Louisiana Guide to Achieving Stars for KLC

Schools

Are you ready to increase your

In this booklet you will find a list of items that will assist you in increasing your star rating!

Do not file this packet away!There could be a slight possibility that you would forget.

STARS?

**It is the expectation of KLC that ALL schools earn at least a three star rating or above in the Louisiana Quality Start

project.**

What is the Quality Start Child Care Rating System?

Quality Rating & Improvement System (QRIS)• Established in 2007• Based on Staff Qualifications & Program• Social Emotional Focus• Supported By:

– Technical Assistance– Environmental Rating Scales Assessment (ITERS &

ECERS)– Child Care Center Mental Health Consultation– LA Pathways Scholarship– CCAP Quarterly Bonus– School Readiness Tax Credits (SRTC)

What is QRIS?

Incentives for Earning your Stars

• SRTC is great for center revenue. (If it’s not built in budget, it’s extra revenue)

• Up to $5,000 tax credit is available to support childcare or childcare resource or referral agency.

• Unique to Louisiana• Provides refundable credits for

– Center Owners– Teachers– Parents– Business Contributions to Centers

• Businesses can also get up to a 100% refund on contributions of up to $5,000 from Resource and Referral Agencies

• Increased star ratings reflect higher quality care

• New income generated• Improved teacher education

School Readiness Tax Credit

School Readiness Tax Credits

Stars Maximum Credit for 1 Child

Maximum Credit for 2 or More

Children

5 $1,575 $3,150

4 $1,313 $2,265

3 $1,050 $2,100

2 $788 $1,576

1 $525 $1,050

Child Care Director & Teacher Qualifications

Tax Credit

Level 4 $3,000

Level 3 $2,500

Level 2 $2,000

Level 1 $1,500

•Refundable Credits•Based on the level of education of the director and ‘staff.’•Must be employed at a center participating in Quality Start•Must work at least 6 months

Tax Credit to Center Directors and Teachers

Tax Credit to Parents

Star Rating Increase of Existing Tax Credit

200%

180%

100%

50%

No change

•Builds on existing state childcare tax credit•Only for children 6 years and only families eligible for an increased credit based upon quality rating of center

Tax Credits to Businesses

Star Rating Tax Credit

20% of eligible expenses

15%

10%

5%

No credit

•Business/employers receive a credit for eligible child, care expenses based on quality rating of center•Refundable credits•Employers who construct, renovate, or purchase equipment for a center, or maintain and operate a center may claim up to $50,000 in expenses

Step-by-Step Guide on How to Earn 3-5

Stars

How to Get a 3-5 Star RatingThe following documents will need to be completed and sent to the Office of

Family Support:

Copy of Current LicenseFederal and State Tax ID numbersApplicationCenter Self AssessmentCenter Improvement PlanUpdated Louisiana Pathways Information

A scheduled verification visit will be held by CCQSS and the following will be reviewed:QS PortfolioCenter Self AssessmentCenter Improvement PlanChild-Staff RatioClassroom ERS Self AssessmentsTransition ProcedureScreening for Social-Emotional DevelopmentPlan for Continuity of CareLouisiana’s Early Learning GuidelinesQuality Point for 1 point (Optional) will review the additional areas:

Administrative PracticesFamily and Community Involvement

Quality Start Required Trainings

Introduction to Quality Start

Introduction to the Quality Rating Scales

Understanding ITERS-R

Understanding ECERS-R

An Overview of Social-Emotional Screening in Child Care Settings

Training on the Louisiana Early Learning Guidelines or the Standards for Programs Serving Four Year Old Children

Classes are available at:

Agenda for Children (http://www.agendaforchildren.org/ccr_positivesteps.htm)

Children’s Coalition (http://childrenscoalition.org/events/calendar/)

Northwestern State (http://cfn.nsula.edu/)

Excellence for Children (http://www.excellenceforchildren.com/children/trainingcalender.html)

Volunteers of America (http://www.voagbr.org/Services/Child-Care-Resource-and-Referral/Training-Classes)

Quality Start Portfolio

This portfolio should include:•Center Self Assessment•Center License Number•License expiration date•The begin date and end date of the center’s Quality Start Rating Award (this can be found on the center’s Quality Start Award letter or certificate)•Verification that directors and teachers have enrolled in LA Pathways•Documentation sent to LA Pathways•Administration Practices•Family and Community Involvement•Program activities

In the blue binder, we have included all of the items that are required to be in your Quality Start Portfolio. Please put this portfolio in a safe and accessible place

where you can easily find it for your verification visit!

Quality Start Center Improvement PlanOnce your Center Self Assessment (QS CSA) is completed, review the

information and consider what is needed to achieve your points for three to five stars

List a minimum of two goals and complete the attached table for each of those goals. Examples of goals might be:

Improve teacher child interactionsImprove hand washing practices throughout the center

Improve playground safetyIncrease professional development of all staff

To receive a star rating greater than 2, programs must earn additional points in both the Program

and Staff Qualifications indicators. Staff: Child Ratios and Group Size requirements are set at star

levels 3 and higher.

