Quality Tools

Quality assessment tools are structured methods for evaluating the effectiveness, strengths, and areas for improvement in Out-of-School Time (OST) programs. These tools matter because they provide data-driven insights that help ensure programs are meeting the needs of staff, youth, families, and communities. By identifying what is working well and what needs adjustment, quality assessment supports continuous quality improvement, helping OST programs align with best practices and standards. It enhances program impact, supports staff development, builds credibility with stakeholders, and, most importantly, leads to better outcomes for youth.

OST programs can enhance their quality by regularly collecting feedback from participants and staff, utilizing standardized observation tools, and incorporating the results into planning and professional development. Embracing quality assessment fosters a culture of growth, accountability, and thriving across OST programs.  

MASP and its partners support quality OST programming in Michigan by: 

  • Backing a system of training and other professional development opportunities. 

  • Linking training opportunities to current statewide systems. 

  • Ensuring that after-school programs are recognized and supported at statewide committees and conferences. 

  • Supporting the development of an After-School Certificate and Credential Program based on core competencies. 

  • Increasing awareness of the components of quality after-school programs. 

  • The Michigan Out-of-School Time (MOST) Standards of Quality serve as a comprehensive framework to guide the development and enhancement of high-quality, equitable OST programs for youth across the state. These standards are grounded in research and best practices, ensuring that programs meet the diverse needs of participants during non-school hours.

    The updated MOST Standards of Quality are based on research and may be used as a framework for the design and implementation of high-quality, comprehensive programs that meet the specific and different needs of children during non-school hours.

    Quality standards have been established for a set of critical components which indicate program quality, including:

    • Health, Safety

    • Human Relationships

    • Program Staffing

    • Indoor and Outdoor Environments

    • Program Activities

    • Administration

    • Single-Purpose Programs

    The Michigan After School Partnership fully endorses the MOST Standards of Quality as a foundational framework for delivering high-quality, equitable OST programs that support the holistic development of Michigan's youth.

  • The MOST Standards are designed for voluntary adoption by OST programs serving youth in grades K–12. They can be used for program development, continuous improvement, and self-assessment.

    A Self-Assessment Checklist can be used as a companion tool to help programs evaluate their alignment with the standards. While primarily designed for kindergarten through eighth grade, many standards also apply to high school programs.

    Programs are encouraged to use the MOST Standards alongside other research-based assessment tools, including the Weikart Center’s:

  • Child care licensing requirements are important to ensure children and youth in all OST settings remain safe and are able to participate in enriching and developmentally appropriate activities that meet their educational, social, and physical needs.

    It is illegal in the State of Michigan to provide child care services without being licensed by the Michigan Department of Licensing and Regulatory Affairs, (LARA) Child Care Licensing Division.

    Michigan law requires afterschool child care programs for children up to and through age 12 to be licensed. The purpose of licensing is to ensure that basic health and safety issues are addressed. 

    The Child Care Licensing Bureau, a part of the Department of Licensing and Regulatory Affairs, conducts onsite inspections to determine compliance with state law and licensing rules, provides technical assistance and consultation to improve the quality of service and investigates complaints alleging violations of licensing rules or law. The Child Care Licensing Bureau regulates family child care homes (1 to 6 children), group child care homes (7 to 12 children) and child care centers. Call CCLB at 1-866-685-0006 to get more information on becoming licensed or visit MiLEAP for more information about licensed child care.

  • Mizzen Education is a nonprofit organization dedicated to enhancing OST learning experiences for children and youth. Through its free digital platform, Mizzen offers thousands of curated, standards-aligned activities and lesson plans across subjects like STEM, arts, literacy, and social-emotional learning, all designed to spark curiosity and joy. Developed in collaboration with educators and trusted partners—including the Pulitzer Center, The Nature Conservancy, and Jazz at Lincoln Center—Mizzen supports afterschool programs, summer camps, and community-based organizations nationwide. Beyond content, Mizzen provides tools for team collaboration and professional development, aiming to empower educators and inspire lifelong learning.

    Explore the catalog of lessons here.

  • OST programs can achieve a star rating that reflects quality above and beyond licensing requirements. All rated programs are able to share with families their commitment to improving the quality of their program. Once a program achieves a star rating, the information is posted for families. They can then better identify which programs are high-quality and best meet the needs of their family. Learn more about the benefits for programs and families today.

    If you have questions or need assistance with the Self-Assessment Survey, contact your local Great Start to Quality Resource Center.

    Commit To Quality Today!

  • The Weikart Quality Coaching framework is a research-based framework to support continous quality improvement. This training supports and enhances the skills of individuals who provide coaching and technical assistance to program coordinators within a quality improvement system.

    MASP offers Quality Coaching trainings from March until April and again From September until October. You can check out our Professional Development Calendar for dates and times.

These tools help OST providers monitor and improve program quality to better serve Michigan's youth.