How can an Afterschool Program get involved in QIS?

Getting involved in QIS can happen one of two ways.  Enrolling in the formal system (QIS) or participating in self-guided quality improvement.  In self guided quality improvement, programs decide their level of involvement and use of intensity of Prime Time resources.  Through the use of Prime Time on-line training tools, programs have the opportunity to learn how to conduct their own self-assessments.  The Self-assessment process is designed to engage all levels of staff in conducting observation and interviews of one another using the PBC-PQA.  Subsequently, staff participates in group discussions about the program strengths and opportunities for improvement. 

Programs interested in getting involved both in the formal or self-guided system may fill out a QIS Interest Form and return it to Prime Time.  The Quality Improvement Team will review the request and the program will be contact by a Prime Time Quality Advisor.

What are the requirements for getting involved in an improvement system?

Programs looking to get involved in an improvement system should have the following basic characteristics:

• Established operating hours and program procedures in place

• A dedicated program space which supports a variety of activities for youth.

• A minimum of 20 youth attending the program on a regular basis

• Dedicated staff or volunteers in attendance directly working with youth

Programs that exceed these characteristics by being licensed, offering daily programming and having a sound organizational structure may be prepared to enter in the formal system.

QIS Interest Form