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August 17 Incremental Accreditation Committee Meeting

The Incremental Accreditation Committee meeting met on August 17 in Montgomery in the RSA Plaza building. The following committee members attended the meeting:

Francis Arnold, Robin Barrett, Jackie Criswell, Kati Dunn, Elizabeth French, Allison Goff, Rosemary Hataway, Angela Minor, Cathy O’Neal, Gail Piggott, Clara Vickers, Shannon Watson, John Weinacker, Ethel White, Janice Cotton, Delyne Hicks, Melissa Franklin, and Amy Mixon.

PROGRAM UPDATE

• Over 2000 recruitment packets were mailed to providers across the state informing them of the Soaring to Excellence program.
• Twenty-eight recruitment meetings were held to inform providers of the program. Ninety-three child care centers that serve about 7000 children are participating.
• Resource Coordinators are beginning to work with the providers on identified areas of need.
• Twelve data collectors have been trained to assess program strengths and needs using the Early Childhood Environment Rating Scale, Infant Toddler Environment Rating Scale, School Age Environment Rating Scale, Arnett Scale of Caregiver Interaction, Social Support Interview, and Social Support and Challenges Survey. Results of the observations and surveys are being returned to the Civitan Center where staff will complete the analysis and report.

REPORT FROM RESOURCE COORDINATOR

Angela Minor, Resource Coordinator serving Talladega, Clay, Randolph, and Coosa counties reported on her work in these communities. She has met with providers, business leaders, civic leaders, public school personnel, and community college staff. Each has asked how they can support the program and Angela has provided suggestions. Ms. Minor emphasized the courage of center directors in taking on this commitment and how she is working to establish trust and a strong working relationship with them. Similar efforts are being conducted by resource coordinators across the state.

 PROGRAM IMPROVEMENT GRANTS

• The committee reviewed and discussed a draft of the program improvement grant application. The following decisions were made:
• Grants will support enhancements to centers not maintenance of licensing standards.
• Items requested for funding should be linked to identified accreditation criteria that are not currently met.
• Centers would not be required to provide 5% matching funds.
• Resource coordinators will review the applications prior to sending them to the review subcommittee.
• The scoring rubric will be developed by a subcommittee and this group will make final decisions on the appropriateness of applications.

CDA SCHOLARSHIPS

• The following decisions were made about CDA Scholarships:
• Directors will suggest staff that should apply for the scholarships.
• A deadline will be set for all applications.
• Caregivers/teachers who have completed one class toward a CDA will be eligible to attend classes this fall.
• Caregivers/teachers will be required to pay half the tuition and fees up front with the Consortium paying the other half of the tuition. Students will be reimbursed if they successfully complete the course.
• Caregivers/teachers would be encouraged to determine eligibility for a Pell Grant before applying for a scholarship.
• Program improvement grant funds can be used to pay half the tuition.
• A subcommittee will develop the scoring rubric and will make final decisions on scholarship applicants.

The meeting concluded with committee members selecting to participate in one or more of the following subcommittees: program improvement grants, CDA scholarships, tiered reimbursement, supporting accredited programs, and accreditation public awareness campaign. The next meeting will be held November 2 in Montgomery at the RSA Plaza Building.

In Attendance:

Jacqueline Autrey, Gail Piggott, Rose Winkler, Barbara Pitts, Marie Ware, Delyne Hicks, Maria Dacus, Catherine Kreger, Cathy O’Neal, Frances Arnold, Katie Dunn, Robbie Bennett, Katie Dewees, Jan Justice, and Paul Moore.

Resource Coordinators:

Eleven resource coordinators have been selected to work across the state providing technical assistance to child care centers participating in the Soaring to Excellence program. These resource coordinators and the city from which they will be working are:

Teresia Bright – Child Care Resource Network - Madison
Geneva King – CMA of North Central Alabama - Huntsville
Kim Mitchell Child Development Resources and Services - Tuscaloosa
Vickie Wiley – Child Care Resources - Birmingham
Lynne Holder – Children’s Services - Jacksonville
Angela Minor – Child Care Central - Sylacauga
Hope Via – Child Care Resource Center - Opelika
Virginia Taylor – Community Service Programs of West Alabama – Linden/Demopolis
Bethany Holsomback – Family Guidance Center – Montgomery
Michelle Gay – Gulf Regional CMA – Early Childhood Directions - Daphne

Program Recruitment:

Recruitment meetings will be held across the state beginning June 12. It is expected that the majority of the centers will be selected for the program by mid July.

