Selecting a Quality After-School Program

Look and Listen for:

• Organized, safe and clean programs.
• Children and youth that appear to be happy in the program.
• Staff who work well together
• Staff who are respectful of each other.
• Children busy with activities
• Children who help each other and cooperate.
• Happy sounds of children in the program.
• Staff engaged in activities and conversation with the children and youth.
• Adequate materials and space for a variety of activities.
• Quiet, soft spaces for reading, quiet games and relaxing as well as space for active play.
• Materials and program space that reflect diversity.
• Space that reflects the work and interests of the children and youth in the program.
• A program that provides a rich learning atmosphere that supports children’s education.
• Bathrooms that look and smell clean.
• A safe playground area that is fenced in and has cushioning material under climbing equipment.
• Hazardous materials that are kept out of reach of children and youth.
• Food preparation area that looks and smells clean.