1. Using the California After School Program Quality Self Assessment Tool
Promoting Continuous Quality Improvement
For After School Programs

2. Today’s Goals
Learn about the origins of the CA After School Program Quality Self Assessment (QSA) Tool.
Review content of the QSA Tool, User’s Guide, and how to use each resource.
Explore the QSA Tool and strategize how it might be used in your program.

3. About the QSA Tool
Available online at
Origins
You are in control of how you use it
Not mandatory, not an external evaluation tool
Part of a staff directed process to improve program quality.

4. Overview of the QSA Tool
11 quality elements including two new quality elements.
Increased Point-of-service (site level) focus (esp. Program Environment and Safety, Youth Development, Family Involvement, Nutrition and Physical Activity, Promoting Diversity, and Supporting Els)
Revised with input from multiple CA and National Experts and Stakeholders.
New layout allows users to provide examples of each indicator in their program.

5. 11 program Quality Elements

6. Overview of the QSA Tool
Description of program element
Description of indicators
Rank each indicator based on scale
Provide examples of how these indicators play out in your program
Record action planning ideas and assistance that may be needed

7. QSA User’s Guide Intended use of the tool (p. 3 and 5)
Quick Guide (p. 7)
Survey to Discussion Method (p. 8)
Consensus based discussion (p. 10)
Issue Diagnosis Guide (p. 16)
Action Planning (p. 19)
Requesting Technical Assistance (p. 21)

8. Dig in to the tool
In separate groups you will take on one section of the tool.
You will have the chance to see the work that others have done following your exploration of a section

9. Other Uses of the Tool Illustrate what the program is doing well
Begin conversations with Teachers, Schools and Program Administration
See how QSA Data compares with other assessments such as youth and parent surveys

10. Thanks for doing what you do!
We are here to help