QRIS Environment Rating Scale Policy Revision EEC Board Meeting January 14, 2014

Subscale Item Walk through this page to demonstrate topics we will be discussing. Provide each participant with a copy to refer to throughout presentation

Current Environment Rating Scale Policy

Challenges Presented by Current ERS Policy At all levels the environment rating scales contain between 39-43 items. If any one of these items falls below the QRIS Level requirements, EEC is unable to grant the program’s/provider’s level. The current scoring requirement of a 3, 5 or 6 on all individual ERS items, is not necessarily indicative of low program quality. For example, some programs/providers may score low on an item because, as a result of bussing, they have limited greetings and departures with family members. Facility and program structure limitations are a barrier for some programs. For example, if a facility does not have an adult only dedicated restroom, they cannot meet the QRIS Level 2 requirements. Certain subscales are more directly linked to child outcomes. The current ERS policy does not address this in any way.

Proposed Environment Rating Scale Policy Current Environment Rating Scale Policy Proposed Environment Rating Scale Policy * See sample “Environment Rating Scale Reliable Rater Visit Report” to review a list of subscales and proposed score requirements.

Current Environment Rating Scales - Support and Assessment Proposed Environment Rating Scales - Support and Assessment Current Process Level 2 Level 3 Level 4 Program/Provider ERS Self-Assessment EEC Program Quality Specialist ERS documentation verification (off site) Group/individual technical assistance (off site) ERS documentation verification (on site) Individual technical assistance (on site) Independent ERS Reliable Rater No RR visit RR Classroom Observations Proposed Process Level 2 Level 3 Level 4 Program/Provider ERS Self-Assessment EEC Program Quality Specialist ERS documentation verification (off site) Group/individual technical assistance (off site) ERS documentation verification (on site) Individual technical assistance (on site) ERS documentation Verification (off site) Individualized Technical Assistance (small groups/off site) Referral made for RR visit Independent ERS Reliable Rater No RR visit NO RR Classroom Observations PQS verifies ERS scores RR Classroom Observations

Vetting Process and Timeline for ERS Policy Implementation PQS unit presented proposal to EEC Board Policy Committee and EEC Board (including feedback from the field: QRIS Working Group meetings in October and November) PQS unit in collaboration with input from the QRIS Working Group, develops a plan for sharing scores and granting level 3 ratings PQS unit presents proposed policy to EEC Board for decision/vote to adopt new ERS policy December 2013 January 2014 February 2014 March 2014 Policies and potential challenges are shared with the QRIS Working Group for thoughts and feedback PQS unit shared EEC Board discussion regarding the ERS policy with the QRIS Working Group PQS unit begins sharing scores with field and granting level 3 ratings Be prepared to fill in the gaps with further detail if necessary. For example: sharing about exploring the research around how other states interact with the Environment Rating Scales around score expectations: Subscale expectations rather than individual item expectations…

Questions and Comments