Assessment
The Youth Program Quality Assessment (PQA)
is a validated instrument designed to evaluate the quality of youth
programs and identify staff training needs. It has been used in
community organizations, schools, camps, and other places where youth
have fun, work, and learn with adults.
The Youth PQA evaluates the quality of youth experiences as youth attend workshops and classes, complete group projects, and participate in meetings and regular program activities. For staff, the Youth PQA process is a great way to see what is really happening in their programs and to build professional competencies.
What does the Youth PQA assess?
- Safe environment
- Supportive environment
- Interaction
- Engagement
- Youth-centered policies and practices
- High expectations for youth and staff
- Access
Each domain contains items that focus on specific elements of best practice.
How does the Youth PQA work?
The Youth PQA is an evidence-based assessment tool. Evidence is
gathered through observation and interview. Program staff or an outside
specialist observe program activities, take notes, and then conduct an
interview with a program administrator. Notes, observations, and
interview data are used as evidence to score items. Item scores are
combined to create an overall program quality profile.
What do I need to get started?
There are three pieces to the Youth PQA:
- Administration Manual — describes how to assess your program and use the data you produce.
- Form A: Program Offering Items — is used to evaluate the quality of the program's youth experiences through observations of actual activities.
- Form B: Organization Items — assesses the organizational features of the program, such as policies and practices, staff development, and strategies for program improvement.
