QR3 Program Assessment Requirements

Quality Rating 3: Program Assessment

Requirements

Let’s look at the requirements for Accreditation and Rating Scale: Program Assessment: ACR 2.3.

Review the requirements for your program type.

Some terms may be unfamiliar to you. Select the hyperlinks for more information.

Child Care Center

ACR 2.3: Program Assessment

Self-assessment(s) conducted for at least one classroom/designated space from each age group, as defined by the assessment tool(s), using:

Documentation to submit: Summary Score Sheet(s) from the Maryland EXCELS Self-Assessment or CLASS®; SACERS™ Score Sheet (first/last pages), if a school-age only group is enrolled

Family Child Care

ACR 2.3: Program Assessment

Self-assessment(s) conducted for each age group, as defined by the assessment tool(s), using:

  • Maryland EXCELS Self-Assessment: Family Child Care

Documentation to submit: Maryland EXCELS Self-Assessment Summary Score Sheet(s)

School-Age Only

ACR 2.3: Program Assessment

Self-assessment conducted using School-Age Care Environment Rating Scale® (SACERS™)

Documentation to submit: SACERS™ Score Sheet (First and last pages)

Key Terms

Self-Assessment:

Self-assessment is the process of evaluating and refining your program’s practices for ongoing improvement. Conducting self-assessments enables programs to identify areas of strength and to address areas for improvement.

Classroom Assessment Scoring System (CLASS)®:

An observational tool that provides a common lens and language focused on classroom interactions.

School-Age Care Environment Rating Scale® (SACERS™):

One of a series of standardized tools used to assess quality group care programs for school-age children (ages 5-16). The SACERS™ identifies a program’s areas of strength and areas needing improvement in the following categories: Space and Furnishings; Health and Safety; Activities; Interactions; Program Structure; and Staff Development.