Vermont Afterschool is offering a 3-part Community of Practice series to support afterschool programs in Vermont through the STARS process. Participants are encouraged to attend all three sessions.
Session 1: Vermont STep Ahead Recognition System (STARS) Overview [Tuesday, November 12 5:30-7:30 PM]
Facilitators: Courtney Isham, Child Care Quality Program Administrator (Child Development Division), Dacia Ostlund and Kathleen Bray, Vermont Afterschool Program Assessment Specialists and Trainers
This virtual “Community of Practice” session will provide an overview of the STARS system as well as time for participants to ask questions about all things STARS. If you would like a chance to learn more and have time to discuss the STARS Process, the STARS Guidance Manual and STARS FAQ’s this is a great session for you! It will include an overview of the STARS Elements of Quality: Adult Child Interactions, Family & Youth Engagement and Responsive Practices.
Participants will deepen their understanding of the STARS process and elements of quality, and learn about the essential resources available to increase their STARS.
Session 2: STARS Observation Visits – What to Expect [Tuesday, November 19 5:30-7:30 PM]
Facilitators: Dacia Ostlund and Kathleen Bray, Vermont Afterschool Program Assessment Specialists and Trainers
Join us to learn about the Program Quality Assessment (PQA) tools, how to use them, and how to schedule an assessment visit to your program. You will leave understanding how trained professionals can observe your program, record their observations, and provide you feedback in revising or creating your CQI plan. This session will walk you through the steps of what to expect from an assessment visit and follow up steps for professional coaching and professional development.
Participants will leave with a better understanding of the PQA tools and how to use them, and will learn about the assessment process and next steps for coaching to improve quality.
Session 3: STARS CQI Plan [Tuesday, December 3, 5:30-7:30 PM]
Facilitators: Dacia Ostlund and Kathleen Bray, Vermont Afterschool Program Assessment Specialists and Trainers
Participants will meet with STARS Assessors from Vermont Afterschool in order to feel more comfortable with the CQI process. In this session, participants will discuss the Plan, Do, Study, Act (PDSA) cycle and how to use it to create a plan to improve program quality.
Participants will practice building CQI plans and using SMARTIE goals, and will leave with more knowledge of the Continuous Quality Improvement (CQI) process.
