Get help with planning and connecting to classroom learning with Academic Content Afterschool Style (ACAS)—a comprehensive guide from the Center for Afterschool Education.
Features of High-Quality Programs
What is “quality”? Research confirms what experience and instincts may have already told you. From kindergarten through high school, quality is marked by certain characteristics.
The Environment
- Healthy and safe
- Attractive, engaging and welcoming
- Interesting, varied spaces and options
- Small adult-to-child ratios
Staff and Leaders
- Take themselves seriously as afterschool professionals and educators
- Set clear goals that fit the needs of children, families, and communities
- Design programs and activities to meet the goals
- Commit time and energy to creatively promote kids' learning and healthy development
- Respond to the social, emotional and developmental needs of all children and youth
- Become 'learning professionals,' working to build their own skills
Program Content
- Fits children's physical, social, developmental and learning needs
- Helps children learn and grow to succeed in school and in their families, communities, work and life
- Is interesting, relevant, varied, challenging and engaging
- Offers meaningful opportunities for input and choice
The best afterschool programs deliberately connect the learning across home, community, and classroom.
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