Quality Practices
WYOMING PROGRAM QUALITY PRACTICES
Young people thrive in contexts where they feel a sense of belonging and purpose. Tools like the Program Quality Practices (PQPs) help to make that vision a reality. Quality youth programs turn time outside of school into adventures—filled with creativity, curiosity, and care. Whether it’s art, life skills, or leadership development, we’re creating spaces where kids can thrive.
PQPs are research-based guidelines that provide a common understanding of the essential components of quality practice in out-of-school time (OST) and youth development programs. They provide programs, communities and stakeholders with a way to voluntarily examine the quality of programs and to engage in important discussions about program quality. They set the stage for development of a comprehensive and coordinated system of services that will best serve Wyoming’s children and youth. Most of all, they send the message that we believe quality is important, and we hold ourselves accountable for improving quality.
Download the PQPs (Updated in March 2022)
WYOMING PROGRAM QUALITY PRACTICES USER GUIDE
This user guide describes how the PQPs fit into WYEN’s quality improvement efforts and offers concrete ways to use the PQPs. All school age, afterschool, and youth development programs in Wyoming can use this guide to improve their programming. This guide may also be a resource for families, community members, funders, and advocates who partner with program providers to improve outcomes for children and youth.
The user guide provides context for the eight domains of the PQPs:
- Physical Environment, Curriculum, and Program Activities
- Assessment, Planning, and Improvement
- Relationships
- Child and Youth Engagement
- Families and Communities
- Safety, Health, and Wellness
- Leadership and Administration
- Professional Development
WYOMING PROGRAM QUALITY PRACTICES SELF ASSESSMENT
This tool was designed to help afterschool and youth development professionals develop high-quality out-of-school time programs. It may also be a useful checklist for families. This self-assessment is a companion to the PQPs, which are based on research on best practices in programs for afterschool and youth development.
NAA CORE COMPETENCIES SELF-ASSESSMENT TOOL
The National AfterSchool Association (NAA) Core Knowledge, Skills, and Competencies for Out of-School Time Professionals Self-Assessment Tool empowers individuals to assess their knowledge and skills based on the competencies outlined in the NAA Core Knowledge, Skills, and Competencies for OST Professionals. The Self-Assessment Tools are organized by content areas and allow OST professionals to reflect on practice, create professional development plans, and build skills and competencies.
Check Out the Self Assessment Tool
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Mission: We bridge the gap between Wyoming’s out-of-school programs and the communities they uplift, fueling them with resources, support and opportunities that inspire lifelong learning, growth and connection.
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