Happy Holidays from BAEYC: Is your membership current?

Just a reminder, since many of you are members. Have you encouraged your providers to join? QRIS is a NAEYC priority. See you soon, Andrea (Membership Chair and President-Elect)

Kidvision

Can certificates obtained from Kidvison be used as part of the requirement for the 6 hour curriculum training?

Tip Sheets on a variety of subject.

http://www.wccip.org/tips.html

Thanks to Mary Jean Woika from NSU for sharing this link.

"Top Ten" Ideas for "How to Develop Lesson Plans"

From the brainstorming session, during our QRIS joint meeting today, the group came up with this list of what needs to be considered during the lesson planning process. Keep in mind, each facility/provider is welcome to develop their own lesson planning process to be included in the QRIS Portfolio. Since we are hopefully moving toward a statewide QRIS program, and since we are already working closely with the other southern counties, it would help if everyone was on a "similar page" when thinking about lesson plans.

Here is what we came up with so far: When developing lesson plans, consider:
1) FL State Standards/Objectives: "color" coded or "down the side"
2) An Activity Title w/ brief description
3) Writing plans for the "subsitute teacher"
4) Individualized to meet the needs of each child
5) Group Sizes (smaller the better)
6) Age groups
7) Time Frame for an activity (briefer the better)
8) Procedures / Materials
9) User Friendly Format
10) Around Themes
11) Adapt at least ONE Interest Center to match the Theme
12) Stay Flexible during the activity
13) Participation is VOLUNTARY

Feel free to add your own ideas if I missed anything!

Form to submit for Developmentally Appropriate Curriculum approval

Developmentally Appropriate Curriculum Review Guidelines with Request Process

Florida gives parents, schools, and providers the right to choose which appropriate, scientific-based, and researched early learning curricula approach they use to meet state early education performance standards. This document is designed to offer assistance in making that choice.

The Early Learning Coalition of Broward County has identified the following curriculum components as important factors in determining whether or not an early education curriculum is developmentally appropriate. Any curriculum approved by the Coalition incorporates these components.

Definition : Developmentally Appropriate Curriculum
Developmentally Appropriate Curriculum, for the purposes of a review and /or approval, is defined as a set of written materials that:
 Is replicable
 May address the use of materials, scheduling, arranging the environment, and interaction between children and adults separately or in combination
 Includes more than activity suggestions and more than theory and pedagogy
 Is aligned with the Florida Early Learning Standards Birth – Five
 Is aligned with scientifically-based research
Guidelines
1. The curriculum is developmentally appropriate. It has realistic and attainable expectations in line with the most recent research on early learning and child development.
2. The curriculum has a Character Development component.
3. The curriculum…A. Promotes interactive learning among staff and children.
B. Helps children achieve social, emotional, linguistic, physical and cognitive goals.
C. Permits flexibility for children and teachers.
D. Encourages active learning through play and frequently allows children to make meaningful choices.
E. Fosters children’s exploration and inquiry, rather than focusing on "right" answers or "right" ways to complete a task.
F. Facilitates concept learning and skills development in an integrated and natural way. (Integrated thematic instruction)
G. Shows evidence from research of being based on sound child development principles of how children grow and learn.
H. Shows respect for cultural and linguistic diversity and allows and appreciates individual differences.

4. The curriculum meets all of the State of Florida School Readiness Performance Standards, including the following Domains:

A. Physical Health
B. Approaches to Learning
C. Social and Emotional Development
D. Language Development and Communication
E. Cognitive Development and General Knowledge
F. Motor Development
G. Emergent Literacy

5. The program has age appropriate activities and materials that promote the following experiences:
A. Construction (wood blocks, waffle blocks, bristle blocks, Lincoln Logs, etc.)
B. Dramatic Play
C. Manipulatives
D. Creative Expression (Art)
E. Language (Talking, listening, reading and writing)
F. Discovery/Sensory
G. Fluid Play
H. Music and Movement
I. Outdoors/Gross Motor
J. Computers (optional)

6. Assessment evidence (from multiple sources) is used to understand and improve learning by improving curriculum implementation and teaching practices.

7. Parent Involvement:
A. Parents are recognized as the child’s first teacher.
B. Parents are given letters about thematic units of study and each of the interest areas available in the program detailing the benefit to the child.
C. Parents are welcomed visitors to the program or classroom and opportunities are available for parent participation.
D. Conferences are scheduled to discuss the parent’s expectations for their children and answer any questions they may have about the curriculum.
E. Parents are knowledgeable about goals and assessment.

