This session provides an introduction to the Program Quality Assessment (PQA) tool and to Vermont’s STep Ahead Recognition System (STARS) and how they support quality and continuous improvement in afterschool programs. Participants will explore the three Elements of Quality: Adult-Child Interactions, Family Engagement, and Responsive Practices, and learn how using the PQA and engaging with STARS can help programs identify strengths, set meaningful quality improvement goals, and understand how their everyday practices contribute to their STARS level.

1) Participants will be able to describe the purpose of the PQA and STARS and the role they play in supporting quality and continuous quality improvement in Vermont afterschool programs.

2) Participants will be able to use the PQA to identify areas of program improvement and identify and explain the three STARS Elements of Quality: Adult-Child Interactions, Family Engagement, and Responsive Practices, and connect them to everyday program practices.