NAA Quality Conversations

All too often, and perhaps especially in the afterschool field, staff see evaluation as a reporting duty they must fulfill rather than a useful tool. “Program quality” and “evaluation” do not have to be seen as two separate strands of work. Christina Russell, of Policy Studies Associates, leads studies focused on expanded learning opportunities and their role in promoting positive social and emotional outcomes for youth in grades K-12.

In this Quality Conversation, Jen Rinehart from the Afterschool Alliance shares the latest in afterschool policy and funding news. She gives an update on the reauthorization of the Elementary and Secondary Education Act, and shares what that means for 21st Century Community Learning Centers across the country. Jen also discusses the implementation of last fall’s reauthorized Child Care and Development Fund. 

Adopting a continuous program quality improvement model is challenging; change can be uncomfortable, and system implementation can be a long process. Monica Marie Jones believes in the power of afterschool professionals to change a young person’s life by an intentional focus on quality interactions and activities. In this podcast, Monica shares lessons learned through the implementation of the Youth Program Quality Assessment (YPQA)

 In this episode, we talk with Derryck Fletcher of the Y of Central Maryland—the state’s largest provider of youth development programs. During our conversation we discuss the importance of cultivating strong partnerships with schools and families to develop high-quality afterschool programs that meet children where they are. 

This podcast discusses the implications President Obama’s Building American Skills Through Community Colleges proposal has for the afterschool community.  Like the President, we also believe community colleges are a critical resource to ensure America’s economic strength and vitality. These institutions offer Americans a flexible, affordable option to gain new skills, work towards a degree or obtain training relevant to the local labor market. Community colleges may be a key to advancing the professionalism of the afterschool field.