Iowa State University Extension

Problem:
The quality of child care available to parents in Northwest Iowa has been a concern of parents and professionals for several years. Efforts to address this issue where however not coordinated by service providers and often represented one time educational opportunities without long term commitment and follow-up. Based on this need a long-range plan was developed by the Iowa State University Family Life Field Specialist and the Buena Vista, Crawford and Sac Empowerment coordinator.

Response:
The plan that was developed included a long-range approach to learning. Initially funded was provided by the empowerment area to provide environmental rating scale training in three county grouping for both home child care providers, as well as center providers. Because Iowa State University is the only recognized facilitator of this type of training, the child care providers were able to utilize this class toward their work on the Quality Rating Scale system, a system to recognize and reward quality child care providers. Approximately thirty child care providers attended these trainings.

The second phase of the project included the Next Step study groups. Again, funding was provided by the empowerment area to fund two Next Step trainings in the three county area. This program consisted of a series of two-hour sessions where providers worked together to apply the appropriate environmental rating scale. It also offered the providers the opportunity to work through any questions that they may have and increase their understanding of the scale. Twenty four providers attended the two study group series.

The third phase of the project is currently underway. To address the individual needs of the providers, the empowerment area contracted with Iowa State University Family Life Field Specialists Rhonda Rosenboom and Eugenia Hanlon to conduct Environmental Rating Scale observations. Any provider who had completed the initial environmental rating scale training and the subsequent study group was eligible to participate. Once the observations were complete, the results were shared with the provider and empowerment coordinator in a joint meeting. At this meeting, goals were set for the provider to work on, with an expected completion date. Follow-up visits will be made with the provider by the empowerment coordinator to access the providers work toward the completion of their set goals.

Impact:
Seventeen providers have participated in observations. Follow-up visits are currently underway. Providers' scores on the environmental rating scale are averaging between good to excellent. Providers are reporting that the observations are providing them yet another learning tool. Additionally, they are reporting that the feedback from the observer is very beneficial in providing them with support and information to make positive changes in their environments. Providers are also reporting that they are now scheduling observations with the Quality Rating Scale observers because this process has made them more comfortable with the process.

ISUE Team Members:
Rhonda Rosenboom, Family Life Field Specialist, 712-957-5045, rrosenb@iastate.ed

 

Additional Team Members/Community Partners:
Annette Koster, Buena Vista, Crawford, and Sac County Empowerment Coordinator, 116 South State Street, Suite A Sac City, IA 50583, 712-662-3880

Contact:
Eugenia Hanlon
Calhoun County Extension
Box 233
Rockwell City, IA 50579
712-297-8611
ehanlon@iastate.edu