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Quality Standards

Quality Standards

Quality Standards

The 2023 ND Quality Standards for OST Programs were updated in July 2023.

 

Access the 2023 – 2024 User Guide for the ND Quality Standards for Out-of-School Time Programs now!

Submit August 15 – October 31, 2023: ND Quality Standards Self-Assessment Results

Submit March 15 – April 30, 2024: Follow-Up ND Quality Standards Goal Report

Step 1. Get to Know the Quality Standards

2023 ND Quality Standards for OST Programs are grouped into 4 Domains:

DOMAIN 1: HEALTH & SAFETY

We’ve all heard the phrase “safety first.” That applies to afterschool and summer learning programs, too. To learn, grow and thrive, youth need a space that is safe and promotes their well-being. Same goes for youth workers and program staff – we need to keep them safe, too.

DOMAIN 2: RELATIONSHIPS & INTERACTIONS

When programs create an environment that is truly welcoming for all – youth, families, staff, and visitors – and when relationships are deep and authentic, we’re best poised to meet students’ needs. Being intentional about our relationships and interactions will foster a safe, nurturing setting where youth can try new things, get extra support, and be inspired to be their best selves.

DOMAIN 3: YOUTH-CENTERED PROGRAM DESIGN

We know our programs aren’t something we do “to” or “for” youth, but rather with youth. Add in a high-quality learning environment plus program activities that speak directly to students’ needs and you’ve got the recipe for a program that really accelerates young people’s academic, social, and emotional learning.

DOMAIN 4: LEADERSHIP & MANAGEMENT

An effective program starts with a strong foundation. It’s easy to get caught up in meeting the day-to-day needs of youth and forget to look inward on a regular basis. When our administrative practices are solid, and our staff is well supported, our programs are better prepared to help students thrive.

Step 2. Get to Know the Self-Assessment

Access the 2023 – 2024 User Guide for the ND Quality Standards for OST Programs

All indicators in the Health & Safety domain have a “yes” or “no” self-assessment rating option.

The newly updated ND Quality Standards for Out-of-School Time Programs provide guidance on rating your program a 1, 2, 3, or 4 in the other 3 Domains (Relationships & Interactions, Youth-Centered Program Design, Leadership & Management). Additionally, each indicator now contains specific examples of evidence for a rating of 3.

Step 3. Select Your Review Team

Select your Self-Assessment Review Team.

Include at least 3 to 5 stakeholders as part of your Program Self-Assessment Review Team at each program site. Each person will bring their own knowledge and experience. It is ok if a team member only has strong knowledge of a certain domain. Consider including stakeholders from the following groups:

  • Program Site Staff
  • School Day Teachers
  • Organization Administration
  • School Administration 
  • Community/Business Partner
  • Parents/Guardians
  • Program Volunteers
  • Youth/Participants

Step 4. Complete & Submit Program Self-Assessment & Goal Setting Template

  1. Complete the Self-Assessment at the beginning of each program/school year (August 15 – October 31, 2023).
  2. Select two indicators to work on throughout the program year. ND Quality Standards Goal Setting Template

Submit Self-Assessment Results and ND Quality Standards Goal Setting Template here. (August 15 – October 31, 2023)

3.  Submit progress on your 2 quality indicators toward the end of the program year (March 15 – April 30, 2024). Follow-Up ND Quality Standards Goal Report Template

Submit Follow-Up ND Quality Standards Goal Report here. (March 15 – April 30, 2024)

Resources Aligned with Quality Standards

Access resources including information, tools, and templates aligned with each of the four Quality Domains:

  • Health & Safety
  • Relationships & Interactions
  • Youth-Centered Program Design
  • Leadership & Management
Access Resources

Contact the Network if you are looking for additional resources, tools, or trainings.

Are you a ND 21CCLC Program? Find Grant Requirements Here

ND 21st CCLC has adopted the ND Quality Standards for Out-of-School Time Programs for the 2022-2024 school years. The ND Quality Standards for Out-of-School Time Program Self-Assessment is intended for each 21st CCLC program to engage in a thoughtful review of program quality with stakeholders. A continuous quality improvement process will assist with goal setting and planning for future programming.

Each 21CCLC program site* will submit the Self-Assessment at the beginning of the program year (August 15 – October 31, 2023). Each 21CCLC program site will select two indicators to focus on for the program year and submit their selected indicators with their self-assessment results. Program sites will submit progress on the indicator(s) they selected toward the end of the program year (March 15 – April 30, 2024).

*NEW 21CCLC grantees or program sites, new 21CCLC directors, and sites determined by NDDPI as high-risk will engage in the ND 21CCLC Director Capacity Building series 2023-24. 

 

NDDPI 21st CCLC Grantee Program Information

Mid-Year Data Report: ND 21CCLC Quality Standards & Coaching, January 2023

Final Data Report – ND 21CCLC 2023