Quality Rating 5: Program Assessment
Instructions
Programs published at a Quality Rating 5 will be contacted by MSDE to schedule an assessment within three years of publication and, typically, every three years thereafter.
To meet the requirements for Accreditation and Rating Scale: Program Assessment: ACR 2.5, you will upload a Classroom Assessment Scoring System (CLASS®) and, if applicable, School-Age Care Environment Rating Scale (SACERS™) Summary Report(s) completed by an MSDE-approved assessor(s) within the past 12 months.
Assessment tools are based on your program type and the ages of the children enrolled:
- Center Based and Family Child Care Programs will use CLASS® for children 3-5 years of age
- School Age ONLY programs will use SACERS™ for children 5-12 years of age
Program Assessment Conducted by an MSDE-Approved Assessor
Positive teacher-child interactions are a critical component of the quality of care provided in a program. By having assessments conducted, a program has the opportunity to identify teacher strengths and areas for improvement. This process is used to create individual staff development plans and ongoing program improvement. Meeting the requirements for ACR 2.5 involves having assessments conducted by MSDE-approved assessors for each age group in your program.
Programs published at a Quality Rating 5 will be contacted by MSDE to schedule an assessment within three years of publication and, typically, every three years thereafter. Over the course of the visit(s), an assessor will complete assessment score sheets; score sheets are uploaded into the Maryland EXCELS system and programs use scores from these assessments to develop a Program Improvement Plan.
Remember, Maryland EXCELS focuses on continuous quality improvement and supports programs through the process. That support is available from Quality Assurance Specialists (QASs) and Child Care Resource and Referral Centers (CCRCs) as programs engage in each step of the program assessment process.
What does the documentation look like?
You will upload the Summary Report(s) completed by the MSDE-approved assessor within the past 12 months.
Where can you learn more?
- The Environment Rating Scales Institute (ERSI) provides detailed information about the School-Age Environment Rating Scale® (SACERS™).
- Teachstone Find information and free webinars about the CLASS® Assessment.
