Building Better Afterschool Programs with the Illinois Afterschool Quality Standards

In 2013, ACT Now brought together a diverse group of afterschool leaders to review research, state Standards, and feedback from youth development professionals. Their work culminated in the creation of the Illinois Afterschool Quality Standards, which were introduced in May 2016. These Standards were designed to provide a shared definition of program quality and promote best practices that lead to positive outcomes for youth.

The Illinois Afterschool Quality Standards focus on creating high-quality afterschool programs by offering a framework for continuous growth and improvement. The goal is simple: help programs assess their strengths, identify areas for improvement, and foster a culture of ongoing quality enhancement. The Standards provide a roadmap for success, ensuring that all programs have the tools to provide enriching experiences for the youth and families they serve.

A Framework for Excellence

The Standards are organized into seven Core Areas:

  • Indoor and Outdoor Environments
  • Safety, Health and Nutrition, Administration
  • Professional Development
  • Family and Community Partnerships
  • Youth Development, Programming and Activities
  • Partnerships with Schools.

Each of these Core Areas are introduced with a guiding principle that contains specific Program Standards and Quality Indicators that programs can use to assess and improve their program implementation.

The framework is designed to be flexible and broad, making it adaptable for different types of afterschool programs. Whether your program focuses on STEM, arts, or general youth development, the Standards can help ensure that your program meets the needs of the youth and community it serves.

Illinois Top 10 Quality Standards

Recognizing that not all programs have the capacity to implement all the Standards at once, ACT Now introduced the Illinois Top 10 Quality Standards. These select 10 Standards provide a focused, manageable foundation for programs to begin their quality improvement journey. By focusing on these Quality Standards, programs can start making meaningful changes that enhance the learning and development experiences of the youth they serve.

Self-Assessment and Continuous Improvement with the IL-QPSA Tool

To help programs evaluate their progress, ACT Now created the Illinois Quality Program Self-Assessment (IL-QPSA). This free, online, strengths-based tool allows programs to assess how well they align with the Illinois Afterschool Quality Standards. The IL-QPSA features an organization-specific dashboard full of automated reports, downloadable action plans to further support Standard implementation, and an ability to build consensus through sharing pre-assessments with youth, community members, and other key program providers.  All of which help programs identify their strengths and areas for improvement.

What sets the IL-QPSA apart is its system-generated Action Plan. If a program site scores below the quality threshold on any of the Quality Standards Indicators, the tool automatically populates an Action Plan with steps to address the issue. This feature helps programs prioritize areas that need improvement and implement a plan for continuous growth.

Maximizing Impact and Fostering Innovation

By participating in the IL-QPSA process, programs can create Action Plans, adjust strategies based on feedback, and continuously refine their practices. This feedback loop ensures that programs are always evolving to meet the needs of the youth they serve.

Moreover, fostering collaboration and communication among stakeholders is a key element of the IL-QPSA. By using a consensus-based decision-making model, the tool promotes teamwork and alignment across staff, families, and community partners. This collaborative approach ensures that all voices are heard and that the program has the support needed to succeed.

Ensuring Long-Term Impact

To build a sustainable, high-quality program, afterschool providers must focus on long-term infrastructure development. By prioritizing staff training and developing strategic partnerships, programs can ensure their resilience and success for years to come. The Illinois Afterschool Quality Standards and the IL-QPSA tool offer the support and guidance needed to make this vision a reality.

ACT Now Coaching Model: Supporting Programs through the IL-QPSA Process

ACT Now offers a comprehensive coaching model designed to guide program professionals through the IL-QPSA process. This model includes:

  • Three Asynchronous Modules: Self-paced learning that allows professionals to engage with key concepts and skills at their own convenience.
  • IL-QPSA Syllabus: A clear, structured outline to help participants understand the goals and expectations of the IL-QPSA process.
  • Personal Support: Dedicated assistance from a Quality Improvement Manager, offering tailored guidance and answering any questions along the way.

With these resources, ACT Now ensures that participants have the support they need to successfully navigate the IL-QPSA process and achieve meaningful outcomes.