Programs Guide & Resources
ND Quality Standards for Out-of-School Time Programs
Programs Guide & Resources
Programs & Resources
ND Quality Standards for Out-of-School Time Programs
Watch this 8 minute intro for an overview of the Quality Standards:
Afterschool programs play a critical role in helping students succeed, keeping young people safe and supporting working families. We work hard to provide youth with a safe, nurturing environment where they learn, grow, try new things – and ultimately thrive. This book acknowledges that work and is designed to help take it to the next level.
We dug into best practices from afterschool programs across the country and years of research into what makes an effective afterschool program. We talked to a wide cross-section of program providers across ND – from those serving early childhood to high school students, and from programs that are just getting started to those that are well established. We aligned the data on best practices with the specific needs of North Dakota’s students.
The resulting four standards and indicators are markers for an effective afterschool program.
BookletHealth & SafetyRelationships & InteractionsYouth-Centered Program DesignLeadership & Management
This guide is designed to help your program be the best it can be.
That might mean going through this booklet from start to finish, or it might mean focusing on one standard at a time for a deep dive. As part of a staff training, continuous improvement plan or even grant reporting requirements, use this content at any time, in any order, and repeat as needed to flex your program needs.
Find tools, templates, and resources below aligned with each of the four domains:
Health & Safety
What does health & safety look like in our program space?
You for Youth Click & Go: Developing & Implementing a Safety Plan
Learn how to implement or modify an existing safety plan, develop trainings, practice safety procedures, and drills. Tools include: Communication with Families About Safety, Evacuation Steps, Incident Report Form, Saftey Through the Lens of Social Emotional Learning, Site Coordinator Safety Checklist, Training & Practice Plan.
North Dakota Early Childhood Services Licensing Regulations
Child care licensing regulations & minimum standards related to: physical size of facility, safety features, cleanliness, and staff-to-child ratios.
ChildCare Aware of ND: Health & Safety
Resources include special health care plans, medication administration, health emergencies & first aid, safety & injury prevention (abuse & neglect, field trip safety, supervision, outdoor safety, checklists for playgrounds), healthy practices & disease prevention (handwashing, cleaning, disinfecting & sanitizing, head lice, immunizations)
ChildCare Aware of ND: Space & Furnishings
Examples and resources for indoor space & room arrangement.
Beyond the Bell: A Toolkit for Creating Effective Afterschool & Expanded Learning Programs
Assessment of Recreational Needs, Resources, & Program Space.
What does health & safety look like in our proccesses & procedures?
American Red Cross: CPR Programs for Schools
Searchable CPR & First Aid class database.
North Dakota Safety Council
Trainings include: School Safety, School Violence Prevention, First Aid/CPR.
ChildCare Aware of ND: Emergencies & Disasters
Resources include emergency planning template, incident report form, & emergency drill forms.
Beyond the Bell: A Toolkit for Creating Effective Afterschool & Expanded Learning Programs
Sample Policies & Procedures Table of Contents.
North Dakota Child Protection Program
Reporting Suspected Child Abuse & Neglect and information around mandated reporting.
NDkids.org
Tips and resources for parents & caregivers around recognizing & reporting abuse and neglect, including searchable map of services in ND.
What does health & safety look like when our program serves food? (If applicable)
ChildCare Aware ND: Nutrition
Best Practices for Nutrition.
National AfterSchool Association Standards for Health Eating & Physical Activity (HEPA) in Out-of-School Time
Best practices for healthy eating & physical activity in afterschool.
North Dakota Department of Public Instruction: Food & Nutrition
School nutrition progarms, summer food service programs, fresh fruits & vegetables program, child & adult care food program.
North Dakota State University: Nutrition
Food preparation, recipes, food safety & nutrition.
Relationships & Interactions
What do positive relationships & interactions look like in our program space?
