Center for Youth

David P. Weikart

Program Quality

introductionto the active- participatory approach

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table of contents

Youth Program Quality Intervention 2

Introduction 5

Foundational Theories 8

Current Research 10

Guiding Principles 12

Promote Safety 15

Provide Positive Supports 23

Create Opportunities to Learn 31

Create Opportunities to Lead 39

Youth Work Methods Series 47

2 | Send any comments about this guidebook or Method to: comments@cypq.org

the youth program quality interventionThe Youth Work Methods are a key part of the Youth Program Quality Intervention (YPQI). The YPQI is

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and improvement.

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set out to understand if the YPQI could improve the

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implementation of continuous improvement

practices leads to higher quality. At afterschool

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instruction improved both overall and in those

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continuous improvement practices may reduce

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afterschool systems and policies. Sites

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system funded by a state human service agency.

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quality improvement. The improvements set in

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after the intervention ended.

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6 | Send any comments about this guidebook or Method to: comments@cypq.org

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of a learning setting make a big difference in the

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Weikart Center research that the quality of settings

can be greatly improved by supporting staff to carry

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and youth. The approach is designed to organize

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and supported by current research on learning and

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Work Methods emphasize a skill or set of skills based

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children and youth. The guide focuses primarily

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Young people can thrive when they feel safe and supported to learn and lead.

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The Approach is rooted in the Positive Youth

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(a) youth have capacity to be positive assets in

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1 For timeline, see www.cypq.org/about/history

2 Also see: Pittman, K. J. & Wright, M. (1991). Bridging the Gap:

A Rationale for Enhancing the Role of Community Organizations in

Promoting Youth Development. Washington, DC: Center for Youth

Development and Policy Research.

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Young people can thrive when they...

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learning.

and supported

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be a primary strength of youth programs. Providing positive

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can do.

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and leadership roles in youth programs.

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Promote Safety Provide Positive Supports Create Opportunities to Learn Create Opportunities to Lead

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» Connections with the Youth Work Methods:"[!#/";$(&/"E$,F"G.&/$1"')"!"+!,&"$3"&/."@#&'-.4" " "

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most relevant Methods.

» Connections to Youth Program Quality Assessment (Youth PQA): The scales indicated in each section

provide quality standards that measure the application of each principle for programs that serve youth

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» Connections to School Age Program Quality Assessment (School-Age PQA): The scales indicated in

each section provide quality standards that measure the application of each principle for programs that

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