Quality

Programs that follow the best practices in youth development result in better outcomes in youth, whereas low quality programs are shown to have an effect that is equivalent to not attending a program at all (Child Trends, 2010).

In 2010, in order to establish a common language for Quality, MOST collaborated with leaders in childcare, recreation, formal k-12 education and youth development to publish the first Maryland Out of School Time Program Quality Standards. MOST will embark on a process to update the standards and provide new resources by 2021.

MOST is currently working with our partners to increase program quality through the Maryland Youth Development Institute. The Maryland Youth Development Institute includes:

  • Online training through the CypherWorx platform
  • Learning Communities on STEM, Inclusion, and Career & College Readiness
  • Customized Technical Assistance and Training

MOST also builds the capacity of youth development organizations through our AmeriCorps VISTA program and by offering high quality workshop experiences with Core of Knowledge credit from the Maryland State Department of Education at our annual Maryland United for Youth Conference.

Visit our Youth Development resource page to find more program quality improvement strategies and tools.

students sitting around conference table writing