Quality Rating 4: Program Improvement Plan

Requirements

Let’s look at the requirements for Accreditation & Rating Scales: Program Improvement Plan: ACR 3.4.

Review the requirements for your program type.

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

Child Care Center

ACR 3.4: Program Improvement Plan

Program has developed a process for continuous quality improvement informed by: Classroom Assessment Scoring System (CLASS®); School-Age Care Environment Rating Scale® (SACERS™), for a school-age classroom/designated space; Accreditation self-study; School readiness objectives; and program priorities.

Note: ACR 2 must be rated Met at a level 5 if seeking to meet ACR 3 at level 4.

Documentation to submit: Program Improvement Plan (PIP) and Statement of the Process of Program Improvement

Family Child Care

ACR 3.4: Program Improvement Plan

Program has developed a process for continuous quality improvement, informed by Classroom Assessment Scoring System (CLASS®), Accreditation self-study, school readiness goals and objectives, and program priorities.

Note: ACR 2 must be rated Met at a level 5 if seeking to meet ACR 3 at level 4.

Documentation to submit: Program Improvement Plan (PIP) and Statement of the Process of Program Improvement

School-Age Only

ACR 3.4: Program Improvement Plan

Program has developed a process for continuous quality improvement informed by SACERS™ assessment, accreditation self-study, and program priorities and goals.

Note: ACR 2 must be rated Met at level 5 if seeking to meet ACR 3 at level 4.

Documentation to submit: Program Improvement Plan (PIP) and Statement of the Process of Program Improvement

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 5-12). 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.