If you’re an early childhood education professional, you may already know how Quality First can support your early learning program. But quality care matters after preschool, too. School-age children benefit from strong before-school, after-school and summer programs.
These programs are known as out-of-school time (OST) care. They play an important role in children’s learning, growth, and well-being.
Strong school-age programs don’t happen by accident—they’re built with the right tools, support and guidance. The Arizona Center for Afterschool Excellence (AZCASE) offers resources and expertise to help programs strengthen quality and grow with confidence.
What is the Arizona Center for Afterschool Excellence?
The Arizona Center for Afterschool Excellence (AZCASE) supports high-quality, affordable out-of-school time programs across Arizona. AZCASE works with programs that help children and youth learn, grow and thrive during the hours they are not in school.
Because young people spend 80% of their waking hours outside the classroom, AZCASE focuses on improving learning and positive development during those critical times.
What exactly does AZCASE offer school-age programs?
AZCASE provides a range of supports to help OST programs improve quality and strengthen their impact.
Program accreditation
The Pathway to Accreditation is a supportive process that helps programs improve over time. It is not a one-time review. Programs receive step-by-step guidance, helpful tools and one-on-one coaching from trained AZCASE Guides.
Along the way, programs reflect on their practices, create a quality improvement plan, collect evidence of their work and complete an accreditation visit.
Professional development and credentialing
OST educators can access high-quality professional development, including webinars, conferences and the opportunity to earn a professional school-age credential.
The Arizona School-Age Credential is a meaningful way for professionals to build skills, strengthen their resume, and work toward leadership roles. Through flexible, accessible training and built-in support, educators are supported as they continue to grow and learn.
Free resources
AZAfterschool.org offers activity ideas, curriculum support, safety guidance, trending topics, a job board and more.
Funding opportunities
AZCASE shares information about grant opportunities for OST programs and how to apply.
The AZCASE Pathway to Accreditation is funded in part by the Arizona Department of Economic Security through the Federal Child Care and Development Block Grant fund. To register for an upcoming information session, click here.
Why get involved with AZCASE?
Partnering with AZCASE helps your program:
- Build staff skills through professional development focused on OST quality
- Show families your commitment to quality and continuous improvement
- Join a statewide network of programs dedicated to improving OST experiences for Arizona’s youth
Hear from an OST professional
Watch OST professional Jeremy King share how he went from an accreditation skeptic to a believer.
How do I get started?
Getting started is simple. Visit AZAfterschool.org to explore the standards, review resources and sign the Make It Count pledge. From there, complete the interest form and an AZCASE specialist will follow up to talk you through next steps and how to get involved in the Pathway to Accreditation program.