Out-of-School Time Care (OST) Program

Characteristics of a Quality OST Program

A quality OST Program has the following characteristics:

• Goal setting and strong management;
• Quality staff;
• Low staff to student ratios;
• Attention to safety, health and nutrition issues;
• Strong involvement from families;
• Effective partnerships with community-based organizations, juvenile justice agencies, law enforcement and youth groups;
• Coordination of learning with a regular school day;
• Links between school-day teachers and OST personnel; and
• Evaluation of program progress and effectiveness.