Iowa State University Extension

Problem:
Child care providers are committed to providing quality care for children. However, knowing what quality child care looks like is a challenging issue. It can look different in center program and family home settings. It also looks different when caring for infants and toddlers, preschoolers and school-age children.

Response:
Four environment rating scales are used nationally to document high quality child care in key areas. The scales validate strengths and identify areas that may need improvement. Providers learn to use the scales for self-assessment and program improvement while attending a four-session series on a specific scale. Donna Donald, Family Life Field Specialist, taught 14 ERS series (2-ITERS-R, 5-ECERS-R, 5-FDCRS, 2-FCCERS-R) from September 2005 through April 2008.

Impact:
Total participants numbered 161 and 151 completed an evaluation at the conclusion of the program. Participants indicated they understand the following quite a bit or most of the time. The knowledge showing the greatest change is listed first.

Before	Now	Knowledge
22%	100%	Understand how to use the rating scale to identify inadequate or minimal care.
23%	100%	Recognize how the Environment Rating Scale is used as a tool to measure quality.
23%	99%	Understand how to use the rating scale to identify good or excellent care.
25%	98%	Develop a workable Improvement Plan for making needed changes.
34%	99%	Clearly prioritize needed changes.
39%	100%	Identify specific strengths of my child care program.
43%	99%	Identify specific limitations of my child care program.

A three-month follow-up evaluation for five of the series (73 participants – 35 returned follow-up survey) yielded the following results:
27 - Completed a self-assessment using the book and score sheet.
24 - Completed an improvement plan based on my self-assessment.
33 - Made changes/improvements in my child care program.

Some of the changes made include:
• Let children do more on their own without my help – feeding, setting table, etc.
• Have information on child’s dentist now.
• Children have toothbrushes and brush after meals.
• Cots moved to provide adequate sleep space.
• Moved bookshelf to help define a “cozy” area and is also available for substantial part of day.
• Medicines stored in lock box.
• Began participating in CACFP.
• Installed touchless sinks and touchless flusher on stool.
• Now have a place for one child to go and be alone.
• Pre-K room arrangement completely changed.
• Built new fence and deck.
• Rearranged cupboards/closets/cabinets to safely store medications and cleaning supplies using latches.
• Restructured sleeping arrangement to separate cribs and create appropriate distances.

Contact:
Donna Donald
Decatur County Extension
309 North Main Street
Leon, IA 50144
641-446-4723
ddonald@iastate.edu