Younger Youth Program Quality Assessment

The Younger Youth Program Quality Assessment (YYPQA) is a next step for the Weikart Center in evaluating and promoting program quality in the after-school world. Based on the Youth Program Quality Assessment, which was validated in 2004 for use with middle and high school programs, the Younger Youth PQA focuses on assessing elementary programs. After 5 years of experience and over 1000 observations with the Youth PQA, the same concepts are now being adapted to be developmentally appropriate for younger age groups. 

Unlike the Youth PQA, the Younger Youth PQA utilizes a walk-through methodology where the assessor attends an elementary-age program in its entirety. This methodology gives the opportunity to observe more informal program elements, such as snack, outside time and homework help, that are vital pieces of the children’s overall experience in the program. The final score report then yields information about both structured activities and the separate program segments.

The YYPQA is currently in development with a planned release of February 2010.