Conference Reflection - Using the ECERS-R as a Quality Improvement Tool

From: Jennifer Blackwell
Email: jblackwell@svdpc.org
Date: May 22, 2008

Comments

ECER-S or any of the environmental rating scales are being used everywhere to evaluate programs - and not just the ECER-S. There is the ELLCO, NAEYC standards, Head Start Standards, Creative Curriculum checklists for what should be in the classroom...the list seems to go on and on. I have been struggling with my staff to help them understand that they are all related and meet similar standards. Tayna Woods help me understand that it takes time to institutionalize the setting of standards through any assessment tool, but we as supervisors need to make sure that we are also consistent in what we want. We as supervisors also have to understand that there are growing pains while teacher learn new skills - some old skills may diminish for a time during the learning process. We also need to make sure we are explaining the "why" and not just telling the teachers what needs to be done because if we make decisions for them, they will not internalize them for themselves (sound familiar?). This next year my center is doing CSEFEL training and one of the assessment tools is going to be the ECER-S. I have a feeling we will be going through some growing pains.