VI. Program Management
Arizona Quality Standards for Out-of-School Time Programs
Key Principle:
Youth benefit from effective leadership, strong program management and sound fiscal management.
- Program embraces a clear mission statement and philosophy that is widely understood and shared among youth, staff. families and the community.
- Program policies and procedures are reflective and responsive to the needs of all youth and families.
- Program policies and practices meet ethical and legal standards.
- Program administrators ensure effective fiscal management of the program’s budget and available resources.
- Staff and volunteer qualifications and roles are clearly defined.
- Program administrators recruit, hire,and develop staff and volunteers that reflect the diversity and culture(s) of the community.
- Program administrators hold regular staff meetings and opportunities for formal and informal communication among staff and volunteers.
- Program administrators, staff and volunteers participate in relevant and ongoing professional development that supports their own growth and builds more effective program practice.
- Program administrators conduct frequent and consistent evaluations of program staff, and volunteers.
Examples of the Standard in Practice:
- Program utilizes multiple funding and in-kind resources to promote sustainability.
- Program maintains an employee handbook outlining staff expectations and policies and procedures.
- Staff receives training appropriate to their position and responsibilities regarding working with families and relating to youth in ways that promote positive development.
- Staff is formally evaluated by program administrators at least annually.