Human Relationships
a) Staff offer assistance in a way that supports a child's initiative.
b) Staff assist children without taking control, and they encourage children to take leadership roles.
c) Staff give children many chances to choose what they will do, how they will do it, and with whom.
d) Staff help children make informed and responsible choices.
5. Staff use positive techniques to guide the behavior of children and youth.
a) Staff give attention to children when they cooperate, share, care for materials, or join in activities.
b) Staff set appropriate limits for children.
c) Staff use no harsh discipline methods.
d) Staff encourage children to resolve their own conflicts. Staff step in only if needed to discuss the issues and work out a solution.
8. Staff work well together to meet the needs of children and youth.
d) Staff provide role models of positive adult relationships.
12. The daily schedule is flexible, and it offers enough security, independence, and stimulation to meet the needs of all children and youth.
a) The routine provides stability without being rigid.
b) Staff know where the children are and what they are doing.
c) Staff supervise children appropriately according to children's ages, abilities, and needs.
d) Staff closely supervise activities that are potentially harmful.
22. Children and youth are supervised at all times.
d) Staff plan for different levels of supervision according to the level of risk involved in an activity.
d) The staff are always prepared to respond to accidents and emergencies.
31. All staff are professionally qualified to work with children and youth.
a) Staff meet the requirements for experience with school-age children in recreational settings.
b) Staff have received the recommended type and amount of preparation. They meet the requirements that are specific to school-age childcare and relevant to their particular jobs.
c) Staff meet minimum age requirements.
d) Enough qualified staff are in place to meet all levels of responsibility. Qualified staff are hired in all areas: to administer the program, to oversee its daily operations, and to supervise children.
32. Staff (paid, volunteer, and substitute) are given an orientation to the job before working with children and youth.
a) A written job description that outlines responsibilities to children, families, and the program is reviewed with each staff member.
b) Written personnel policies are reviewed with staff.
c) Written program policies and procedures, including emergency procedures and confidentiality policies, are reviewed with staff.
d) New staff are given a comprehensive orientation to the program philosophy, routines, and practices. They are personally introduced to the people with whom they will be working.
33. The training needs of the staff are assessed, and training is relevant to the responsibilities of each job. Assistant Group Leaders receive at least 15 hours of training annually. Group Leaders receive at least 18 hours of training annually. Senior Group Leaders receive at least 21 hours of training annually. Site Directors receive at least 24 hours of training annually. Program Administrators receive at least 30 hours of training annually.
a) Staff receive training in how to work with families and how to relate to children in ways that promote their development.
b) Program directors and administrators receive training in program management and staff supervision.
c) Staff receive training in how to set up space and design activities to support program goals.
34. Staff receive appropriate support to make their work experience positive.
d) Staff receive continuous supervision and feedback. This includes written performance reviews on a timely basis.
The complete list of standards can be found here.