Ages of Children Ratio

0-12 Months 1:4, 8

13-24 Months 1:6, 12

25-36 Months 1:8, 16

Three Year Old 1:10, 20

Four Year Old 1:12, 24

Five Year Old 1:15, 30

The 3-5 Star Rating Verification Visit:

Child to Staff Ratios (3-4 Points)

To receive a star rating greater than 2, programs must earn additional points in both the Program

and Staff Qualifications indicators. Staff: Child Ratios and Group Size requirements are set at star

levels 3 and higher.

Please note the lower enhanced ratios to earn 5 points.

Ages of Children Ratio

0-24 Months 1:4, 8

Two Years 1:6, 12

Three Years 1:8, 16

Four Years 1:10, 20

Five Years 1:10, 20

The 3-5 Star Rating Verification Visit:

Child to Staff Ratios (5 Points)

The 3-5 Star Rating Verification Visit

http://www.beachcenter.org/Wisdom/ParentRights/

Transition_LA_Guide%20for%20Parents.pdf

Children with developmental delays and/or disabilities, from birth through age five, are served in Louisiana through the Individuals with Disabilities Act (IDEA) programs and services. Louisiana’s Early Childhood Transition for children with disabilities is the passage from one set of services and programs into other services, or in some cases, a transition from services completely.

The Early Childhood Transition Task Force addresses concerns regarding the transitioning of children with disabilities from early intervention programs that occurs from birth to two years of age, to early childhood school-based programs at age three, and to other programs that occur at ages three to five.

During the verification visit, your Child Care Quality Start Specialist will want to make sure that there is a plan in place for transitions.

You can go online and download a copy of the document, ‘The Early Childhood Transition Process’, here:

Plan for Continuity of Care

Providers and caregivers who regularly care for very young children can have a positive impact on child development by forming continuous, strong attachments

with children. When a baby’s needs are met, the infant forms a secure attachment—or “base”—that creates a foundation for healthy development in

early childhood and beyond.

During your verification visit, your Child Care Quality Start Specialist will make sure that you have a plan in place about how you support continuity of care in

your classroom.

Screening for Social-Emotional Development

Early Childhood Screening Assessment (ECSA)

Age range: 18-60 monthsLanguages: English, Spanish, RomanianDevelopmental domains screened:

•Emotional and behavioral symptoms•Maternal distress and depression

Approximate time to complete:

5-10 minutes

Approximate time to score: 1-2 minutesHow to get it: Email Dr. Mary Margaret

Gleason at mgleason@tulane.edu

Cost: None

Louisiana’s Early Learning GuidelinesThe Louisiana Early Learning Guidelines are divided into three sections. These

are:

Program Standards•Close caring relationships•Safe and Healthy Practices•Connections with Families•Knowledgeable Responsive Caregivers•Professional Growth

Early Learning Guidelines•Interest in Others•Self-awareness•Expression of Feelings•Communication•About the World•Moving and Doing

Guidelines for Working with Threes•Social and Emotional Development•Language and Literacy Development•Cognitive Math Development•Cognitive Social Studies Development•Creative Development•Health and Physical Development

http://www.dss.state.la.us/assets/docs/searchable/OFS/LAEarlyLearningGuide.pdf

The Quality Point•Quarterly participation in CCR&R meetings for directors, with the director or assistant director attending 50% of the meetings

•Provide a complaint process for parents

•Offer opportunity for a formal parent/teacher conference meeting annually

•One parent education workshop offered per year by center or other agency

•Provide an expanded list of local community resources to parents annually including, but not limited to, LaCHIP, Medicaid, Child Care Assistance, housing assistance, Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP), as well as information on the child’s medical history

•Parent Advisory Council meets annually to review policies, procedures, and parent handbook

•One group meeting per year offered to all families

Centers must also meet four of the

requirements listed below:

Also provide four of the benefits from the list of staff benefit options for all full-

time staff:

• Include a grievance procedure and a professional conduct code for staff in written personnel policies

• Pay scale based on education, experience, responsibilities and merit

• Provide training to staff on cultural sensitivity

• Have written parent and staff confidentiality policy and provide training to staff

All About the Environment Rating

Scales (ITERS/ECERS)

Instructions for Completing the Center Self Assessment:

Classroom Self Assessments using Environment Rating Scales (ERS)

Enter the dates, classrooms observed, names of observers, ERS used, and scores.

Centers must include at least one ITERS (if you serve children younger than 30 months) and one ECERS (for classrooms serving children 30 months or older).

It is STRONGLY encouraged than an ERS self assessment is conducted in every classroom for children birth to five using the appropriate scale

This information will be used to complete the Center Improvement Plan and will give you important information that could increase official ERS scores and perhaps improve your star rating!

Please note: The self assessment will not determine your star rating at this point,

although they are needed and will be verified by your Child Care Quality Start Specialist during your verification visit.

