“Afterschool” is often used interchangeably with “Out-of-School” time (OST). Out-of-School time refers to youth development programming that occurs beyond the traditional school day - including before and after school, weekends, holidays and summers. Programs are structured and offer a wide range of learning and enrichment activities that promote academic, artistic, physical, social and emotional development for all participating children and youth.

The goal of the Alabama Afterschool Quality Standards Project, an agreement with the Alabama Department of Human Resources and the Truman Pierce Institute (TPI) at Auburn University, is to assist school-age programs in our state to work with the specific needs of school-aged children. TPI offers professional development based on the Alabama School-aged Quality Standards to ensure children are provided a safe environment and quality programming during the out-of-school time. Through professional development and resources, we strive to advance the competencies of the school-age childcare providers to provide age appropriate, developmental activities to allow our youth to meet their potential.