1. Public School-Operated UPK Information Session

2. Goals Increase your understanding of QUALITYstarsNY Answer your questions and concerns about participating in QUALITYstarsNY Have you apply to participate!

3. Agenda Welcome What is QUALITYstarsNY? The implementation process The application process Questions and answers Survey

4. Watch the Video!

5. Standards For programs and practitioners aligned to the Early Learning Guidelines Quality Improvements Professional development to meet and maintain standards Data, Monitoring & Accountability For compliance with standards and revision of system Financial Supports Ongoing, adequate and linked to standards Communication & Outreach For consumers, programs, practitioners and funders Key Elements of QRIS

6. Design of QUALITYstarsNY Statewide and voluntary Standards that outline high quality program practices Points based on meeting the standards 5 star levels

7. New York’s 5 Star Levels Meeting basic standards Achieving satisfactory quality Achieving good quality Achieving very good quality Achieving excellent quality

8. QUALITYstarsNY Components 8 Assessments Quality Improvements Standards

9. The Standards Developed using information from New York State regulations for UPK, Head Start Program Performance Standards, assessment tools and other research-based sources.

10. The Standards 3 versions – Center/School-based care – Family home-based care – School-age child care (waiting final approval) All versions have four categories – Learning Environment – Family Engagement – Qualifications and Experience – Management and Leadership

11. The Points 360 possible points The percentage of points earned out of total points possible determines the rating

12. Points by Star Levels Applicant 10% - 39% 40% - 59% 60% - 84% 85% - 100%

13. Distribution of Points 25% 20% 30%

14. Observations Two main independent observation tools – Early Childhood Environment Rating Scale – Classroom Assessment Scoring System (CLASS)

15. Early Childhood Environment Rating Scale Used during the assessment process Used nationally and internationally as a valid and reliable measure of classroom and program quality Used in 23 other statewide QRIS

16. Classroom Assessment Scoring System (CLASS) Used in the quality improvement process Evaluate classroom interactions Assesses three domains of effective interactions: emotional support, classroom organization, and instructional support The CLASS tool provides a snapshot of the classroom interactions Support teachers’ unique professional development needs as well as set program- wide goals

17. Quality Improvement Quality Improvement Specialist Quality Improvement Plan Funds for resources Accountability and support

18. The Rating Process Site staff completes profile in Aspire Site submits standard self- study and documentation Site gets provisional star rating Independent ERS is conducted Site is assigned active rating Site creates a QIP and engages in quality improvement ERS information is incorporated into QIP

19. 2012 Implementation: Public School-Operated UPK Programs

20. Goals Goal: to implement QUALITYstarsNY in various regions in NYS SED funding to engage programs and providers in communities with Persistently Lowest Achieving schools Private funding to expand implementation Baseline ratings in 2012 and re-rating in 2014 Successfully engage programs in Aspire, New York’s registry of early childhood professionals

21. Participation Criteria UPK classroom(s) in a public school (operated by the school district)

22. Timeline Recruitment Applications to participate Sept. – Oct. 2012 Application deadline October 31, 2012 Selections Orientations Nov. – Dec. 2012 Standards Self-Study Jan. – February 2013 Aspire documentation due February 1, 2013 Standards Self-Study deadline March 1, 2013 ERS observations Quality Improvement Planning March – May 2013 Quality Improvement Summer 2013 CLASS observations Fall 2013

23. 23 Progress to Date Approximately 450 community-based programs have started the process Participants are currently completing Aspire profiles and the standards self-study 60-80 school-operated UPK programs across the state will be selected

24. Aspire Teacher and staff professional development record Training and support will be provided Needed materials include: – Copies of official transcripts – Employment history – Credential certificates – Training certificates – Teacher certifications One time submission plus on-going proof of PD

25. Participant Expectations Attend orientation sessions in Nov – Dec 2012 Staff enter qualifications and experience in Aspire and submit appropriate documentation Complete all required paperwork Work with Quality Improvement Specialists Proper use of funds and resources

26. Incentives and Supports At least $500 to purchase supplies and materials QUALITY Scholars for professional development including training and coursework All funds will be awarded in line with the Quality Improvement Plan Dedicated Quality Improvement Specialist support

27. Application Online application – Enter BEDS code number – Receive confirmation e-mail – Enter program information such as date opened, contact information, accreditation dates if applicable, enrollment information Deadline to apply: October 31, 2012 http://portal.qsny.welsfoundation.org/

28. UPK Selection Process Selections will be made in November 2012 All selections will be made by QUALITYstarsNY, not the recruiting agency School-operated UPK programs will represent a diversity of sizes and locations

29. Questions?

30. More Information Visit www.qualitystarsny.orgwww.qualitystarsny.org E-mail info@qualitystarsny.orginfo@qualitystarsny.org