HIGH FIVE®

HIGH FIVE® is Canada’s only comprehensive quality standard for children’s sport and recreation. Founded in 2001 by Parks and Recreation Ontario (PRO), HIGH FIVE® offers a holistic approach to healthy child development, based on years of research, and validated by experts in related fields.

HIGH FIVE® promotes the following five principles of healthy child development that research says are essential for quality programs:

• a caring adult
• friends
• play
• mastery
• participation

HIGH FIVE® empowers organizations to provide the best possible experiences for children in their sport and recreation programs through the use of these five principles.

Dovercourt is committed to providing quality programming for children. The HIGH FIVE® approach to child programming includes:

• Training and development for staff
• Program assessment using the scientifically-validated QUEST 2 risk management tracking and evaluation tool
• Establishing policies and procedures
• Promoting parent awareness of the benefits of high quality programs

HIGH FIVE® works because of its comprehensive, evidence-based approach to quality experiences for children. Through the use of HIGH FIVE® tools, like QUEST 2, quality becomes measurable, quantifiable and attainable. Organizations can identify areas for improvement with confidence, increase program satisfaction and enjoy the benefits of meeting an increasing demand for quality assurance certification.

Quality matters because research shows people are more likely to stay active for life if they have positive experiences in sport and recreation as a child. Through our national network of delivery partners, we address societal challenges like children’s mental health and physical inactivity, educating our sector on children’s cognitive, social and emotional needs.