This guide is intended to help cities strengthen and sustain quality afterschool programs by using an emerging practice known as a quality improvement system (QIS). The guide explains how to start building a QIS or how to further develop existing efforts and features case studies of six communities' QIS.
- Observation: The components of an effective QIS include a shared definition of quality, a lead organization, engaged stakeholders, a continuous improvement model, information systems, guidelines and incentives for participation, and adequate resources.
- Observation: The three broad stages of development are: 1) Plan and Engage by assessing readiness, forming a workgroup, engaging stakeholders, identifying a lead organization, and defining quality; 2) Design and Build the continuous improvement model and develop system supports; 3) Adjust and Sustain the system by refining the model, building capacity, evaluating, and embedding.