Observations and Assessments

Program Observations

A program observation can be an insightful part of a program’s continuous quality improvement efforts. Continuous quality improvement includes inviting program feedback and reflecting on your program practices to better meet the needs of the children and families that you serve. An outside observer (someone who doesn’t work in your program) can:

● Provide objective feedback about program practices

● Notice and describe program strengths and potential opportunities for growth

Observation and Assessment Tools

The Environment Rating Scale (ERS) is a program evaluation tool used to measure a child’s typical experience on a typical day. The tool includes information about the physical space, personal care routines, learning activities, interactions, and the structure of the day. There are tools specific to the setting of the program: Early Childhood Environment Rating Scale (ECERS-3) for center-based preschool programs, Family Child Care Environment Rating Scale (FCCERS-3) for home-based programs, and Infant/Toddler Environment Rating Scales (ITERS-3) for center-based infant/toddler classrooms. The Classroom Assessment Scoring System (CLASS) measures the effectiveness of interactions in an early learning program, both adult-child interactions and children’s interactions with each other. While both of these tools provide meaningful feedback for early childhood programs, the CLASS tool is best for use with one age group at a time

Who conducts the observations?

There is a team of trained and reliable Observation and Assessment Specialists at the Center on Early Learning and Youth Development (CELYD) who are able to travel across Oregon and can conduct observations in English, Spanish, and Russian-speaking programs.

How can having an observation support my Spark journey?

● Standard AB5 evidence includes self-assessment and outside evaluation in order to set program goals. Having an observation performed by someone outside of your program is one way to show evidence for this standard.

● Programs receive a summary report with feedback about what was observed in order to support identifying program strengths and potential opportunities for growth.

ERSI

The Environment Rating Scales Institute (ERSI) website provides information and resources about all the Environment Rating Scales (ERS) tools. Introductory videos, supplementary materials, and additional notes for the scales are available. These resources can help providers understand the tools and use them better.

For more information click below.