Continuous Quality Improvement

Table of Contents
The Framework

A high-quality program implements effective administrative practices, makes decisions based on data, and regularly evaluates and improves the program to make sure it delivers positive and lasting impact.

Indicators:

  • The program asks staff, youth, and families what they think about activities and their experiences and uses this feedback to make meaningful improvements.
  • The program regularly checks how well things are working by looking at staff performance, youth outcomes and engagement, and family satisfaction using tools such as surveys, observations, and other methods.
  • The program collects information, like attendance, youth feedback, and activity results, to make choices about what to keep, change, or improve.
  • The program leaders think ahead about funding and resources needed to support ongoing improvements and sustain program quality. 

How to start or improve:

Texas Standards of High-Quality Out of School Time Programs

Standard Category 7: Program Evaluation and Continuous Improvement ensures programs use quantitative and qualitative data, such as evaluations and stakeholder feedback, to stay responsive to community needs and drive continuous improvement. Findings directly inform organizational goals and priorities across both program design and implementation.

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Texas Partnership for Out of School Time (TXPOST)
Jenny McClure, Director of Programs
jenny@txpost.org

The YPQI emphasizes the importance of the youth experience by focusing on key quality domains, including safe environments, supportive relationships, meaningful interactions, and active engagement. Using tools like the Program Quality Assessment, programs collect data to inform decision-making and strengthen staff practices. Overall, YPQI helps organizations move beyond basic compliance to a more intentional, data-driven approach that promotes continuous growth and improved outcomes for youth.

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Out 2 Learn (United Way of Greater Houston)
Yolanda Smith, Quality Program Manager
ysmith@unitedwayhouston.org

The AQuA tool equips programs with the tools and practices to set goals, collect and analyze data, incorporate stakeholder feedback, and continuously improve program quality and outcomes.

Dallas Afterschool
Olga Gonzalez, Vice President of Program Services
ogonzalez@dallasafterschool.org

6DQ itself is a quality reflection and improvement tool—equipping staff to assess facilitation quality, youth engagement, and learning conditions using clear, observable indicators. It supports ongoing reflection, shared learning, and continuous adjustments to strengthen program quality. The emphasis on feedback, assessment, and collaborative improvement aligns directly with CQI practices.

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Big Thought
Inquiries can be made using the form on the page linked to below.
https://www.bigthoughtinstitute.org/contact-us

One section of the Quality Practices Guide highlights the key components of how organizations can engage in Continuous Quality Improvement (CQI) to ensure the continued success of their programs. It also includes a variety of CQI resources, both online and in-person trainings offered by the Learn All The Time Network.

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Learn All The Time Network (Andy Roddick Foundation)
Marisa Zappone, Learn All The Time Network Director
marisa@arfoundation.org