Iowa State University Extension

Problem:
Quality Child Care Lasts a Life Time. Improving the quality childcare is one of the main program efforts in Iowa . According to assessments made through the Midwest Child Care project, Iowa ranks very low in quality child care compared to other Midwest states. Extension staff has been working with various partners to look at the quality of care within the state.

Response:
Iowa State Extension Family Life staff have been offering the Family Daycare Environment Rating Scale Training FDCERS- now called the FCCERS- for home providers to learn to assess their program and develop a child care improvement plan to strengthen their program.

Impact:
Following are quotes from two of the providers who have taken the course this last year.

“I am a child care provider in Northwest Iowa . In Dec 06 I was rated a 2 in Quality Rating System for child care providers. To get to the next level I needed to take the Family Daycare Environment Rating Scale training. I completed this training in May, did a self assessment and found that I really needed to do something to promote multiculturalism, and needed to find space for quiet time. After the self assessment, I purchased some multicultural materials and rearranged the environment so the children could have quiet places to be if they chose too. Iowa State staff specializing in the Family Daycare Environment Rating Scale came out and did an evaluation/inspection. I scored an overall 5.7 without any subscales below 2. In Jan of 08 I will be able to reapply for Quality Rating System and become a state rated level 5 (the highest level). Without taking the Family Daycare Environment Rating Scale training and having a specialist come in, I would not have been able to move up in Quality Rating System.” Amber Punt

“The whole class and process of the FDCCRS rating scale has been very helpful in the arrangement of my environment. The children in my care have benefited greatly by this new knowledge. I learned a lot from the class and will continue on my path toward a level 5 rating with QRS." Amy Bice Childcare Provider - Cherokee County

Contact:
Rhonda Rosenboom
O'Brien County Extension
Box 99
Primghar, IA 51245
712-957-5045
rrosenb@iastate.edu