Through conversations with providers, The Youth Program Quality Assessment (PQA)® was selected by the Office of Out of School Time Grants and Youth Outcomes as District’s framework to support program quality. The PQA is a validated instrument designed to measure the quality of youth programs and identify staff training needs. It has been used in community organizations, schools, camps, and other places where youth have fun, work, and learn with adults.
The PQA assess the following domains:
- Safe environment
- Supportive environment
- Interaction
- Engagement
- Youth-centered policies and practices
- High expectations for youth and staff
- Access
The Youth and School-Age PQA are evidence-based assessment tools. Evidence is gathered through observation and interview. Program staff and an outside specialist observe program activities, take notes, and then conduct an interview with a program administrator. Notes, observations, and interview data are used as evidence to score items. Scores are combined to create an overall program quality profile and plan for improvement. Learn more about the PQA.