Program Quality Initiative Tier Levels
Afterschool sites that participate in our Program Quality Initiative are categorized by the level of quality they have successfully achieved. All sites begin at Tier 0 until they pass a Safety Check, the first step in our quality improvement system. Our goal is for all sites to achieve Tier 3 status, an indication that they have mastered all national best practices. Click below to read the quality criteria associated with each Tier of quality.
Tier 1 sites definition.
Dallas AfterSchool Network Quality Advisors have observed in site visits that the following sites maintain certain minimum safety procedures pertaining to: properly signing participants in and out of the program; availability of fire extinguisher(s); posting of emergency procedures and evacuation routes throughout the facility; availability of stocked first aid kits; properly completing participant registration and medical forms to include minimum information concerning participant allergies, special needs, prescriptions, and medical release forms; and having more than one trained adult present at each site visit. For more details on what safety indicators our Quality Advisors observe on their site visits, please view Dallas AfterSchool Network’s safety checklist. Quality Advisors did not utilize any further criteria to evaluate these sites.
Tier 2 sites definition.
In addition to the indicators above, Dallas AfterSchool Network Quality Advisors have observed that the following sites demonstrate certain indicators of quality relationships and programming, including: actively listening and speaking to youth; modeling respectful language; addressing inappropriate behaviors immediately; welcoming participants daily; providing activities that support the physical, social, and cognitive growth of all participants; and offering a variety of activities from which students may choose. Quality Advisors did not utilize any further criteria to evaluate these sites.
Tier 3 sites definition.
In addition to the indicators in Tier 1 and Tier 2, the following sites have continued to work with Dallas AfterSchool Network Quality Advisors, who observe, coach, and model to improve program quality. On their site visits, Dallas AfterSchool Network Quality Advisors have observed sites maintaining the following: procedures for sound operations and fiscal management; a diverse staff that has been trained in the developmental needs of children; programming that is purposely aligned with the school day curriculum; actively engaged participants; strong partnerships with families and communities; a plan for sustainability; and an outcomes measurement system to continuously improve quality.
DISCLAIMER: Dallas AfterSchool Network’s observations are based on visits to particular sites at certain times. A site’s performance and quality can change over time, without Dallas AfterSchool Network’s knowledge. Dallas AfterSchool Network does not warrant or guarantee the safety or quality of a site, and is not responsible for accidents or injuries that may occur at a site.
Users of Dallas AfterSchool Network’s statements must investigate a site independently and form their own judgment regarding the site’s performance and safety. Dallas AfterSchool Network’s statements are not meant to replace a parent’s or guardian’s investigation or good judgment. Users should not rely on Dallas AfterSchool Network’s statements to decide whether to entrust a particular site with their child’s safety and well-being.
