Nebraska Step Up to Quality
Nebraska Step Up to Quality Providing a Path to Higher Quality for Early Childhood Education Programs
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 center-based and family child care
Overarching Goals & Strategies Inform Parents • Promote Accountability • Improve Effectiveness • Strengthen Systems •
Nebraska Early Childhood Professional Record System (NECPRS)
Step 1 Requirements Director/Licensee • Complete Step Up to Quality Orientation • Create & Submit Program Profile in NECPRS
All Program Staff • Create & Submit Professional Records 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?
Steps 3-5
What is the process to move up?
Earning Points Child Care Centers Step 3 = 30-50 points Step 4 = 51-79 points Step 5 = 80-100 points
Resources • • • •
Program Guide Coaching Recognition Financial
Quality Incentive Bonus
*Programs entering at Step 3 are not eligible until they move up a Step.
AQuESTT Accountability for a Quality Education System, Today and Tomorrow A next-generation accountability system that supports and rewards continuous improvement for every child, school, and educator
The Six Tenets of AQuESTT
Working with other state agencies and statewide organizations, institutions of higher education, public schools and their early childhood partners in child care and Head Start.
• Engage families and community to support young children’s developmental growth and school success • Promote continuity from birth through grade 3
Support for teachers and directors of early childhood programs (birth – kindergarten entrance)
Research demonstrates that early intervention, early childhood programs and supports make a difference in return on investment as well as the overall success in learning, earning and living.
Using child assessment practices and data to inform continuous improvement and to engage parents and caregivers.
• Ongoing opportunities for staff and professional development among teachers and leadership in school districts • Access to materials, resources through the NDE Early Childhood Training Center
Questions & Discussion Please visit our website for more information: http://www.education.ne.gov/StepUpToQuality
@ Nebraska Step Up to Quality
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 center-based and family child care
Overarching Goals & Strategies Inform Parents • Promote Accountability • Improve Effectiveness • Strengthen Systems •
Nebraska Early Childhood Professional Record System (NECPRS)
Step 1 Requirements Director/Licensee • Complete Step Up to Quality Orientation • Create & Submit Program Profile in NECPRS
All Program Staff • Create & Submit Professional Records 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?
Steps 3-5
What is the process to move up?
Earning Points Child Care Centers Step 3 = 30-50 points Step 4 = 51-79 points Step 5 = 80-100 points
Resources • • • •
Program Guide Coaching Recognition Financial
Quality Incentive Bonus
*Programs entering at Step 3 are not eligible until they move up a Step.
AQuESTT Accountability for a Quality Education System, Today and Tomorrow A next-generation accountability system that supports and rewards continuous improvement for every child, school, and educator
The Six Tenets of AQuESTT
Working with other state agencies and statewide organizations, institutions of higher education, public schools and their early childhood partners in child care and Head Start.
• Engage families and community to support young children’s developmental growth and school success • Promote continuity from birth through grade 3
Support for teachers and directors of early childhood programs (birth – kindergarten entrance)
Research demonstrates that early intervention, early childhood programs and supports make a difference in return on investment as well as the overall success in learning, earning and living.
Using child assessment practices and data to inform continuous improvement and to engage parents and caregivers.
• Ongoing opportunities for staff and professional development among teachers and leadership in school districts • Access to materials, resources through the NDE Early Childhood Training Center
Questions & Discussion Please visit our website for more information: http://www.education.ne.gov/StepUpToQuality
@ Nebraska Step Up to Quality
