OST Program Quality Essentials Series
This multi-session series focuses on the core elements needed to build and sustain a high-quality out-of-school time (OST) program.
What is the OST Program Essentials Series?
This multi-session series focuses on the core elements needed to build and sustain a high-quality out-of-school time (OST) program. Grounded in the LATT Network’s Quality Practices Guide and the Weikart Center’s Pyramid of Program Quality, the series explores how to create safe, structured, and supportive environments that promote youth engagement, interaction, and voice. Participants who complete all sessions (across one or multiple semesters) will earn the Quality Essentials Digital Badge.
Who Should Attend? Sessions are designed with front-line staff in mind. We encourage managers who want to elevate their youth interactions and bring insights to their teams to attend as well.
Sessions in the Series
Setting the Foundation: A Structured Environment
A great OST program starts with a strong foundation. You’ll dive into hands-on strategies for creating a safe, welcoming, and well-structured space where youth can thrive. From establishing smooth routines and creating inclusive environments, to giving clear guidance and setting consistent expectations, you’ll walk away with practical tools to make your program safe, structured, and ready for success.
Building Community: Learning & Growing Together
In this session, you’ll learn how to create a welcoming space where every young person feels part of the team. Discover fun games, icebreakers, team projects, and strategies to help youth cooperate, engage with different peers, and contribute their unique strengths.
Encouraging Learning: Your Role as the Facilitator
Research shows that youth learn best when they are actively engaged in the learning process. In this session, you’ll explore strategies to create stimulating activities that challenge youth while keeping them fully involved. You’ll also learn how to participate alongside youth, ask thoughtful questions, and demonstrate that you are listening—helping to foster an environment where learning is hands-on, meaningful, and fun.
In this session, you’ll learn how to create a welcoming space where every young person feels part of the team. Discover fun games, icebreakers, team projects, and strategies to help youth cooperate, engage with different peers, and contribute their unique strengths.
Reframing Conflict: Creating Calm, Safe Solutions
Conflict happens—but it can also be a valuable opportunity for learning. In this session, you’ll learn a step-by-step approach to managing conflict safely and supportively. We'll also revisit key strategies for maintaining a positive, engaging environment that helps prevent issues before they start.
Planning & Reflection: Curiosity in Action
Want youth to get more out of every activity? Give them a say in planning activities and time to think about it afterward. In this session, you’ll explore simple, hands-on ways to involve youth in planning, goal setting, and reflecting on what worked (and what they’d tweak next time). The result? Activities that spark curiosity, build skills, and leave them excited for what’s next.
Youth Voice: Empowering Leadership & Growth
What’s the best way to help youth make good decisions? Give them the chance to practice. In this session, you’ll explore how to elevate youth voice through meaningful opportunities for input, choice, and shared leadership. You’ll also learn how to gradually increase challenges, roles, and responsibilities—helping youth build confidence, strengthen decision-making skills, and step into leadership.
2025-2026 Session Dates:
Each session is in-person
Setting the Foundation: A Structured Environment
Wednesday, September 24, 2025
Wednesday, January 7, 2026 | 10:30 AM-12:30 PM
Spring 2026 Location:
Foundation Communities: M Station Location
Address: 2906 East Martin Luther King Junior Boulevard, Austin, TX 78702
Previous Locations:
Boys & Girls Club of the Austin Area Headquarters
Registration for each session will open approximately one month before the session date. This allows participants to register closer to the session and helps ensure those who sign up are able to attend.
Have any questions?
Email Erika at erika@arfoundation.org
Building Community: Learning & Growing Together
Wednesday, October 8, 2025
Wednesday, January 21, 2026 | 10:30 AM-12:30 PM
Encouraging Learning: Your Role as the Facilitator
Wednesday, October 22, 2025
Wednesday, February 4, 2026 | 10:30 AM-12:30 PM
Reframing Conflict: Creating Calm, Safe Solutions
Wednesday, November 5, 2025
Wednesday, February 18, 2026 | 10:30 AM-12:30 PM
Planning & Reflection: Curiosity in Action
Wednesday, November 19, 2025
Wednesday, March 4, 2026 | 10:30 AM-12:30 PM
Youth Voice: Empowering Leadership & Growth
Wednesday, December 3, 2025
Wednesday, April 1, 2026 | 10:30 AM-12:30 PM
OST Quality Essentials Digital Badge
What is a Digital Badge?
Digital Badges are verifiable electronic credentials that represent specific skills, knowledge, or achievements earned through training, education, or professional development. Unlike traditional certificates, digital badges contain embedded metadata that provides detailed information about what was learned, who issued the badge, the criteria for earning it, and evidence of completion.
Digital Badges can be:
Shared on professional networking sites like LinkedIn
Added to email signatures and digital resumes
Displayed on personal websites or portfolios
Verified by employers or other organizations through embedded links
What is the OST Quality Essentials Digital Badge?
The OST Quality Essentials Digital Badge is a credential awarded to participants who complete all sessions in the Quality Program Essentials Series (across one or multiple semesters).
This badge recognizes your commitment to building high-quality out-of-school time programs and demonstrates your understanding of core quality practices—including creating safe, structured, and supportive environments that promote youth engagement, interaction, and voice.
Digital Badge Example:
Examples of Digital Badges:
Professional Development: A teacher earns a "STEM Education" badge after completing a workshop series on integrating science and technology into curriculum.
Technical Skills: A program coordinator earns a "Data Analysis Fundamentals" badge after completing training on using data to improve program outcomes.
Certifications: A youth worker earns a "Trauma-Informed Care" badge demonstrating competency in supporting youth who have experienced trauma.
Program Quality: An OST professional earns the "Quality Essentials" badge after completing training on creating safe, supportive, and engaging environments for youth.
Digital Badges are increasingly recognized by employers as valid proof of professional learning and skill development.
How can I earn the Digital Badge for this Series?
How do I earn the digital badge for this series?
To earn the OST Quality Essentials Digital Badge, you must attend all sessions in the Quality Program Essentials Series. You have flexibility in how you complete the series—you can attend all sessions within a single semester, or spread your attendance across multiple semesters.
Attendance Tracking:
Your attendance is tracked across all offerings of the series
There's no time limit for completing all sessions
You can attend sessions in any order as they're offered
Example Completion Paths:
Path 1 - Single Semester: A participant attends all six sessions during Fall 2025 and earns the badge at the end of that semester.
Path 2 - Multiple Semesters: A participant attends Sessions 1, 3, and 5 in Fall 2025, then completes Sessions 2, 4, and 6 in Spring 2026. Once all six sessions are completed, they earn the badge.
Path 3 - As Needed: A participant attends Sessions 1 and 2 in Fall 2025, misses Spring 2026 due to scheduling conflicts, then completes the remaining Sessions 3, 4, 5, and 6 in Fall 2026. They earn the badge after completing the final session.
After Completion: Once you've attended all sessions, you'll receive your digital badge via email with instructions on how to claim, display, and share it on professional platforms.
Already attended some sessions and aren’t sure which sessions you've completed? Click here to track your progress.
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