Health and Nutrition

• Is water available at all times for drinking, cooking, and clean up? Is there a place for the kids to wash their hands before eating and after doing science and art projects?
• Are snacks and meals nutritious?
• How often are snacks and meals available?
• Are a variety of physical activities that are fun, age-appropriate, and inclusive of all students included in the daily routine?

Organization

• What are the goals of the program?
• Is the program based on child development research?
• Is the program tailored to specific community and neighborhood needs?
• Is the program well coordinated with what is happening at school? Is there communication between teachers and after-school staff? Is there time for homework to be completed?
• Does the program collaborate with local community organizations?
• Does the program encourage parental involvement? How many parent volunteers are there? Is there a parent volunteer requirement?
• Does the program engage in planned and continuous evaluation? Are there ways for the students and their parents to make suggestions about the program?

Program Staff

• Are the staff skilled and qualified? What kind of training have they received?
• Talk with the staff. How do they feel about children?
• Do students feel the staff are patient and fair?
• Do staff make a point to talk with parents regularly?
• What kind of background and credentials does the staff/director have? Has the director studied education, child development, or another related field?
• Are there opportunities for staff members to participate in training and staff development?
• Is the staff sensitive to diversity?
• How does the staff handle conflict between students? Do they give the kids a chance to work out problems themselves?
• If a child needs discipline how does the staff handle it? If a child is upset, are staff members calm, comforting, and sensitive?
• When a child succeeds do they offer praise and encouragement?
• Are children encouraged, but not pressured, to try new activities?
• Do staff members enjoy working with each other and treat each other respectfully?
• Are the staff members good role models and examples for students?
• Are there enough staff to supervise well and give enough attention to each child? (The National Association of Elementary School Principals recommends no more than 12 children per staff member.)

Space

• Is the environment inviting, warm, colorful, "cozy"?
• Is there enough space for students to move around without disturbing other projects and activities?
• Is space accessible to participants with physical limitations?
• Are there a variety of spaces (quiet spaces for study or rest, small-group areas, and large play areas)?
• Are the bathrooms clean and conveniently located?
• Is the temperature comfortable?
• Is there a clean, safe (protected from traffic and unwanted visitors) outdoor space?
• Is there enough well-kept play equipment for everyone?
• Are there adequate materials and supplies for activities?

Activities and Time

• Are a variety of activities offered (physical, cognitive, group, and individual)?
• Does the program emphasize social relationships by encouraging a family-like atmosphere?
• Are activities challenging for different age groups?
• Are activities flexible, fun, culturally relevant and linked to students' interests?
• Are new skills introduced as appropriate?
• Do the students have opportunities to make choices about how they spend their time?
• Are the hours of operation convenient?
• Does the program operate when school is closed?
• Is the tuition affordable? Is there a sliding scale based on family income?