What action should be taken if the program has never been assessed?

When a program has never been assessed, initiating annual assessments is crucial for establishing a baseline of quality and effectiveness. Conducting these assessments allows the program to gather data on various aspects, such as participant engagement, educational outcomes, and overall program impact. This information is essential for identifying strengths and areas for improvement, which can inform future programming decisions.

Annual assessments also ensure that the program evolves and adapts to the needs of the participants and the community, promoting continuous improvement. By committing to consistent evaluation, the program can track progress over time, make data-driven decisions, and demonstrate accountability to stakeholders.

While consulting external evaluators, inviting parents to form an evaluation committee, or focusing on promotions can be valuable actions, they do not establish a structured approach to assessing the program's quality. Starting with annual assessments lays a solid foundation for all subsequent evaluation efforts.