The mission of NCSS’s Quality Assurance Department is to promote START program fidelity and support the teaching of START practices to ensure they are consistent with NCSS’s mission and values.
The NCSS Quality Assurance Department executes this mission through the following actions:
- Clearly define and evaluate metrics for START service delivery through qualitative and quantitative review
- Participate in the development, implementation, and certification of START programs
- Develop, regularly evaluate, and review resources, tools, and manuals to support the effective teaching of START practices
- Collaborate with program development and training departments to ensure START programs are thoroughly trained in the application of START practices and tools
- Evaluate SIRS on a consistent basis
- Ensure compliance with START model guidelines through oversight, training, and regular communication with START teams.
- Conduct program evaluations and report outcomes to START program stakeholders.
