The purpose of the Utah Afterschool Program Quality Assessment and Improvement Tool is to assist programs at any stage of development self-assess their progress in four quality areas and to promote relevant training, support and resources.

Program quality is an ongoing process involving reflection and thoughtful assessment and is best accomplished through continuous practice that includes staff, parents, youth and community partners.

A statewide Quality Committee meets regularly to continuously improve and update the Quality Assessment Tool, based on feedback from out-of-school time programs from throughout the state. This feedback is used to keep the Quality Assessment Tool relevant to the ever evolving afterschool field.

The Utah Afterschool Program Quality Assessment and Improvement Tool is comprised of the following four quality areas and is applicable to all types of afterschool and community school settings serving youth, including schools, community-based organizations, recreation/government programs and private providers:

1) Be Safe

A quality program provides a safe, healthy and nurturing environment for all participants. Program policies and procedures ensure that staff is professionally qualified and trained, youth are supervised and physical space is suitable for all activities being conducted.

2) Develop Meaningful Relationships

A quality program develops nurtures and maintains positive relationships and interactions among staff, participants, families, schools and communities. Staff model cooperative and respectful behavior toward youth and adults and facilitate activities that foster personal growth and social competence.

3) Learn New Skills

A quality program provides a variety of activities that support physical, social, emotional and cognitive growth and development. Active involvement in intentionally designed learning experiences provides youth the opportunity to explore interests, build talents and develop critical thinking and problem solving skills.

4) Administration

A quality program has clearly defined goals and uses data for ongoing program improvement. It has a sound fiscal management system and provides needs-based training and professional development to strengthen staff skills.