Definitions and Approved Curricula
Ages Birth to 5
(not to be confused with Florida DOE VPK approved curriculum)
Standards:
Florida has adopted performance standards for all children birth to 5 years old. The PERFORMANCE STANDARDS can be accessed on line.
Birth to Three Year Olds
http//www.floridajobs.org/earlylearning/downloads/pdf/birth_to_3book.pdf

Three, Four and Five Year Olds
http//www.floridajobs.org/earlylearning/downloads/zip/3-5_perf_stands.zip

Voluntary Prekindergarten Education Standards http://www.firn.edu/doe/earlylearning/perform.htm

Approved Curricula
A framework is a philosophical structure which can be used to facilitate the alliance of practices with performance standards. The coalition recognizes adherence to an educational framework as an indicator of high-quality early education programming. The research-based developmentally appropriate curriculum frameworks currently recognized by this coalition are:
Creative Curriculum®;
Beyond Centers and Circle Time Series;
High/Scope®;
La Petite Academy – Journey
Montessori*
Approved curriculum (ELC reviewed Pre-K only)
High Reach® Passports for Pre-K
Houghton Mifflin Pre-K
InvestiGator Club®,
Let's Begin with the Letter People® for Pre-K
* The name Montessori is not legally protected, and can be used by anyone, for any purpose; it is vital that anyone searching for authentic Montessori practices be aware of this. Check www.montessori.edu for more information.

Materials and resources Curriculum:
Within an appropriate framework, there are materials and resources that can enhance and augment developmentally appropriate practices. The materials and resources currently recognized by this coalition are approved as curriculum:
Building Language for Literacy®, DLM Early Childhood Express®, Doors to Discovery®, Funshine Express™ Opening the World of Learning™ WEE Learn® 4

Curriculum Review Request Process :
If assistance is required in determining if a curriculum meets State recommended curriculum criteria to add that curricula to this list, the Coalition invites providers of school readiness services, and VPK and curriculum publishers to enter into the curriculum review process.
Process to Apply for a Curriculum Review:
If you feel a curriculum can effectively demonstrate that it meets the curriculum criteria, as described in the Developmentally Appropriate Curriculum Guidelines, please submit a response addressing specifically how each guideline (1-7e) is supported by your curriculum. Submit it to:
Early Learning Coalition of Broward County
6301 NW 5th Way, Suite 3400
Ft. Lauderdale, FL 33309
The Coalition’s Curriculum Review Team will convene annually to review curriculum review requests. They will notify the requesting party, in writing, of the status of their application and any additional steps required to complete the process.

Curriculum Review Team Members:
Early Learning Coalition of Broward County System Partners Committee members which may include representatives from Broward County Child Care Licensing, Broward Community College, Broward County Public Schools, Family Central, Inc., Children’s Services Council of Broward, community early care and education providers, Nova Southeastern University and the Agency for Workforce Innovation.

Process to Have Curriculum approved by ELC

To enter into the Early Learning Coalition of Broward (ELC) curriculum review process you must:

1. Submit a response to the attached Developmentally Appropriate Curriculum Guidelines addressing each category and subcategory specifically with information about how the curriculum addresses each. For example, do not say: It is research based, but direct us to the research your company used to develop the product.
2. Submit response to guidelines to: Lisa Feeney, Senior Early Care and Education Program Specialist, Early Learning Coalition of Broward County, Inc., 6301 NW 5th Way, Suite 3400, Ft. Lauderdale, FL 33309
Upon receipt, I will review the submission and distribute it to the Curriculum Review Team to review. (The team meets annually to make decisions on whether or not to include submissions on the ELC list of approved curriculum.

You will be notified, in writing, of the committee’s decision.

