Have a Happy and Safe New Year

And all of 2009 too!

Portfolio Due Dates

To keep things consistent we are establishing a due date for portfolios. We would like them in our hands, delivered to either our Coral Springs office or to Child Care Licensing, by the 15th of the month that the center is due for full rating. Classroom observations will not be scheduled until the portfolio has been submitted. If a program needs more time they should submit the request in writing, giving an estimated date of completion. A reminder letter is now being sent to each program one month prior to their due date.

QRIS Portfolio - Program Administration 3B

A provider is seeking information on the following question:

Should a completed sample or copies of each staff member's written performance observation be submitted with the portfolio? If only a sample, will the originals be reviewed on-site?

QRIS Portfolio Questions

A provider requested guidance for the questions below:

i) When staff members have foreign degrees that have not been translated and evaluated, how should the information be recorded on the professional development form?

ii) Curriculum Trainers
(1) What specific documentation is required to document that a person is qualified to present a particular training?

(2) Since local training is not being provided for most curriculum, such as Creative Curriculum, what trainings would be accepted at this time to meet the 2 and 3 star level?

Trainer/director qualifications

In the QRIS Curriculum meeting notes, the statement is made ". . . . must show evidence of what makes the trainer qualified to give this training." For our technical assistance purposes and in an effort to help our centers obtain the training hours that they desire to qualify for higher stars: what is a qualified trainer? Do you have to be employed by one of our main agencies? Do you have to have an advanced degree in CD/ECE? Do you have to be a certified trainer in that curriculum (EX: have attended a TTT from Creative or High/Scope)? I guess our bottom line question is: do we as TA providers qualify to give the trainings that the centers need to get to the two or three star level?

ITERS diapering procedure

I have a classroom where the trash can is not within arms reach of the changing table, because the children are just mobile and strong enough to topple it over with a push. The staff members place a plastic bag beside the changing table with the other supplies. The dirty diaper, wipes, and gloves are placed in this bag and the bag is thrown away after the child's hands are washed but before the changing table is cleaned and the adult's hands are washed. Is this acceptable? If not, can you suggest an alternate procedure?