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NYSAN Quality Self-Assessment Tool

The NYSAN Program Quality Self-Assessment (QSA) Tool provides a 10-point framework of quality indicators to guide program stakeholders in reflecting on all aspects of program activities and operation.

The recently published QSA Tool User's Guide offers practical strategies and tips on how to get the most out of using the Tool.

NYSAN believes that clear quality standards and ongoing program assessment are central to building effective and sustainable afterschool programs. To help programs assess and improve quality, NYSAN has developed a comprehensive quality framework based on national research and practitioner experience, and is working in a number of ways to encourage the adoption of common quality standards statewide. Read below for more information about the NYSAN Program Quality Self-Assessment Tool and other resources.

The NYSAN Evaluators' Group is working to develop a common set of indicators and evaluation tools and to increase the use of evaluation to advance the quality of afterschool programs throughout New York State. The group is open to practicing evaluators from the public and private sectors.

NYSAN's partners across the state offer a wealth of support -- from professional development workshops and customized training, to on-site technical assistance, to peer networking -- to help you in achieving continuous program improvement. Please visit our partners' websites for more information about their offerings.

Visit for more information on regulations, licensing and program accreditation:

NYSAN Quality Self-Assessment Tool (English)

5 May 2005
The QSA Tool is intended to help program leaders and staff, in collaboration with other stakeholders, to better understand the indicators of a high-quality program and reflect on all aspects of their program's operation. The QSA Tool can be used by a wide variety of programs, including both school and community-based programs that operate before and after school, and during summers and other school breaks.

NYSAN QSA Tool User's Guide

5 May 2008
The New York State Afterschool Network's (NYSAN) Program Quality Self-Assessment (QSA) Tool is an instrument used by program providers to assess the quality of and make improvements to their out-of-school time programs. This User's Guide complements use of the QSA Tool by providing practical strategies and examples from afterschool practitioners on best practices related to self-assessment and program improvement. The QSA Tool is also included in the User’s Guide.

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