School Age Quality Standards

Free School-Age Quality Standards Seminars Offered Statewide:
Now through December 2009, the Florida Afterschool Network (FAN) will be hosting 15 statewide seminars on the Florida Standards on Quality Afterschool Programs. Visit www.myfan.org for a complete listing of scheduled seminars around the state. These seminars are free to afterschool providers through generous funding from The Agency for Workforce Innovation's Office of Early Learning. FAN has also completed a companion self-assessment tool to compliment the Standards and is currently working on a 4-hour online training module of the Self-Assessment Tool. To download the Florida Standards on Quality Afterschool Programs, the Self-Assessment Tool or to register for the seminars visit www.myfan.org.
The Children's Forum is thrilled to serve as the training coordinator for the FAN Quality Standards seminars, and all questions can be directed to Jenn Faber at 239-489-4386 or jfaber@thechildrensforum.com.
Additionally, FAN has20collaborated with DCF on the development of an 8-hour online training featuring the Florida Standards on Quality Afterschool Programs - visit www.myflorida.com/childcare to learn more about this convenient training option.
Schedule of Seminars
August 22 - Jacksonville, FL
August 29 - Pinellas Park, FL
September 12 - Bunnell, FL
September 19 - Bradenton, FL
September 26 - Tallahassee, FL
October 10 - Ocala, FL
October 24 - Miami, FL
November 14 - Orlando, FL
December 5 - North Lauderdale, FL
and stay tuned. . . several additional locations will be announced for February - May 2010!
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FLAEYC Silent Auction

If you have items in good condition (art work, books, toys, classroom materials, etc.) taking up space in your closets/ garage/ etc., bring them to the QRIS 1/4ly Meeitng on August 27. Or, if you have a favorite shop that will donate a basket etc., I will be happy to schlepp them up to the FLAEYC conference for you and donate them to the Silent Auction. The Silent Auction Fund helps programs recover after natural disasters hit (Wilma, Katrina, etc.) Go to www.ecaoffl.org for more information.

Resource for Lesson Planning

This DOE website has VPK lesson plan ideas based on the performance standards.

http://www.fldoe.org/earlylearning/plans.asp

Personal Care Routines

A provider requested for the following questions to be posted:

i) Some staff members are unable to use bleach due to health concerns. The provider uses a product called “Germ Clean.” The label on the bottle indicates that it is effective bactericide, but does not indicate if it is a hospital-grade sanitizer. What is the best resource to determine is this will be acceptable for the ERS requirements?
ii) When using a hand dryer during the hand washing procedures, the staff understands that the faucet must still be turned off with a paper towel. They were wondering if there were specific requirements for drying hands with the hand dryer. Please provide the page where the information can be located.

Playground Safety

Please share with directors.

http://www.cpsc.gov/CPSCPUB/PUBS/playpubs.html

This website has all the most up to date playground safety information, which is used in rating for Quality Counts.

ITERS/ECERS materials correlations

You will find our new ONLINE COMMUNITIES for Teachers and Parents as well under the Free Resources Tab.
Click here:
http://www.lakeshorelearning.com/general_content/free_resources/planners.jsp?f=m or follow the path below:www.lakeshorelearning.com > roll over "free resources" tab > select "customized catalogs and correlations" > scroll to bottomI hope you find this useful and look forward to seeing all of you in September!
Thanks,
Joe GervaseRegional ManagerLakeshore Learning Materials

Health and Safety Resources

Shortcut to: http://www.iidc.indiana.edu/ecc/res-health.htm

Thanks to Mary Jean Woika

Portfolio documentation clarification - professional

Hi Everyone,

When working with directors on the portfolio, please advise them to provide documentation for only the highest level of education, and just one copy. We are seeing portfolios with both the training transcript AND copies of certificates for the same thing. They can save a lot of paper, not to mention time, by including just the transcript. We do not need High School diplomas unless they DO NOT have a FCCPC/CDA or higher. College tanscripts should be provided only to document ECE courses and/or attainment of a degree. Do not include foreign diplomas, only the translation and evaluation of foreign diplomas.

For inservice training and curriculum training, again, we need either the certificate OR the sign-in sheet, not both, but make sure the topic and number of hours are noted.

Thank you!

"Much of the Day" - ITERS-R

The provider requested to have the following questions posted to the blog:

i) The ITERS-R uses the term “much of the day”. When looking at the All About the ITERS-R, it referred the provider to page 7 of the ITERS-R. The provider read the definition, but was able to locate the statement that indicates the “much of the day” equals “20 minutes total.” Where can this information be located in writing? If it can be found on the Internet, please provide the link.

New Name

Hi Everyone,

I just want to remind you that we are now using the name "Quality Counts" to identify our QRIS program. Please start using it with providers so they get accustomed to the new name.

