ECERS-R February 2013 Rev. Page 1 of 8

Transcription

1 Delaware Stars for Early Success Delaware Institute for Excellence in Early Childhood 111 Alison West, University of Delaware Newark, DE (302) ECERS-R Clarifications Please read: The following are required to be completed as components of the Delaware Stars assessments using the Environment Rating Scales. These requirements include information from Delacare Rules, additional notes that provide added information identified by Delaware Stars to be included in assessments not already identified by Delacare or the ECERS-R, and explanations from the All About Book. In cases where Delacare Rules go beyond what the scales or All About Books require, Delaware Stars will defer to Delacare Rules. If Delaware Stars clarifications and the author s notes differ, Delaware Stars clarifications shall be followed. Other information and author s notes to the scales can be found online on the Environment Rating Scales Institute website, ( Procedures references are made in bold throughout the document and can be found on the DIEEC website ( under Delaware Stars. Overall The Early Childhood Environment Rating Scale-Revised will be used when assessing groups of children 36 months up to Kindergarten. The additional notes from ERSi regarding the bleach/water solutions used as a sanitizer or disinfectant remaining on the surface for at least 2 minutes to be given credit will not be followed. Although this is best practice, Delaware Stars will not be enforcing at this time. Refer to Maintaining Sanitary Conditions. The additional notes from ERSi regarding the functions of cleaning, sanitizing and disinfecting in General Notes will not be followed. Refer to Maintaining Sanitary Conditions. The term, Substantial Portion of the Day is used throughout the scale. To receive credit, the activities must occur throughout the day, not just very early in the morning at opening and late in the afternoon at closing. Credit will be given if the Substantial Portion of the Day calculation is within 5 minutes of the required amount of time. The additional notes from ERSi regarding a change to the Explanation of Terms Used Throughout the Scale for hand washing will not be followed. Delacare requires hands to be washed with soap and running water. Refer to the Delaware Stars Hand Washing Procedure. #1 Indoor space 1.1, 3.1 In evaluating the adequacy of indoor space, consider the maximum number of children and adults who may use the space on any day. 1.3, 3.3 Three or less minor repair problems equal good repair. ECERS-R February 2013 Rev. Page 1 of 8

2 #2 Furniture for routine care, play, and learning 1.1, 3.1 There must be enough furniture for the maximum number of children allowed. #3 Furnishings for relaxation and comfort 5.1, 5.2, 7.1 Cozy area must be defined, not flow into other activities and must not be in a traffic area. Small stuffed animals do not count as furnishings in providing a substantial amount of softness. #4 Room arrangements for play 7.3 Materials should be changed in most centers at least monthly. There should be materials to rotate into almost all centers, with no more than one exception. #7 Space for gross motor play Refer to the Playground Guidelines published by the Environment Rating Scale Institute for use with the ERS. 7.1 The term surface generally means the covering on the ground outdoors where children can carry out their active physical play. In order to give credit for 2 or more types of surfacing, the spaces must enable children to participate successfully in different types of active play. Additionally, the surface must be large enough to permit a type of play without much interruption from other activities. Each must be experienced daily. #8 Gross motor equipment Refer to the Playground Guidelines published by the Environment Rating Scale Institute for use with the ERS. #10 Meals/snacks 3.1 Drinking water is required to be offered between feedings to children who are consuming solid foods. If the children are all physically and developmentally able to see, access and pour water in their cup then having it out and available would meet the requirement of offered ; otherwise, there would need to be a verbal and/or physical offering on behalf of the staff. 1.2, 3.2 Delacare requires that all food must meet the requirements of the Delaware CACFP Meal Pattern Requirements and Policies (Rule #345). If the children are physically and developmentally able to see, access and serve themselves the food then having it out and available on the table would meet the requirement of served ; otherwise, there would need to be a verbal and/or physical offering/serving on behalf of the staff. 1.3, 3.3 The additional note from ERSi regarding three important health practices will not be implemented. Refer to Maintaining Sanitary Conditions and Delaware Stars Hand Washing Procedure. ECERS-R February 2013 Rev. Page 2 of 8