You for Youth Click & Go: Developing & Implementing a Safety Plan
Classroom management resources, strategies for creating a positive learning environment, ice breaker activities, implementation & observation checklists, transition strategies, behavior management trainings.
You for Youth: Social & Emotional Learning
Skill domains of social-emotional learning, SEL program needs assessment, SEL activity planner.
Beyond the Bell: A Toolkit for Creating Effective Afterschool & Expanded Learning Programs
Activity Ideas for Creating a Warm & Welcoming Environment
Teachstone: Classroom Assessment Scoring System (CLASS)
Intaractions at the Core: The Life-Changing Power of Interactions in Any Setting
How do we maintain positive relationships & interactions when things don’t go as planned?
Talking with Families about Problem Behavior
Do’s and Dont’s
Teachstone: Classroom Assessment Scoring System (CLASS)
Strategies to Start Sensitive Conversations
Crisis Prevention Institute
Behavior Management Strategies
Classroom Management in the Out-of-School Time Setting
Tips on building rapport, establishing structure, promoting social skills & self-regulation, & keeping youth engaged
Behavior Management Strategies
10 Behavior Management Strategies as a Guide for Your Classroom
OregonASK
Positive Behavior Interventions & Supports (PBIS): Basics for Afterschool Programs
How do we build positive relationships & interactions with the broader community?
You for Youth: Family Engagement
Tools include family engagement calendar template, family activity guide, activity ideas, family engagement survey, and family engagement trainings
Beyond the Bell: A Toolkit for Creating Effective Afterschool & Expanded Learning Programs
Family Engagement & Interest Survey
Beyond the Bell: A Toolkit for Creating Effective Afterschool & Expanded Learning Programs
Template for Introductory Communication with Families
You for Youth: Strategic Partnerships
Community asset mapping, identifying partners, partnership evaluation
Beyond the Bell: A Toolkit for Creating Effective Afterschool & Expanded Learning Programs
Identifying Potential Partnerships
Beyond the Bell: A Toolkit for Creating Effective Afterschool & Expanded Learning Programs
Community Connections worksheet to identify partnerships
You for Youth: Partnering with the School Day
Tools include conversation starters for partnering with school day around health & wellness, initiating a partnership with the school day, family satisfaction survey
Beyond the Bell: A Toolkit for Creating Effective Afterschool & Expanded Learning Programs
Template for Introductory Communication with Principals & School Staff
Beyond the Bell: A Toolkit for Creating Effective Afterschool & Expanded Learning Programs
Shared Responsibility Worksheet for the Program Leader & Principal
Beyond the Bell: A Toolkit for Creating Effective Afterschool & Expanded Learning Programs
Draft Agenda for Meeting with the Principal
Beyond the Bell: A Toolkit for Creating Effective Afterschool & Expanded Learning Programs
Template for Communicating with School Staff
Beyond the Bell: A Toolkit for Creating Effective Afterschool & Expanded Learning Programs
Topics to Address with School Staff
Beyond the Bell: A Toolkit for Creating Effective Afterschool & Expanded Learning Programs
Identifying Program-School Alignment Opportunities Planning Template
Beyond the Bell: A Toolkit for Creating Effective Afterschool & Expanded Learning Programs
School Day Alignment Progression
Beyond the Bell: A Toolkit for Creating Effective Afterschool & Expanded Learning Programs
Aligning Afterschool Programming with School Day Learning Standards
Program Design
How does youth-centered program design incorporate youth voice?
You for Youth: Student Voice & Choice
Student goal setting & reflection guides, activity choice forms, sample activity schedules, SMART goal setting for students
Beyond the Bell: A Toolkit for Creating Effective Afterschool & Expanded Learning Programs
Youth Development Checklist
Teachstone: Classroom Assessment Scoring System (CLASS)
Using Open-Ended Questions in the Classroom
Teachstone: Classroom Assessment Scoring System (CLASS)
How to Strengthen Student Engagement: Let Students Take the Lead
What does youth-centered program design look like in our program structure?
