Iowa State University Extension

Problem:
Child care providers are struggling to understand what quality child care is and how to provide it. Many providers want to improve the quality of the programs they offer but need guidance in evaluating programs and developing plans for improvement.

Response:
One hundred eleven providers attended sequential training facilitated by the ISUE family life specialist to improve their program quality using the Quality Rating Scales during FY07. The series consisted of eight hours of training on the use of the scale for self-evaluation and the development of a plan of action, using the standardized teaching plan approved by the Iowa Quality Rating System. Iowa Child Care Resource and Referral Agencies assisted in recruitment of providers and for some series, local Empowerment Boards gave additional funding. Two sets of the Family Day Care Rating Scale series were held in Marshalltown (8 completed) and Iowa Falls (6 completed). Three series of the Infant Toddler Rating Scale Training were held in Ft. Dodge (17 completed), Ankeny (19 completed) and Iowa Falls (10 completed). The School Age Child Care Rating Scale training was held in Des Moines (13 completed. Three sets of the Early Childhood Rating Scale sereis were held in Ft. Dodge (13 completed), Iowa Falls (8 completed), and Webster City (17 completed).

Impact:
In end-of-series evaluations, 55 stated they have a better understanding of the strenghts and limitations of their program. In follow-up evaluations recieved to date, 8 have completed a Child Care Center Improvement Plan. Ten have made the following improvements: added activities (7), changed room arrangement/space use (5), added outdoor play equipment/improved outdoor space (5), added displays for children (3), modified daily schedule (2), implemented handwashing policy (2), improved meals/snacks (1), and added labeling to toys/shelves (1).

Other Team Members/Community Partners:
Child Care Resource and Referral

Contact:
Cheryl Clark
Hardin County Extension
524 Lawler Street
Iowa Falls, IA 50126
641-648-4850
cclark@iastate.edu