continuous quality improvement strategy and align easily with the Arizona Quality Standards for Out-of-School Time Programs.
Standard III. Intentional Programming and Activities
- Tool 73. Intentional Activities
- Tool 74. Connections to Learning
- Tool 75. Academic Enrichment Activity Planning Tool
- Tool 76. Staff Development Tool on Recreational Activities
- Tool 80. Homework Help Tool
- Tool 81. Homework Sharing Tool
Standard V. Family, School and Community
Tools geared for school-based programs:
- Tool 44. Template for Introductory Communication with Principals and School Staff
- Tool 45. Shared Responsibility Worksheet for the Program Leader and Principal
- Tool 46. Draft Agenda for Meeting with Principal
- Tool 47. Template for Communicating with School Staff
- Tool 48. School Staff Meeting Topics
- Tool 49. Identifying Program-School Alignment Opportunities
- Tool 50. School Day Alignment Progression
Tools more generally for all program types:
- Tool 55. Family Engagement and Interest Survey
- Tool 57. Template for Introductory Communication with Families
- Tool 58. Identifying Potential Partnerships
- Tool 59. Rating Worksheet for Potential Vendor Services
- Tool 60. Involving Current and Potential Stakeholders
- Tool 61. Community Connections
Standard VI. Program Management
- Tool 28. Developing a Communication Strategy
- Tool 29. Community Communication Strategy
- Tool 30. Communication Log
- Tool 31. Communication Format Guidelines
- Tool 32. Sample News Release
- Tool 33. Communication Survey
Standard VII. Program Evaluation and Data
- Tool 83. Determining Your Evaluation Purpose Worksheet
- Tool 84. Indicators for Program Goals
- Tool 85. Program Observation Tools
- Tool 86. External Evaluator Questions and Worksheet
- Tool 87. Tips for Developing and Administering Surveys
- Tool 88. Tips for Running Good Focus Groups
- Tool 89. Tips for Conducting Program Observations
- Tool 90. Tips for Conducting Good Interviews
- Tool 91. Data Discussions
- Tool 92. Post-Evaluation Planning Tool
- Tool 93. Evaluation Report Template
- Tool 94. Sharing Evaluation Results
- Tool 96. Continuous Improvement Reflection Tools
Foundations of Positive Youth Development Programs. This training track focuses on each of the eight features of positive youth development programs as identified by Eccles & Gootman (2002) in their groundbreaking National Academy of Sciences publication, Community Practices for Promoting Positive Youth Development.
All Foundations of Positive Youth Development Programs Learning Modules
Standard I. Safe and Healthy Environments
Standard II. Positive Relationships
Standard III. Intentional Programming
Standard IV. Equity and Inclusion
- What is Positive Youth Development Approach and What Does it Matter?
- Positive Social Norms
- Support for Efficacy and Mattering
Standard V. Family School and Community