ChildCare Aware of ND: Choosing and Using Curriculum
ND Early Learning Guidelines
Resources to Promote Belonging & Inclusion
Tips, tools, and resources for proacting planning, professional devleopment, policies, and examples of anti-bias education
You for Youth: Developing a Needs Assessment
Tools include: conducting your program needs assessment, data tracking packet, survey of student needs, family survey
You for Youth: Including Students with Disabilities
Working with students on an Individualzed Education Program (IEP), legal foundations of inclusion, socially responsible language, environmental checklist, building an inclusive environment, expanding activities, accommodation plans
You for Youth: Supporting English Learners
Steps for Effective Vocabulary Insruction, EL example activities, supporting english learners activity design planner & checklist
Beyond the Bell: A Toolkit for Creating Effective Afterschool & Expanded Learning Programs
Sample Program Schedule
Beyond the Bell: A Toolkit for Creating Effective Afterschool & Expanded Learning Programs
Sample Summer Program Schedule
Beyond the Bell: A Toolkit for Creating Effective Afterschool & Expanded Learning Programs
Sample Youth Satisfaction Survey
How does youth-centered program design support workforce development?
North Dakota Choice Ready
Choice Ready chart & guidance to support all students to graduate choice ready with the knowledge, skills, and disposition to be successful
North Dakota Social Emotional Learning Network
Social Emotional Learning Goals for ND schools & educators by grade level & competency
SEL for Workforce Development
CASEL social & emotional competencies aligned with employee social and emotional skills chart
Preparing Youth for the Workforce of Tomorrow
Cultivating the social & emotional skills employers demand
Employability & Workforce Readiness
Integrating social & emotional development and college & career readiness standards
You for Youth: College and Career Readiness
Logic Model for 21st CCLC College and Career Readiness
You for Youth: College and Career Readiness
Activities to increase College and Career Readiness
Beyond the Bell: A Toolkit for Creating Effective Afterschool & Expanded Learning Programs
Intentional Activity Planner Template
How do staff reinforce youth-centered program design?
Beyond the Bell: A Toolkit for Creating Effective Afterschool & Expanded Learning Programs
Structuring Activities for Skill-Building Planning Template
Beyond the Bell: A Toolkit for Creating Effective Afterschool & Expanded Learning Programs
Sample Activity Planner
Beyond the Bell: A Toolkit for Creating Effective Afterschool & Expanded Learning Programs
Academic Enrichment Activity Planning Tool
Beyond the Bell: A Toolkit for Creating Effective Afterschool & Expanded Learning Programs
Homework Help Tool
Teachstone: Classroom Assessment Scoring System (CLASS)
How to Improve Your Instructional Support Interactions
Leadership & Management
What does sound leadership & management look like in the big picture?
ND 21st Century Community Learning Centers
21CCLC Fiscal Guidance
North Dakota Association of Nonprofit Organizations
Principals & Practices for Nonprofit Excellence in ND: Best Practices for ND Nonprofits
You for Youth: Implementing Your Program with Fidelity
Implementing with Fidelity Guide, Intentional Program Design & Continuous Improvement Process planner, Project Rubric
You for Youth: Creating Your Sustainability Plan
Template and guide for creating sustainability plan for 21st century community learning centers
Beyond the Bell: A Toolkit for Creating Effective Afterschool & Expanded Learning Programs
Sample Budget Worksheet
Beyond the Bell: A Toolkit for Creating Effective Afterschool & Expanded Learning Programs
Program Goal Planning Template
Beyond the Bell: A Toolkit for Creating Effective Afterschool & Expanded Learning Programs
Continuous Improvement Reflection Tool
What does sound leadership & management look like when it comes to measuring youth outcomes?