Program Improvement Grants:

Centers participating in the Soaring to Excellence program will be eligible for grants of approximately $200-1000 to purchase materials and/or equipment that will support their efforts in improving quality. The committee agreed that as centers move from step to step and progress in meeting more demanding standards, that the amount of the grant funding available to these centers should increase. It was suggested that businesses should be solicited to contribute additional funds to these grants.

Research Design:

Centers enrolled in the Soaring to Excellence program will be asked to participate in an evaluation to determine how effective the program is in meeting the needs of providers and in improving the quality of child care. The research design was explained to the committee along with an explanation of precautions that have been taken to protect the confidentiality and anonymity of participants. The research will involve direct observation of the classrooms activities and interactions by trained data collectors.

Tiered Reimbursement:

The committee enthusiastically endorsed the concept of providing tiered reimbursements to centers meeting higher standards than licensing. The committee encouraged UAB to further explore how other states are providing differential rates for higher quality. They felt it was important that centers be reviewed yearly to confirm they are maintaining a high quality program.

Program Validators:

The committee provided suggestions on the qualifications of individuals that should be recruited as program validators, how to best identify them, the training that should be provided, and the stipends validators should receive for their work. The group feels the first individuals that should be recruited are those that are currently NAEYC validators and those that have been CDA advisors. It was suggested that they be paid $100 per day plus travel expenses for assisting with validation visits.

The next committee meeting will be held on August 17 at 10:00 a.m. at the RSA Plaza Building in Montgomery.

Incremental Accreditation Committee Meeting Minutes
February 24, 2000 (Placed On-line 3/6, 2000)

The Incremental Accreditation Committee met on February 24, 2000 in Montgomery. Fourteen committee members were present at this meeting.

Special Recognition:

Special recognition was extended to Gail Piggott and Katie Dewees for the work of their agencies in assisting and recognizing centers moving toward national accreditation. Their work has provided direction for this initiative.

Incremental Accreditation System Named:
The incremental accreditation system has been named "Soaring to Excellence".

Centers successfully completing the first group of criteria will be recognized as "Centers of Commitment". Those completing the criteria for level two will be acknowledged as "Centers of Recognition". Those successfully meeting the criteria for level 3 and also attaining national accreditation will be "Centers of Excellence." A kite will serve as the symbol for the system.

Incremental Accreditation Criteria:

A document listing all the accreditation criteria for the National Academy of Early Childhood Programs (NAECP), the National Early Childhood Professional Accreditation (NECPA), and the National Association of Child Care Professionals (NACCP) was shared with the committee. The accreditation criteria for NAECP were assigned to the three steps and those required for licensing were indicated. The committee reviewed the criteria and made suggestions regarding the appropriateness of their placement to these three steps. After discussion, some criteria were changed to other levels and a point system for other criteria was recommended.

Accreditation Technical Advisor:

The position of Incremental Technical Advisor has been advertised on the UAB job line and is on the Consortium web page. Additional copies of the job description were distributed to committee members. Interviews are being conducted as applicants apply.

Recruitment of Centers:

Technical Advisors will hold meetings in each CMA district to introduce centers to the "Soaring to Excellence" program. Centers will be notified of the meetings through a direct mail campaign. Committee members provided tips on how to generate interest in the program, the best times of day to hold the meetings, and issues to stress with centers.

Additional comments or questions about the incremental system should be directed to Janice Cotton at jcotton@uab.edu.

Incremental Accreditation Committee Meeting
January 6, 2000

The Incremental Accreditation committee met on Thursday, January 6 to discuss the development of an incremental accreditation system for the State of Alabama. Sixteen members of this committee were present. A number of issues related to this topic were explored and a preliminary plan for the system was developed. Key points suggested by the committee can be found in the information below. Further comments or questions about the incremental system should be directed to Janice Cotton at jcotton@uab.edu.

Members present included: Jane Ezekial, Delyne Hicks, Katie Dewees, Robin Barrett, Gail Piggott, Cathy O’Neal, Francis Arnold, Jessica Strempel, Kati Dunn, Nancy Hill, Robbie Bennett, Pam Laning, Margaret Vollenweider, Marsha Jones, Paul Mohr, Jr. for Elizabeth French, and Janice Cotton.

