What is the Tools Index?

What is the Tools Index?

The Tools Index is a one-stop resource for after school programs which contains a wide variety of tip sheets, document templates, self-paced trainings, checklists and other tools from within and across a number of COA websites. The tools contained in the index are designed to help your program better understand the standards and successfully navigate the recognition process.

How is the Tools Index Organized?

Tools are listed either under the standard which they address or, for tools that apply to multiple standards, under Additional Tools. Process tools, which are unrelated to the standards, can be found in categories related to specific accreditation processes (i.e., the self-study process). A brief description of the tool is also listed under each tool name along with the date it was posted and/or updated. Following are definitions of the types of tools you'll find in the Tools Index:

• CLARIFICATIONS provide additional guidance around the meaning or intent of a standard or group of related standards.
• WORKSHEETS AND CHECKLISTS help programs organize their work and can be useful when completing their own organizational assessment. These tools should be used in conjunction with the standards and should not replace reviewing the details of each standard and assessing current operations with regards to the standards.
• TIP SHEETS help programs gain a better understanding of how to implement the standards based on their own unique organizational structure and model.
• SELF-PACED TRAININGS provide a brief and informative overview of some of the most important aspects of the standards and accreditation process.
• DOCUMENT TEMPLATES, OUTLINES AND MODELS provide sample documents that the program can use to asses, update, or develop policies and procedures that support standard implementation.

Many of the tools listed in the Tools Index were developed in response to your feedback and requests, so keep your suggestions coming! You can send suggestions to your COA Coordinator or email them to coainfo@coanet.org. Don't forget that new tools are being posted all the time so check back regularly!