The California Expanded Learning Quality Assessment Tool

The California Expanded Learning Quality Assessment Tool (QAT) is for expanded learning programs that want to assess the quality of their practices and policies. The QAT is designed to support continuous quality improvement, in which staff teams regularly assess themselves, develop plans to improve based on their findings, and monitor their progress over time. It was created by the California AfterSchool Network (CAN) in partnership with Public Profit, and with the generous support of the David and Lucile Packard Foundation, and the S.D. Bechtel, Jr. Foundation.

This tool is designed to support your work through:

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Alignment

Align with the California Quality Standards for Expanded Learning, which outline policies and practices that characterize high quality expanded learning programs. Teams that complete the QAT can use the results to understand the extent to which their practices and policies are in line with the Quality Standards.

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Improvement

Improve point of service quality and support programmatic and site-level Continuous Quality Improvement (CQI) processes by including both self-assessment and observational components to inform conversations for collaborative planning and accountability.

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Preservation

Preserve the strongest content of the former California After School Program Quality Self-Assessment Tool (QSA) including strategies for teams to more fully assess policies and practices for: Supporting English Learners, Partnering with the School Day, and Family Engagement.

About the California After School Network

The mission of the California AfterSchool Network (CAN) is to provide expanded learning practitioners, advocates, and community members with the resources and tools necessary to build high quality expanded learning programs in California. CAN advances effective policies and is a catalyst for expanded learning program quality. Utilizing its unique and effective leadership and committee structure, CAN is a convener of the field, able to facilitate a two-way flow of information between the field and State and National policymakers where the needs and thoughts of the expanded learning field at all levels can influence and inform policy and policy is translated into practice. Ultimately CAN believes that these efforts will bring greater coherence and professionalism to the field.