Episode 5 of NAA Quality Conversations, "Evaluation IS a Quality Improvement Process and Strategy," is now live!

What's Going on with Federal Funding for Afterschool? Episode 4 of NAA Quality Conversations is now live!

Implementing a Quality Improvement System: Changing Process, Changing Mindset, Changing Outcomes.

Adopting a continuous program quality improvement model is challenging; change can be uncomfortable, and system implementation can be a long process.

Starting with the End in Mind—Using School and Community Needs Assessments to Design High-Impact Afterschool Programs.

 In this episode, we talk with Derryck Fletcher of the Y of Central Maryland—the state's largest provider of youth development programs. During our conversation we discuss the importance of cultivating strong partnerships with schools and families to develop high-quality afterschool programs that meet children where they are.

Each day, over 10 million children participate in afterschool programs. Working parents rely on these programs to keep their children learning, growing and safe during the gap hours—after the school day ends, but before parents come home from work.