How many centers can participate in the incremental accreditation system?

Ten centers from each CMA district will be selected to participate.

What are the eligibility criteria for participation?

To be eligible for participation centers must:

1. be operating legally (have license or approved status)
2. serve infants and/or toddlers
3. have been in operation for one year

How does a center apply for participation?

Centers may apply for participation by completing an application, providing letters of support, and submitting appropriate documentation. Application materials will be distributed to centers at a meeting held in each CMA district. Centers returning completed application packets will be selected on a first come, first serve basis.

How many steps will be in the accreditation system?

Three steps will be created with the third step being national accreditation.

What criteria will be used to determine progress through the system?

National accreditation standards will serve as the framework for determining the criteria for each step. The Opelika STEPS system will be examined to determine how they assigned national accreditation criteria to each step. Their program will provide a model for determining the criteria for the statewide voluntary system. Issues related to program management including development of policies, job descriptions, etc.will be included as a starting point in the first step.

What will be the process for demonstrating attainment of a step?

A process involving self-assessment, staff review, parental review, and validation or assessment of standards will be used to determine attainment of each step.

A team of validators/assessors will review the progress of a center through an on-site visit. They will send appropriate paperwork to a state committee who will make the final decision regarding attainment of criteria. To stay in the system from year to year, centers must develop a yearly plan outlining goals and then make "reasonable progress" in attaining those goals.

What types of technical assistance will be provided to participating centers?

One technical advisor will work in each CMA district to provide "hands-on" support to participating centers. Other forms of technical support that could be provided include:

1. CDA scholarships
2. partial payment of national accreditation fee
3. facility improvement grants
4. on-going director’s network meetings
5. access to resource materials
6. individualized training
7. mentoring program.

What else do I need to know about the incremental accreditation system?

1. The incremental system will be modified based on valid feedback from participants, Consortium staff, early care and education specialists, and other interested individuals.
2. Local businesses will be encouraged to participate by partnering with a child care center.
3. A public awareness campaign is needed to raise awareness of the importance and value of national accreditation.
4. The name for the system has not been finalized. Recommendations are encouraged.

Initial Committee Report and Overview of Activites 12/99

Center accreditation is an important step in achieving high quality environments for young children. However, the process of attaining national accreditation can be costly and time intensive. Therefore, broad buy-in from center staff, businesses, policy makers, parents, public education, and the community at large is necessary. The development of an incremental accreditation system in Alabama should be constructed after analyzing systems from other states and communities. Lessons from these states and communities can provide direction for Alabama.

What do we currently know about incremental accreditation systems?

• Effective systems can be costly.

• Incentives must be provided to programs that participate in the process.

• Professional development for staff is an essential component of an incremental system.

• A system should be linked with licensing standards and incorporate a ranking system.

What obstacles or barriers will be encountered in developing and implementing a system?

• "Buy-in" from centers may be difficult.

• Parents, teachers/caregivers, directors, and the community at large do not understand the purpose and value of center accreditation.

• Currently there is inadequate funding to support an incremental accreditation system.

What are some innovative solutions to these barriers?

• Grants could be provided to address inadequacies in facilities, materials, and professional development.

• A broad-based marketing campaign could be developed to inform and stimulate interest among providers and the public about the accreditation process and the importance of high quality care and education.

• A system of tax credits for parents and providers could be implemented to reward programs and parents whose children are enrolled in participating centers.

What are the best practices or standards that should guide an incremental system?

• Centers work together as a team to effectively move through the system.

• Centers demonstrate commitment and capacity to achieve accreditation.

• The process of moving through the system is what enhances the quality of care.

• The system is open to any center that wants to participate.

• Rewards/incentives are used to recognize and support centers progressing through the system.

• Mentoring programs provide technical assistance and moral support to participants.

What are some possible funding sources for developing and sustaining a system?

• Tax credits could be given to businesses that support child care.

• Public school systems could provide in-kind contributions such as transportation.

• Sales tax exemptions could be provided for participants.

• Existing funding sources focused on improving child care quality could be melded.

What type of training is needed to make this a success?

• On-site technical assistance would provide direct "hands-on" help to providers.

• Regularly scheduled team meetings would give opportunities to provide training and support.

• Training on leadership skills and team building is needed for directors.

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