Required Materials for Infants and Toddlers

(ITERS-R)Dramatic Play

Infants• Dolls• Soft Animals• Pots and Pans• Toy TelephonesToddlers• Dress up clothes• Child-sized house furniture• Cooking/Eating Equipment• Dolls/Doll Furnishings• Soft Animals• Small play buildings with

accessories• Toy Telephones

BlocksAt least 3 sets of blocks (10 or more per

set) of different types as well as a variety of accessories including:

• Soft Blocks• Light-weight blocks of various

shapes, sizes, and colors• Large cardboard Blocks• Toy people, animals and vehicles• Containers to fill and dump

Required Materials for Infants and Toddlers

(ITERS-R)Fine Motor

Infants• Grasping Toys• Busy Boxes• Nested Cups• Textured Toys• Containers to fill and dump• Cradle GymsToddlers• Shape Sorting Games• Large Stringing Beads• Simple Puzzles• Big Pegs and Peg Boards• Pop Beads• Stacking Rings• Nesting Toys• Medium or Large Interlocking Blocks• Crayons

Gross MotorInfants• Outdoor Pad or Blanket• Crib Gym• Small Push Toys• Balls• Sturdy items to pull up on • Ramps for CrawlingToddlers• Riding Toys without Pedals• Large Push-Pull Wheel Toys• Balls and Bean Bags• Age-appropriate Climbing Equipment• Slide• Balance Board• Cushions or Rugs for Tumbling• Tunnels• Large Cardboard Boxes

Required Materials for Infants and Toddlers (ITERS-R)

Sand/Water• Kitchen Utensils• Shovels and Buckets• Small Cars and Trucks• Floating Toys• Plastic Containers

Using BooksAt least 12 books including books about:• People of varying races, ages, and

abilities• Animals• Familiar Objects• Familiar Routines

Music/Movement• Tape/CD Player• Music Boxes• Musical Toys and instruments• Classical, popular, cultural, different

language music cds

ArtSome of each of the following• Drawing materials such as paper,

crayons, markers• Brush and finger paints• Collage materials

– Edible materials should NOT be used!

Nature/Science: Living things such as house plants, aquariums, classroom pets; Nature Science books

that realistically represent nature; Nature/Science Toys that represent nature realistically

How to Increase Education for your Staff

Rasmussen College

• Rasmussen College offers coursework for Knowledge Universe employees so they can earn their CDA credentials– Knowledge Universe will directly pay

tuition to Rasmussen when enrolled in CDA program

– If enrolled in the Early Childhood Education AA/BA program, employees will be eligible for deferred billing• Please go to www.rasmussesn.edu/ku for

more information!

Louisiana Pathways CDA Assessment Scholarship

• Assessment scholarships in the amount of $300 for the original CDA and/or $200 for a 2nd Setting CDA will be paid directly to the Council for Professional Recognition for early childhood personnel based upon the following criteria:

• Enrollment along with active participation in the Louisiana Pathways Child Care Career Development System.

• Completion of the CDA requirements as stated by the Council for Professional Recognition: www.cdacouncil.org.

• Applicants who are within 30-60 days of mailing in their materials to the Council will be the top priority.

Classroom Expectations

Room ExpectationsEmployees are interacting appropriately with children at their level

Employee(s) must leave rooms “Tour Ready” when going outside or to another room

“Family Style Dining” MUST be used

Correct Lesson Plan is used and room is IMMERSED with curriculum—MUST be easily identifiable

Use clear tubs from Wal-Mart/Target to categorize toys on toy carts

Label all Toy Buckets with:Pictures in Infants and ToddlersPictures with Words in 2’s-4’sWords only in School Age classrooms

Room ArrangementsRemember the Zones – MUST be Quiet (non-active, Noisy [active], Wet/Dry)Noisy Areas – MUST be near each other for Music, Dramatic Play, Construction, and Wood Working, etc.Quiet Areas – MUST be near each other for Library, Computers, Science, Art, Sensory, Math and ManipulativesEnrich and Close your discovery areas as much as possible

**Remember your room arrangement MUST never change if it works! Children need consistency and stability.**

Infant Safety

Crock Pots MUST be labeled correctly and MUST be secured at all times with a bungee cord to the wall. MUST have all lids on at all times and MUST remain at the correct room water temperature.

Changing tables and Food Preparation Table MUST have locks on all sliding doors and kept locked at all times.

All bottles MUST be labeled with First and Last Name, Date, and Contents. Use White label for formula and Orange label for child’s mother’s breast milk.

Health, Safety, & Nutrition

Implementation

All chemicals and medications MUST be kept in a storage area that is not accessible to children of all ages.

When outside, teachers MUST be strategically located so that they could respond quickly to a child in need.

Eliminate blind areas in the classroom. Ensure that staff can easily watch children.

Help children develop good hygiene habits with frequent face and hand washing.

Conduct name to face attendance in accordance with the policy.

Use the appropriate form or report to document concerns about a particular child that may have suffered an injury or has been showing signs of an illness.

Resources