3 The additional notes from ERSi regarding a change to the Explanation of Terms Used Throughout the Scale for hand washing will not be followed. Delacare requires hands to be washed with soap and running water. Refer to the Delaware Stars Hand Washing Procedure. Sanitary conditions include (but are not limited to) knowledge and practice of 1) proper hand washing and 2) use of proper mixing components for sanitation. Refer to the Delaware Stars Hand Washing Procedures. Please note that the hand washing procedures are adapted from Delacare Rules and the ERS, but also include a step identified by Delaware Stars. Refer to Maintaining Sanitary Conditions for additional information. If children touch food or finger feed themselves during meals, then they must have their hands washed after eating to prevent the growth of germs and contamination of the many surfaces around the classroom. Faces should also be wiped. #11 Nap/rest 1.2, 3.2, 5.3 Children sleeping on cots or mats must sleep head-to-foot so that they alternate body positions as a health precaution identified by Delacare (Rule #228). The ERSi additional note regarding spacing of cots/mats will not be followed. 3.2 Refer to Maintaining Sanitary Conditions for additional information. #12 Toileting/diapering The ERSi additional note regarding changes to the diapering procedures will not be followed. Refer to the Diapering Procedure for Centers and Toilet Training Procedure for Centers issued by Delaware Stars. The ERSi additional note regarding the Pull-up procedure will not be followed. Refer to the Toilet Training Procedure for Centers issued by Delaware Stars. 1.1, 3.1 Refer to Maintaining Sanitary Conditions for additional information. Refer to the Diapering Procedure for Centers and the Toilet Training Procedure for Centers issued by Delaware Stars. Additionally, refer to the Delaware Stars Hand Washing Procedure. Please note that the hand washing procedures are adapted from Delacare Rules and the ERS, but also include a step identified by Delaware Stars. 1.3, 3.3 The additional notes from ERSi regarding a change to the Explanation of Terms Used Throughout the Scale for hand washing will not be followed. Delacare requires hands to be washed with soap and running water. Refer to the Delaware Stars Hand Washing Procedure. Please note that the hand washing procedures are adapted from Delacare Rules and the ERS, but also include a step identified by Delaware Stars. ECERS-R February 2013 Rev. Page 3 of 8

4 #13 Health practices 1.1, 3.2 Refer to Maintaining Sanitary Conditions for additional information. 1.1, 3.1 The additional notes from ERSi regarding a change to the Explanation of Terms Used Throughout the Scale for hand washing will not be followed. Delacare requires hands to be washed with soap and running water. Refer to the Delaware Stars Hand Washing Procedure. Please note that the hand washing procedures are adapted from Delacare Rules and the ERS, but also include a step identified by Delaware Stars. #14 Safety practices 1.1, 1.2, 3.1 Refer to Common Safety Hazards for additional information. Items labeled, Keep out of reach of children (KOR) that are not locked away, will be counted based on location. For example, multiple KOR items located on one shelving unit or in one cabinet will count as one major safety hazard, regardless if they are different types of items. 1.1 If there are 2 or more major safety hazards and/or 5 or more minor safety hazards, 1.1 will score yes. 1.2 If there are 2 or more major safety hazards and/or 6 or minor safety hazards, 1.2 will score yes. 3.1 For 3.1 to be scored Yes there must not be any major safety hazards indoors and outdoors. There must also be less than 6 minor safety hazards. 3.2 Ratios must be maintained at all times. There must not be any serious lapses in supervision (lax supervision in hazardous situations or over ratio or group size) or six or more minor lapses. #15 Books and pictures 5.2 Some additional language materials used daily means that at least two materials, in addition to books, that encourage language learning are accessible daily. 7.1 Some books must be rotated or added at least monthly. #16 Encouraging children to communicate 3.1 Some activities mean that throughout the observation, at least four instances must be observed during the observation, some during group time and some during free play. 5.2 Materials must be found in at least 3 interest centers. #18 Informal use of language 7.1, 7.2 Several instances include three or more. #19 Fine motor 7.1 Some toys must be rotated at least monthly. ECERS-R February 2013 Rev. Page 4 of 8

5 #20 Art Food is not an appropriate substitute because it is unsanitary, confusing to children, and poses a conflict regarding use and waste of food. No credit will be given for art that uses food. #21 Music/movement 1.1, 3.1, 5.1, 7.1, 7.2 Food used to create musical instruments is not an appropriate substitute because it is unsanitary, confusing to children, and poses a conflict regarding use and waste of food. No credit will be given for musical instruments that contain food. 1.2 Loud music interferes with ongoing activities when the children and staff have a difficult time hearing one another and also may prevent children from being calm. If people in the classroom are forced to speak loudly to be heard, or if music seems to be adding to a chaotic atmosphere in the room, then the loud music interferes with ongoing activities. #22 Blocks Any materials depicting violence/frightening images will not receive credit. To be considered as blocks, the majority of sides must measure at least For blocks to be considered a set there must be at least 15 blocks of one type. Enough materials for at least two children must include at least 15 blocks of one type and at least 5 accessories of any type(s). 5.1 Enough blocks and accessories for at least three children must include at least 2 sets of 15 blocks each or 1 set of 30 blocks. In addition there must be at least 10 accessories of two types. 7.1 There must be at least two types of blocks (each with at least 15 each) and a variety of accessories that includes at least 5 people, 5 transportation/signs and 5 animals. #23 Sand/water 1.1, 3.1, 5.1, 7.1 Food is not an appropriate substitute for sand or water play because it is unsanitary, confusing to children, and poses a conflict regarding use and waste of food. No credit will be given for sand/water activities when food is used. 3.2 Some refers to at least two or more toys. 5.2 A variety includes at least two accessible toys per child using the table (based on the maximum number allowed to play at one time if not observed) and at least 3 skills must be evident in the use of the materials (for example, scooping, sifting, and pouring). 7.1 Weather permitting means that children should go outside every day, unless there is active precipitation or public announcements that advise people to remain indoors. In addition to the weather permitting guidelines specified above, dangerous weather conditions that could potentially be harmful to children will also be acceptable reasons for not going outside, such as threat of severe weather (ex. hurricanes, tornadoes, thunder storms). ECERS-R February 2013 Rev. Page 5 of 8

