To help providers maintain high-quality programs for youth, ALX Beyond has initiated a cohort of 14 program sites serving young people in grades K-12. The cohort is partnering with the Weikart Center for Program Quality to pilot the Youth Program Quality Intervention (YPQI) process. The YPQI is an evidence-based approach that focuses on continuous reflection and improvement for adults working with youth. To assess the quality of programming, providers will use the Youth Program Quality Assessment (YPQA) as a tool to evaluate their youth programs and identify staff training needs. The YPQA is based on four pillars:
- Data collection via the Program Quality Assessment
- Using data to engage in Planning in Data to support improvement efforts
- Providing targeted trainings in Youth Work Methods related to areas identified for improvement
- Engaging in Quality Coaching
At the completion of the 2024-2025 school year, the cohort will make recommendations regarding the future of the YPQI process in the City of Alexandria. The organizations participating in the cohort are:
- Alexandria City Public Schools
- Alexandria Library
- Alexandria Redevelopment & Housing Authority
- Alexandria Soccer Association
- Alexandria Symphony Orchestra
- Alexandria Young Life
- Campagna Center
- Chrysalis Development Group
- City of Alexandria Department of Community & Human Services
- City of Alexandria Department of Recreation, Parks & Cultural Activities
- Liberty’s Promise
- Local Motion Project
- Move2Learn
- The Spitfire Club
For more information on the program quality pilot, please contact ALX Beyond Program Quality Manager, Erica Mack (erica@alxbeyond.org).
Interested in learning more about program quality for expanded learning/OST programs? Check out the resources below!