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Critical Indicators to Program Start-Up

The following indicators are critical to program start-up, and should be prioritized in your self-assessment process and action plan.

Environment/Climate

• Provides a stimulating, welcoming, and supportive environment for young people.

• Uses program space that is safe and clean.

• Develops, implements, and shares approved safety plans and procedures with staff and families.

• Provides adequate security for program.

• Develops and manages effective arrival and dismissal procedures and plans for safe travel home.

• Provides healthy and nutritious snacks and/or supper.

• Is aware of, records, and informs staff of special health needs of participants.

Administration/Organization

• Establishes clear attendance and participation expectations.

• Maintains all required documents (e.g., health certificate, security clearance, insurance, etc.) where applicable.

• Creates and uses an employee handbook that clarifies internal policies and procedures.

• Has complete and current enrollment/registration documents for all participants.

• Has a clear salary structure for program staff.

• Has well-defined methods of communication between school and community-based organization.

• Develops, reviews, and updates plan for family involvement.

• Documents where participants are during program hours.

Relationships

• Has staff that respect and communicate with one another and are role models of positive adult relationships.

• Interacts with families in a comfortable, respectful, welcoming way.

• Treats participants with respect and listens to what they say.

• Has a program director that is committed to his/her own professional development and attends and participates in training.

• Recruits, hires and develops staff who reflect the diversity and culture(s) of the community.

• Ensures staff has competence in core academic areas, where appropriate.

• Maintains staff-to-participant ratio as per state regulations when applicable.

• Provides positive working conditions for staff and appropriate supervision, support, and feedback.

• Provides activities that reflect the mission of the program.

• Features activities that are commensurate with the age and skill level of the participants and enable participants to develop new skills during the program year.

• Offers project-based, experiential activities that promote creativity and development of participant self-expression.

• Offers high quality academic support, including tutoring and/or homework help.

• Offers enrichment opportunities in core academic areas as well as in the arts, technology, recreation, and health.

• Includes activities that take into account the language and culture of the participants.

• Establishes and follows a schedule that is known to all staff, participants, and their families.

• Secures commitment of resources (e.g., classroom space, bulletin boards, storage space, computer facilities, and site coordinator’s office) from school principal, when possible.

Youth Participation/Engagement

• Engages participants with a variety of strategies.

Parent/Family/Community Partnerships

• Involves families in decision making and planning.

• Communicates with families on matters concerning the well-being of the child.

• Has a written statement of mission and goals.

• Employs staff who understand and embrace the program’s mission and goals.

• Develops and/or plans for program evaluation that includes gathering both qualitative and quantitative data.