Below are quality standards we adhere to, set in place by the California Department of Education After School Division

The purpose of the Quality Standards is to describe high levels of “Quality” of a program at the programmatic, staff, and participant levels.

All information is collected from the Quality Standards for Expanded Learning in California: Creating and Implementing a Shared Vision of Quality

The quality standards are not intended to serve as a compliance tool, but as the following:
■ A framework of clear expectations for all stakeholders.
■ A guide to inform the After School Division’s decision-making, e.g., technical assistance decisions, language in requests for application, and policy development.
■ A guide for program providers to assess their own programs in order to help determine what they are doing well and what needs improvement.
■ A guide for parents and youth to identify quality programming.
■ A guide for school principals and district superintendents to reinforce and advance key priorities.
■ A complement to other standards in the State of California focused on quality improvement, e.g., Learning in After School and Summer, Quality Self-Assessment Tool, Quality Self-Assessment Rubric, Center for Youth Program Quality, etc

Safe and Supportive Environment

The program provides a safe and nurturing environment that supports the developmental, social-emotional and physical needs of all students.

Active and Engaged Learning

Program design and activities reflect active, meaningful and engaging learning methods that promote collaboration and expand student horizons.

Skill Building

The program maintains high expectations for all students, intentionally links program goals and curricula with 21st-century skills and provides activities to help students achieve mastery.

Youth Voice and Leadership

The program provides and supports intentional opportunities for students to play a meaningful role in program design and implementation and provides ongoing access to authentic leadership roles.

Healthy Choices and Behaviors

The program promotes student well-being through opportunities to learn about and practice balanced nutrition, physical activity and other healthy choices in an environment that supports a healthy lifestyle.

Diversity, Access and Equity

The program creates an environment in which students experience values that embrace diversity and equity regardless of race, color, religion, sex, age, income level, national origin, physical ability, sexual orientation and/or gender identity and expression.