1. 1 QRIS Environment Rating Scale Policy Development EEC Board Policy and Research Committee Meeting January 6, 2014

2. 2 Subscale Item

3. 3 Current Environment Rating Scale Policy

4. 4 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.

5. 5 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 Scale Policy

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8. Current Environment Rating Scales - Support and Assessment 8 Current Process Level 2Level 3Level 4 Program/ Provider ERS Self- Assessment EEC Program Quality Specialist ERS documentatio n verification (off site) Group/individu al technical assistance (off site) ERS documentatio n verification (on site) Individual technical assistance (on site) ERS documentati on verification (on site) Individual technical assistance (on site) Independ ent ERS Reliable Rater No RR visit RR Classroom Observations Proposed Process Level 2Level 3Level 4 Program/Pr ovider 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 Independen t ERS Reliable Rater No RR visit NO RR Classroom Observations PQS verifies ERS scores RR Classroom Observations Proposed Environment Rating Scales - Support and Assessment

9. 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) December 2013 PQS unit shared EEC Board discussion regarding the ERS policy with the QRIS Working Group January 2014 PQS unit presents proposed policy to EEC Board for decision/vote to adopt new ERS policy Policies and potential challenges are shared with the QRIS Working Group for thoughts and feedback February 2014 PQS unit in collaboration with input from the QRIS Working Group, develops a plan for sharing scores and granting level 3 ratings PQS unit begins sharing scores with field and granting level 3 ratings March 2014

10. 10 Questions and Comments