Thanks!

Organizing the Portfolio

This request actually comes from the QRS Secretary, Natalie Pinto:

1) Please do not put in-service hours certificates that are more than 12 months old in the portfolio.
2) Place the highest level piece of documentation (i.e. FCCPC, Dir. Cred., DCF Transcript) right behind the corresponding Professional Development form.
3) Put all of the teachers names on the Classroom Enrollment Form, so we do not have to mix and match the ratio/group size page. It gets very confusing when teachers are listed in more than one classroom! Are they within ratio or creating a licensing violation?!!!

Thank you for your assitance!

Primary language

If all of the families serviced by a provider speak English, will they be credited appropriately under Family Engagement, at the 5 star level if they do not provide resources in other languages?

A coach asks a portfolio preparation question:
In section 4.4 Curriculum, Star 2, page 12 of manual, what is the correct number of "lesson plans for three months that highlight each curriculum for all ages?" That is, does each classroom have to include 3 months of lesson plans? That would be 12 lesson plans per class. If so, does this number of lesson plans remain the same for Star 4 A and Star 5 (page 13 in manual)? Or, perhaps the intent was for lesson plans that are current, i.e. used within the last three months of submitting the portfolio. Please advise. Thanks.
Louise Marine

Full Rating Questions

A provider requested information on the following:

i) Full Rating Calculations
(1) After review the QRIS Manual, a provider has requested a sample of how they calculations are done. If possible, please post a sample, with numbers, of how the calculations are done. The coach didn’t want to compute a sample incorrectly.
ii) Will the assessors be at the exit interview?

Onsite Visits

Will there be two different visits after the portfolio has been reviewed? A provider received a letter stating "We will schedule your classroom visit next month, as well as an onsite visit to review lesson plans, child asessments and teacher evaluations." The wording led us to believe there will be two visits.

Provider Questions Regarding the QRIS Portfolio

A provider has asked the following questions posted for response:

(1) Will the portfolio/file box be returned to the provider once the Full rating has been determined and awarded?

(2) Since sheet protectors are no longer permitted, would the QIS staff prefer to have documents, such as staff qualification documentation to be stapled or paper clipped to avoid papers from being misplaced?

I am posting these questions for Janet Thomas

Questions:
Regarding credit for 6 hour training in curriculum would the following classes count for credit:
Family Central class; Why Children do what they do Linking behavior to child development

Family Central class; Kindergarten Here I Come

Handwriting without tears (2 hour class)

Child Assesment Orientation (2 hour class)

Brigance/Process of Interm Assesments

Training Certificates

This is a question from a provider:

Can certificates given at the VPK conference or VPK standards be used towards documentation for curriculum training?

Hand Washing - Dryer

A provider requested to post the question below:

Can air dryers be used to dry hands? If so, how does this impact the hand washing procedure?

Curriculum Approval

A provider would like information regarding the question below.

For schools that need to submit their curriculum for approval, who should they contact if the have questions while completing the form?

Curriculum training

Anita, In a response to a previous post, you responded, "Curriculum training is expected to be ongoing, at least annually, so this will change for programs that continue participating in QRIS." Does this mean that certificates for curriculum training that are currently over 12 months old are not counted towards the two and three star levels?

Provider Questions

A provider has the following questions for the QRIS blog:

i) For those programs that do not use one of the pre-approved curriculums and must submit the approval form and supporting documentation, will they have the opportunity to respond to questions and/or denial of their curriculum?

ii) How long will it take to review a curriculum that is submitted for approval?

iii) Once the portfolio is submitted, how long will the review process take if everything is in order?

iv) Once the portfolio is approved, how long will it be before the assessors arrive to complete their observations?

v) Upon completion of the assessment, how long should a provider expect to wait before the results are announced?

7.1 states that convenient means that routine car funiture is located w/in the room and is easily accesible. Children's cubbies should be located in the room so that children have easy access to space for their belongings and work.

I have a center that is concerned. The children's cubbies are not located in the general classroom but ar located where they take nap. Will they receive credit for 7.1?

Curriculum training

For centers that are interested in obtaining curriculum training - can all staff members attend generic training such as frameworks, lesson planning, or assessment, or should they attend separate, age-appropriate trainings such as lesson planning for infants and toddlers, assessment for preschool, etc.?