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

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

3. Current Environment Rating Scale Policy

4. Challenges Presented by Current ERS Policy
At all levels the environment rating scales contain between 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.

5. 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.

8. 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

9. 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…

10. Questions and Comments