Quality Rating 4: Program Assessment

Requirements

Let’s look at the requirements for Accreditation and Rating Scale: Program Assessment: ACR 2.4.

Review the requirements for your program type.

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

Child Care Center

ACR 2.4: Program Assessment

CLASS® and, if applicable, SACERS™ conducted by MSDE-approved assessor(s) for at least one classroom/designated space from each age group, as defined by the assessment tool(s).

Documentation to submit: CLASS® and, if applicable, SACERS™ Summary Report(s) completed by MSDE-approved assessor(s) within the past 12 months

Family Child Care

ACR 2.4: Program Assessment

CLASS® conducted by MSDE-approved assessor(s) for no more than two age groups present during the site visit (based on the number of children and their birth dates).

Documentation to submit: CLASS® Summary Report(s) completed by MSDE-approved assessor(s) within the past 12 months.

School-Age Only

ACR 2.4: Program Assessment

SACERS™ conducted by an MSDE-approved assessor.

Documentation to submit: SACERS™ Summary Report completed by MSDE-approved assessor within the past 12 months.

Key Terms

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.