You for Youth: Data Tracking
Template and guide for data tracking in 21st century community learning centers
Beyond the Bell: A Toolkit for Creating Effective Afterschool & Expanded Learning Programs
Program Observation Tools
Beyond the Bell: A Toolkit for Creating Effective Afterschool & Expanded Learning Programs
External Evaluator Questions & Worksheet
Beyond the Bell: A Toolkit for Creating Effective Afterschool & Expanded Learning Programs
Tips for Conducting Program Observations
Beyond the Bell: A Toolkit for Creating Effective Afterschool & Expanded Learning Programs
Post-Evaluation Planning Tool
Beyond the Bell: A Toolkit for Creating Effective Afterschool & Expanded Learning Programs
Evaluation Report Template
Beyond the Bell: A Toolkit for Creating Effective Afterschool & Expanded Learning Programs
Sharing Evaluation Results Guide
Beyond the Bell: A Toolkit for Creating Effective Afterschool & Expanded Learning Programs
Defining Advisory Board Purpose
Beyond the Bell: A Toolkit for Creating Effective Afterschool & Expanded Learning Programs
Invitation for Advisory Board Member Sample
Beyond the Bell: A Toolkit for Creating Effective Afterschool & Expanded Learning Programs
Template for Advisory Board Agenda
Beyond the Bell: A Toolkit for Creating Effective Afterschool & Expanded Learning Programs
Community Communication: Tips for Developing & Adminstering Surveys
Beyond the Bell: A Toolkit for Creating Effective Afterschool & Expanded Learning Programs
Logic Model Planning Tool
Beyond the Bell: A Toolkit for Creating Effective Afterschool & Expanded Learning Programs
Data Discussion Guide
Staff Selection: What’s Important for Out-of-School Time Programs
Evidence-based practices for recruiting, interviewing, and hiring afterschool program staff
What does sound leadership & management look like in our staffing & professional development?
ChildCare Aware of ND: Staff Management
Resources for conducting an interview, hiring employees, staff handbook, staff orientation checklist, job descriptions, staff coverage planner, center license ratios, and employee evaluation template
Core Knowledge & Competencies for Afterschool & Youth Development Professionals
Competencies are grouped into 10 content areas, including: child & youth development, learning environment & curriculum, observation & assessment, interactions & engagement, cultural responsiveness, family, school & community relationships, program planning & development
You for Youth: Building a Positive Organizational Culture & Climate
Tips from research, culture & climate perception surveys, example culture statements, techniques for building culture & climate
You for Youth: Human Resources
Sample organizational chart, human resources planning checklist, sample policies, conducting effective interviews
Beyond the Bell: A Toolkit for Creating Effective Afterschool & Expanded Learning Programs
Job Description Template for Program Staff
Beyond the Bell: A Toolkit for Creating Effective Afterschool & Expanded Learning Programs
Job Description Template for Program Leader
Beyond the Bell: A Toolkit for Creating Effective Afterschool & Expanded Learning Programs
Job Candidate Expertise Questionnaire
Beyond the Bell: A Toolkit for Creating Effective Afterschool & Expanded Learning Programs
Sample Job Interview Questions
Beyond the Bell: A Toolkit for Creating Effective Afterschool & Expanded Learning Programs
Professional Development Plan Template
Beyond the Bell: A Toolkit for Creating Effective Afterschool & Expanded Learning Programs
Developing as an Afterschool & Expanded Learning Professional
What does sound leadership & management look like in our policies & procedures?
ChildCare Aware of ND: Business Essentials
Resources for budget management, marketing, consent forms (field trip permission, photography consent, medications, sunscreen, etc.), legal & insurance (ADA, For-Profit vs. Non-Profit, business insurance), and taxes & record keeping
Code of Ethics for Afterschool Professionals
Statement and examples of ethical conduct, ethical responsibilities to youth, families, colleagues & community
Beyond the Bell: A Toolkit for Creating Effective Afterschool & Expanded Learning Programs
Sample Policies & Procedures Table of Contents
