Basic Elements of Quality Programming

1. STRUCTURE WITH FLEXIBILITY:  a sense of structure and order through an established schedule and a fair amount of flexibility built into the schedule to allow young people to pursue interests and finish projects beyond scheduled activities
2. VARIETY OF APPROPRIATE ACTIVITIES:  a wide variety of age-appropriate activities such as craft projects, service-learning activities, board games, field trips, sports, and clubs
3. STAFF WHO ARE COMMITTED, CARING, AND WELL PREPARED:  experienced, trained staff and volunteers who plan activities carefully and involve young people in planning; staff who get to know youth and connect well with them
4. CHOICES:  daily choices about how young people spend their time
5. OPPORTUNITIES TO GIVE INPUT AND DEVELOP RESPONSIBILITY:  opportunities for young people to gain a sense of ownership, develop responsibility, and select activities that reflect their interests as they help plan and lead activities
6. EXPLORATION OF SKILLS AND INTERESTS:  chances to develop hobbies, skills, and interests and get excited about learning; opportunities for young people to develop self-confidence as they find new talents in areas typically not addressed by regular school curriculum
7. DEVELOPMENT OF SOCIAL SKILLS:  activities, behavior guidance, and discussion that offers young people opportunities to develop social skills and positive character traits
8. OPPORTUNITIES TO DO SOMETHING REAL:  service-learning projects and other hands-on activities that help youth see tangible results

1. Human Relationships
• The ratio of adults to youth is better than 1:15
• Adults relate to young people in positive ways
• Adults learn about and work to accommodate young people's individual needs
• Adults use positive techniques to guide the behavior of children and youth
• Young people are encouraged to interact with each other in positive ways
• Adults involved in the program (including program staff, school staff, volunteers, and parents/guardians) interact with each other in positive ways
2.  Programming
•  A flexible daily schedule is established which offers young people security, independence, and choices among a variety of youth-centered and age-appropriate activities
• Programming includes opportunities to develop academic skills, engage in recreation and outdoor play, participate in meaningful service-learning projects, enhance creativity and express themselves through art, explore and develop interests and talents, learn to work as part of a team, develop positive character traits, develop leadership skills, relax and rest, learn about healthy eating and get the nutrition they need by preparing and eating snacks
• Activities are well planned, adequate materials are available, and staff members are prepared to lead activities
• Activities and curriculum reflect the wants and needs of young people, families, and schools
•  Children and youth are supervised at all times by qualified adults
• Regular staff meetings are held to plan curriculum and debrief about activities
3. Environment
• Indoor space is attractive and arranged to accommodate a variety of activities (quiet reading area, area for homework, game area, arts/crafts area, computer stations, space for indoor group games)
•  A wide variety of books, games and art supplies is accessible to children and youth
• Theres is an organized storage area for materials
• There is adequate heat and plenty of light
• There is adequate and safe outdoor space and daily time for outdoor play
• Children and youth have access to a variety of outdoor play equipment such as balls and jump ropes
• There are regular safety checks of indoor and outdoor environments and equipment
4. Partnerships with Young People, Families, Schools, and Communities
• Young people help plan and lead activities on a regular basis, design and decoreate the environment, determine the rules they will abide by while at the program
• Youth's interests, needs, and satisfaction with the program are regularly assessed
• Young people rotate through positions of leadership
• Families are involved in program planning and informed of activities
• Concerns about young people as well as reports about accomplishments and good behavior are regularly shared with families
• Families, school personnel, and community members are urged to contribute time and talents as volunteers
• Parents and school staff participate in surveys and/or focus groups to assess and discuss needs, ideas, and satisfaction with the program
• Program staff are connected to school staff for information and idea sharing
• Children and youth are involved in their community through planning and participating in service-learning projects
• Links are built between young people and the community through bringing in community volunteers to share their expertise and taking youth out to learn more about community organizations
• Community businesses are invited to donate specific materials to the program and encourage employees to volunteer in the program
• Staff know about and provide information to families on community organizations that can provide resources and/or counseling
• Families, community members, and school personnel are invited to regular celebrations of young people's activities and accomplishments
5.  Staff and Administration
• All staff are professionally qualified to work with children and youth
• Background checks are done on all staff members and volunteers
• Staff members and volunteers participate in an orientationa s well as basic training before starting to work in the program
• Staff and volunteers participate in regular in-service training
• Staff and volunteers have regular meetings to plan activities, discuss young people's needs, and assess the effectiveness of the program
• Staff and volunteers receive appropriate support from the program director
• The program has policies about such issues as security, safeguarding health, and penalities/consequences for picking up children late, late fees, etc.
• Program policies are made clear to staff, gamilies, and young people.