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Quality Infant/Toddler Child Care Initiative in
Scott County: Follow-up Assessment Results

Opportunity:
In January 2002, The Iowa Program for Infant & Toddler Caregivers (IA PITC) began offering 40-hours of community-based trainings through regional Child Care Resource and Referral offices. At the same time Iowa State University became involved in the study of child care quality with the Midwest Child Care Consortium comprised of Midwestern universities in Iowa, Nebraska, Kansas, and Missouri. The quality child care research studies expanded over time, as did the IA PITC. In FY 2005-2006 IA PITC added a 6-hour training series on using the Infant/Toddler Environment Rating Scale, Revised (ITERS-R) for self-assessment purposes. Iowa State University Extension was contracted to do these self-assessment trainings state-wide. From these beginnings there evolved a partnership between ISU Extension and IA PITC to improve the quality of infant and toddler care in home and center settings.

Response:
The Quality Infant/Toddler Child Care Initiative is a project funded by Scott County Empowerment. The purpose of this Initiative is to assist child care centers in Scott County in developing and implementing a quality child care plan for infant/toddler care. The initiative includes:

  • Establishing a base line for infant/toddler care at centers using research-based quality child care indicators. An observer meeting inter-rater reliability standards will conduct the assessment using the ITERS-R (Infant/Toddler Environmental Rating Scale, Revised) instrument.
  • Preparing a report and consulting with the center on the observation findings.
  • Assisting the center in implementing a quality plan using the expertise of early childhood professionals, utilizing a certified PITC (Iowa Program for Infant/Toddler Caregivers) trainer when possible.
  • Assisting in the selection of resources that will meet important needs in the child care environment.
  • Conducting a follow-up assessment of two centers who received observations and consultations two years ago to determine if there has been improvement in the quality child care ratings.

Impact:
Follow-up assessments show improved scores on the Infant/Toddler Environmental Rating Scale, Revised. The follow-up assessments and consultations were completed at two centers spring 2006 by an inter-rater reliable observer. Both centers met the project’s selection criteria of the center director and one or more staff completing the 40-hour, IA PITC training. In addition, at least one staff member from each center completed a 6-hour or 8-hour ITERS-R Self-Assessment Training and developed Child Care Center Improvement Plan. These centers also received at least 6-hours of technical assistance from a certified PITC trainer.

A comparison of ratings on 6 ITERS-R subscales – Space and Furnishings, Personal Care Routines, Listening and Talking, Activities, Interaction, and Program Structure – in 2004 with 2006 show improvements in the quality of child care. For one center the average scores improved in 5 of the 6 subscales with 20 of 29 Items receiving a 5 rating or higher on the scale. The other center’s average scores for 3 of the 6 subscales improved with scores increasing for 12 Items.

The average scores improved in Space and Furnishings and Activities for both centers. Major structural changes to increase the infant room space occurred at one center and the room for toddler care was moved to a larger space where there is natural light and improved ventilation in the other. These changes improved the indoor space for children, adults and furnishings. Both centers now have child-sized furniture for routine care and play. Room arrangements also improved by providing cozy areas for children and arranging equipment and materials so children can have easy access to them and sufficient space for play and exploration.

Both centers’ ratings improved in Fine Motor, Music and Movement, Blocks, Dramatic Play, Nature/Science. Children are now able to have richer play experiences because materials are more accessible, better organized, and include a wider range of age-appropriate toys, games and play props. It was also noted that staff are entering into play episodes with children more often.

ISU Extension provided the expertise for the ITERS-R observation and consultation process and the ITERS-R Self-Assessment Trainings. The outcomes described is a result of center staff increasing their knowledge and skills by participating in IA PITC, ITERS-R observation and consultation process, ITERS-R Self-Assessment Training, technical assistance, and through workshops and conferences. All improvements made to address the quality of child care through this process will have a significant impact on children and staff.

The long-term goal of the Quality Infant/Toddler Child Care Initiative is to continue this educational opportunity to include all centers that provide infant/toddler care. Scott County Community Empowerment will continue its support by funding ITERS-R observations and consultations, technical assistance and resources for centers to address identified needs. The IA PITC training will also continue to be offered in Scott County in FY 2006-2007.

Contact:
Wendy Peterson
331 E 8th St
De Witt, IA 52742-1736
Phone 319-659-5125
Fax 319-659-5126
Email wpeterso@iastate.edu

 

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Last update: August 30, 2006  
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