Iowa State University Extension

Problem:
Child care home providers are committed to providing quality care for children. However, knowing what quality child care looks like is a challenging issue. Using the Family Child Environment Rating Scale as a self-assessment and development of an improvement plan is a step towards improving quality. The providers need support and technical assistance from early childhood professionals to learn how to use the scale in this process.

Response:
ISU Extension conducted two, two-day training sessions to teach early childhood professionals (trainers and consultants) the basics of the newly revised Family Child Care Environment Rating Scale. Participants became familiar with the content of the scale, learned the basics of scoring, learned how to using the scale for self-assessment and program improvement purposes, and practiced using the scale in a family child care home setting.

Impact:
Thirty-two people participated. Their primary roles included: home consultant (16), nurse consultant (3), and other (13). They came from all five CCR&R regions: NW (6), SW (1), NE (12), C (2), SE (5) and undesignated (6). All completed an evaluation at the conclusion of the program. Participants indicated they learned the following quite a little or most of the time. The knowledge and actions showing the greatest change are listed first.

Knowledge	Now	Before
Explain common “stopping points” that limit higher scores.	97% (31)	6% (02)
Explain how key words and definitions are used in the scoring process.	97% (31)	9% (03)
Describe the ERS assessment process and report.	100% (32)	13% (04)
Describe how to use clarification notes for more accurate scoring.	100% (32)	19% (06)
Describe how a FCCERS-R self-assessment can be used to identify strengths and limitations.	100% (32)	19% (06)
Clarify how a FCCERS-R home improvement plan can be used to set goals and prioritize changes.	100% (32)	19% (06)
Accurately explain basic scoring rules.	97% (31)	19% (06)
Demonstrate how to accurately calculate average subscale scores and overall scores.	100% (32)	22% (07)

 

Comments/what you plan to do as a result of this workshop:

• Better able to answer questions from providers. Have an understanding of what’s going on. Very beneficial training.

• Be able to better understand child care home process toward developing a quality program. Better describe what quality looks like.

• Use the “theory” to help providers improve quality. Be able to discuss with providers who are using the tool. Being able to do mock assessment if needed or asked. Possibly be a tool to assist ISU with clarification of self assessment.

• Use the indicators and clarifications to assist in assessing homes. Plan to have the book with me as a reference material.

• Encourage more providers to obtain higher QRS levels by completing FCCERS.

• Continue consultation with child care providers in order to improve the quality care. • Helping my providers with any questions that go with this.

• Good examples in class of stopping points. It was great to go into the homes to do the scoring. Use this info with providers to build upon their strengths, how to help them know what to use for goals.

Additional ISUE Extension Staff:
Sharon Mays, Family Life Field Specialist, Grace Aiton, Melissa Thorson

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