WHAT IS THE SELF-STUDY?

The Self-Study is your program's opportunity to demonstrate implementation of the COA standards. With the guidance of your COA After School Coordinator, you will complete a Self-Study that serves as a self-assessment tool for you to evaluate your program's strengths and opportunities for growth based on appropriate administration, human resources and programming and service delivery standards.

The Self-Study is both a process and a document.

Programs pursuing certification engage in a process of self-evaluation as they assess their implementation of COA standards. This process determines how recognition can facilitate change in the program's policies, procedures, and standards of practice. The Self-Study can also reinforce the necessary maintenance and explanation of practices that are currently operationalized.

Programs complete and submit a Self-Study document as evidence of implementation of the standards. The Self-Study serves as a "window into" your program to assess your implementation of and continuing performance with the relevant standards.