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. The Youth PQA online Scores Reporter is a web-based data reporting application for entering scores, producing reports, and storing data over time.
What do I need to get started?
There are three pieces to the Youth PQA:
- Handbook — describes how to assess your program and use the data you produce. [see inside!]
- Form A: Program Offering Items — is used to evaluate the quality of the program's youth experiences through observations of actual activities. [view sample items]
- Form B: Organization Items — assesses the organizational features of the program, such as policies and practices, staff development, and strategies for program improvement. [view sample items]
In addition, the Weikart Center provides a range of training and personalized support services. To see how the Youth PQA fits into the Youth Program Quality Intervention, visit our Overview.
