What is the Value of the Assessment Process? How does it benefit my program?

What is the Purpose of Assessment? Traditionally, programs have been assessed to determine if they meet specific criteria to be considered “quality” Checklist Minimum Score Rating

What if? Assessments were used to tell us specifics about our own program to help us improve the quality of child care we offer? The score is not the end result but the starting point for quality improvement

The score of the assessment is not what should be focused on…

We need to focus on the information the assessment provides and how we can use it to improve!

Seeing where you “are” helps determine goals and objectives that are specific to your program. This makes the planning process for growth much more manageable.

What are some things you can learn from an assessment? What are my strengths and challenges? Do I have the materials needed to be effective? Am I making the most of routines and transitions? How frequently are children experiencing positive interactions And so much more….

Why Assess? Provides a “snapshot” of daily activities and interactions Reinforces the great things you are already doing in your program Provides you with direct feedback about actual classroom practices Provides important information about areas for growth

We know… On the day of the assessment… The children are going to go wild The toilets are going to overflow The class pet is going to have babies….

IT’S OKAY!

“It takes a lot of courage to show what you do when it is good, but even more so when it is not perfect” – All About the ITERS-R

Assessment Tools The assessment tools used in the Strong Minds program are: CLASS (Classroom Assessment Scoring System) ERS (Environment Rating Scales)

Child Care Centers The assessment tools used for child care centers are: Pre-K CLASS ITERS-R The Toddler CLASS may also be used for informational purposes.

Which rooms will be assessed? A random selection of classrooms will be assessed: 50% of the 0 to 35 month classrooms 50% of the 3 to 5 year classrooms

Pre-K CLASS Assessment Focuses solely on classroom interactions in three domains: Emotional Support Classroom Support Instructional Support Four, 20 minute observation cycles Outdoor time typically not observed

Toddler CLASS For classrooms where the majority of children are 15 to 36 months of age Focuses solely on classroom interactions in two domains: Emotional and Behavioral Support Engaged Support for Learning Four, 20 minute observation cycles Outdoor time typically not observed

ITERS Focuses on classroom environment: Space and furnishings Personal care Listening and talking Classroom Activities Interactions Program Structure 3 hour observation concluding with interview of lead staff Outdoor time is observed

Family Child Care Homes The assessment tool used for FCCH is: FCCERS-R

FCCERS Focuses on classroom environment: Space and furnishings Personal care Listening and talking Activities Interactions Program Structure 3 hour observation concluding with interview of lead staff Outdoor time is observed

ITERS/FCCERS Although not all components of the ITERS/FCCERS tools will be scored, each will be assessed to provide you with a more comprehensive view of your program

What comes next? Because there is no “one size fits all” approach to quality child care, these assessment tools provide information tailored to fit your program’s specific needs This information can be used to create goals and objectives to improve quality outcomes

You’re not alone! The Navigators of the Strong Minds program will provide a menu of services to choose from that will enable you to target those goals and objectives

Strong Minds Navigators Irene Apolinar (561) Natasha Smith (561)

For additional information… Please view “How to Prepare for the Assessment Process” and other videos on the website for additional informationwww.forumpac.com

Questions?