NJ Quality Standards for Afterschool: New Afterschool Program Quality Checklist

NJ Quality Standards for Afterschool

Download the checklist document as PDF

Focusing on quality as you plan your new afterschool program will build a strong foundation for program success!  NJSACC has identified the following Standards as critical to program start-up, and should be prioritized if you are just beginning a new afterschool program.  Please use this checklist along with the NJ QSA, Self-Assessment and Rubric which can be found on the NJSACC website.

Established afterschool programs should use the complete NJ QSA. 

Administration

  1. The program has and uses a mission statement.
  2. The administration takes steps to facilitate continuous improvement in program quality.
  3. The administration takes steps to support effective communication.
  4. There are policies or procedures in place that involve families in the life of the program.
  5. The program respects the rights of the youth, family members, and staff.
  6. The administration maintains and updates program policies and records.
  7. The administration acts responsibly regarding program finances and financial sustainability.
  8. The administration maintains sufficient staff:youth ratios and supervision of youth. 
  9. The administration researches and connects to potential community partners in order to facilitate staff, youth, and families taking advantage of community resources. 

Human Relationships

  1. Staff relate to all youth in positive ways.
  2. Staff respond appropriately to individual needs of youth.
  3. Staff use positive and effective techniques to guide the behavior of youth.
  4. Staff strive to eliminate negative or unsafe peer interactions.
  5. Youth generally interact with one another in positive ways.
  6. Staff interact with each other in positive ways.
  7. Staff interact with families in positive ways.
  8. Staff communicate with families about key matters concerning the individual child or youth.

Safety & Environmental Health

  1. Staff are aware of the individual health needs of the youth.
  2. Staff are alert to potential hazards in the environment.
  3. The program conducts regular inspections using check-lists to ensure that the indoor and outdoor environment  is clean and free of hazards that can cause injury or illness in youth.
  4. The program is prepared for emergencies.
  5. Transportation in vehicles is safe.
  6. Staff take special precautions during activities requiring an increased attention to safety.
  7. The program provides for the basic comforts of the youth.

Indoor & Outdoor Environment

Indoor Environment:

  1. The indoor space is welcoming and youth-centered
  2. There is adequate indoor space for activities
  3. There is adequate space for storage
  4. There is a written contingency plan

Outdoor Environment:

  1. Youth spend enough program time outdoors.
  2. Storage for outdoor equipment and materials is convenient for children and youth.
  3. Staff are actively engaged with children playing outdoors.

Programming & Activities

  1. Activities are intentional and are aligned with the program’s mission.
  2. Activities support the development of youths’ personal, social, and emotional skills.
  3. Programming includes, but is not limited by, homework and tutoring activities.
  4. The daily routine is structured and stable, while flexible enough to meet the changing or individual needs of youth.
  5. Materials are adequate for programming.

Special Needs & the Whole Child

  1. The program views a “special need” as any special situation or unique need of a child.
  2. The program advertises itself as welcoming to youth with special needs.
  3. The program takes steps to ensure communication with families about youth with special needs is respectful and as effective as possible. 
  4. The program’s response to youth with a special need is well-planned and appropriate.

Health Behavior: Nutrition & Physical Activity

Nutrition:

  1. The program considers nutritional value when selecting food to serve to youth.
  2. The program considers multi-cultural values when selecting food to serve to youth.
  3. School-based programs act as partners to host schools with nutrition guidelines.

Physical Activity: 

  1. The program provides enough time for physical activity.
  2. The program offers a variety of types of physical activity day to day and within in each day.
  3. The program environment supports a physically active lifestyle for youth. 

Additional Resources for New Afterschool Programs

  1. NJ Child Care Licensing Manual: http://www.nj.gov/dcf/providers/licensing/laws/CCCmanual.pdf
  2. Resources from the Afterschool Alliance on how to start an Afterschool Program: http://www.afterschoolalliance.org/startingaprogram.cfm
  3. Resource Library from the National Center for Afterschool and Summer Enrichment:  https://childcareta.acf.hhs.gov/ncase-resource-library
  4. CACFP Afterschool Snack 

This document was funded with grant funds provided to the NJ Department of Education through the Elementary and Secondary Education Act, as amended (Title IV, Part B of No Child Left Behind) and by the Charles Stewart Mott Foundation.