Nebraska Step Up to Quality An Early Childhood Quality Rating and Improvement System #AQuESTT
Step Up to Quality Step Up to Quality is: Nebraska’s Quality Rating Improvement System
LB507 Voluntary for public schools and most licensed child care programs, both centerbased and family child care
Overarching Goals & Strategies • • • •
Inform Parents Promote Accountability Improve Effectiveness Strengthen Systems
Nebraska Early Childhood Professional Record System (NECPRS)
Step 1Requirements Director/Licensee • Complete Step Up to Quality Orientation • Create & Submit Program Profile in NECPRS
All Program Staff • Create & Submit Professional Record in NECPRS
Coaching • Evidence-based professional development approach • Quality improvement in program, teacher director effectiveness • Free and optional for participating programs
On-Site Observation & Rating Review • A choice of observational tool (ERS/CLASS) • Observations conducted in school year would suffice for Step Up • Observation takes place first • Rating Reviewer calculates points earned from ERS/CLASS scores achieved
Quality Standard Areas How do programs earn points?
Quality Standards Program Curriculum, Learning Environments, and Interactions Classroom/FCC Home Environment Curriculum, Learning and Staff Support