The research is clear that children and youth participating in out-of-school time programs experience positive outcomes in all areas of development, and decreases in high risk behaviors. However, programs must be high quality in order for children and youth to benefit from them.

The purpose of the Guiding Principles for Quality OST Programming  is to outline the path and specific steps that lead to quality programs, based on research and best practices in the education and youth development field. The Guiding Principles are recommended for: 

• Funders and Policy Leaders – to link funding and accountability to research-based, measurable outcomes.
• Parents and Families – to understand essential elements of high quality programs and to be able to advocate on behalf of their children and youth.
• Schools – to understand essential elements of high quality programs and provide a common language for collaboration.