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Anchorage youth
Development coalition

Youth Program Quality

For the second year, the AYDC Youth Program Quality (YPQ) initiative will engage Anchorage youth programs in continuous improvement to support positive development experiences and better outcomes for youth. This initiative supports youth development programs serving children and youth, ages 5 to 21 years old, in Anchorage, Alaska

Thanks to our partners!

Applications are closed for 2018-2019. For more information you can contact Ciara.

 

Anchorage Context

Anchorage schools and youth development programs have long been champions for positive climate in our schools, meaningful youth-adult relationships, and experiences that help youth build the breadth of skills and mindsets critical to their readiness for life’s challenges and opportunities. In recent years organizations have worked toward a coordinated approach to measuring how effectively those program elements are delivered.

At the same time across the country, networks of youth providers have found success in adopting a continuous quality improvement approach most commonly referred to as youth program quality improvement.

 

Youth Program Quality

The purpose of a youth program quality initiative is to build a “professional learning community where each individual is engaged as a change agent in developing

  • Strong Lines of Communication
  • Capacity Around Data
  • Continuous Improvement Feedback Loop

in a low stakes accountability environment.” (Weikart Center for Youth Program Quality)

How it Works

An organization engages staff in three phases of a continuous improvement cycle: assess, plan, and improve.

In the assess phase staff observe each other at work, taking objective notes on aspects of the environment, interactions and youth engagement. In the plan phase, staff come together to look at the data collected, and collectively set priorities for improvements they will make. The final phase is about implementing the plan, which could include professional development or changes in curriculum.

All participants in the initiative will use the David P. Weikart Center for Program Quality Social and Emotional Learning Program Quality Assessment tool (SEL PQA). The SEL PQA is used to assess program quality features and create customized action plans to enhance the program. The SEL PQA focuses on key areas of quality at the point where staff and youth interact: a safe space, supportive environment, youth/adult and peer interactions, and youth engagement. The SEL PQA helps staff to objectively identify program strengths and gaps, and is linked to training modules that help address self-identified areas for improvement.

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Contributing member organizations invest in a stronger youth-serving community. View current contributing member organizations here.

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The Anchorage Youth Development Coalition supports  organizations to advance positive youth development. Become a contributing coalition member to build a community of professional youth work for all young people.

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Center for Safe Alaskans

4241 B Street, Suite 100
Anchorage, AK 99503

Phone: (907) 929-3939
E-mail: info@safealaskans.org

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