WHAT IS A STANDARD?

A standard is a practice goal that is widely recognized as a model of excellence. A standard is not a regulation. While a regulation is generally set as a minimum requirement, a standard represents a higher level of practice.

COA's After School Program Standards include After School Administration (ASP-AM), After School Human Resources (ASP-HR), and After School Programming and Services (ASP-PS). The Administration Standards cover practices related to continuous quality improvement, financial management, risk prevention and management, and ethical practice. The Human Resources Standards address recruitment and selection, training and professional development, support, and supervision. The Programming and Services Standards set forth additional recommended practices for working with children and youth in out of school time.

Your program will complete all three sections of standards. Taken together, the standards represent a set of practices that support quality programming and promote positive outcomes for children and youth.