What does Standard 7 focus on in afterschool programs?

Standard 7 emphasizes the importance of evaluating the mission and goals of afterschool programs. This standard focuses on ensuring that programs not only articulate their mission clearly but also engage in regular assessments to determine how effectively they are achieving their objectives. Evaluation is essential because it helps programs understand their impact, make informed decisions, and implement improvements based on data-driven insights. By regularly reviewing mission and goals, afterschool programs can adapt to the changing needs of the communities they serve, ensure that their activities align with their stated goals, and enhance the overall quality of the program.

The other options, while important in their own right, do not encapsulate the primary focus of Standard 7. Community partnerships, staff training, and compliance with safety regulations are all critical components of a quality afterschool program but are addressed under different standards that prioritize operational effectiveness and safety rather than the evaluation of program objectives.