6 #24 Dramatic play Any materials depicting violence/frightening images will not receive credit. Dolls may include baby dolls, dolls representing adults, small dolls for doll-houses, paper dolls, wooden dolls, people figures to use with blocks or building sets and dolls showing racial diversity. 3.1 Some refers to at least two examples that allow children to act out family roles including dressups, housekeeping props, and/or dolls. 5.1 Having gender- specific clothing does not mean that only boys can wear male examples, and only girls can wear female examples. However, since children are developing gender-role identity during the pre-school years, they require concrete examples of dress-ups that are associated with being men or women. Materials that are gender-specific are those props and dress-ups that resemble or are what either a male or female would wear. These materials do not include community helpers or job specific clothing such as hard hats, uniforms, and sports wear that are not gender-specific. Examples of male dress-ups or props include shoes, suit jacket and vest, clip-on ties, and pants or shorts. Examples of female dress-ups or props include shoes, dress, blouse, purse, and pants or shorts. There must be at least one gender-specific dress up for males and at least one gender-specific dress up for females. 7.1 Materials must be rotated for variety at least monthly. 7.2 There must be at least two examples observed. The examples of diversity must be obvious to the children and in the room used most of the time by them. Examples must show a contrast. For instance, one poster showing children of many races is counted as one example; two baby dolls of different races also count as one example, because they represent one contrast. 7.3 Dramatic play props for use outdoors or in a large uncrowded space indoors, must be accessible daily 7.4 Materials must be used at least monthly. All three requirements are not required each month, but at least two trips must be provided in a year. All must be related to the materials children can use in their dramatic play. #25 Nature/science 5.1 There must be a minimum of three examples (without variation) in three out of the four categories to receive credit. #26 Math/number 5.1 There must be a minimum of three examples (without variation) in all five categories to receive credit. 7.2 Materials must be rotated at least monthly. ECERS-R February 2013 Rev. Page 6 of 8

7 #27 Use of TV, video, and/or computers 3.2 At least two alterative activities must be accessible. #28 Promoting acceptance of diversity Any materials depicting violence/frightening images will not receive credit. Dolls may include baby dolls, dolls representing adults, small dolls for doll-houses, paper dolls, and wooden dolls, people figures to use with blocks or building sets and dolls showing racial diversity. 1.1 There must be at least two examples of materials that show diversity, that are obvious to the children, in the room used most of the time by them. 1.1, 3.1, 5.1, 5.2 In assessing materials, a contrast must be observed for each example. One poster showing children of many races is counted as one example; two baby dolls of different races also count as one example, because they represent one contrast. 3.1, 5.1 Music from various cultures will receive credit as a material if children have this experience daily. 5.1 For many items to be diverse, there must be at least three or more examples of each of the following: books, pictures, and materials showing diversity (10 or more total) with at least 4 of the 5 categories of diversity represented. 7.2 To receive credit, activities must be done at least four times a year. # 34 Schedule 3.3 Weather permitting means that children should go outside every day, unless there is active precipitation or public announcements that advise people to remain indoors. In addition to the weather permitting guidelines specified above, dangerous weather conditions that could potentially be harmful to children will also be acceptable reasons for not going outside, such as threat of severe weather (ex. hurricanes, tornadoes, thunder storms). #35 Free play 3.1 Weather permitting means that children should go outside every day, unless there is active precipitation or public announcements that advise people to remain indoors. In addition to the weather permitting guidelines specified above, dangerous weather conditions that could potentially be harmful to children will also be acceptable reasons for not going outside, such as threat of severe weather (ex. hurricanes, tornadoes, thunder storms). 7.2 To give credit for this indicator, new materials/experiences must be added to the free play opportunities at least once a month and preferably more often. ECERS-R February 2013 Rev. Page 7 of 8

8 #37 Provisions for children with disabilities 5.3 Daily or almost daily informal communication is required, and formal meetings, in which issues can be handled in more depth, should take place at least twice a year. The following items will not be included in assessments: #38 Provisions for parents #39 Provisions for personal needs of staff #40 Provisions for professional needs of staff #41 Staff interaction and cooperation #42 Supervision and evaluation of staff #43 Opportunities for professional growth ECERS-R February 2013 Rev. Page 8 of 8