Early Childhood Coordinators Information Session - Practice Year 1 Overview 2021-2022 Unified Measurement and Improvement System - GovDelivery
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Early Childhood Coordinators
Information Session
Practice Year 1 Overview
2021-2022
Unified Measurement and Improvement SystemObjectives and Agenda Today’s meeting will provide Early Childhood Coordinators with an overview of Practice Year 1 of the Unified Measurement and Improvement System, and the expectations for school based programs that are participating in the Preschool Development Grant (PDG) during the 2021-2022 school year. Agenda 1. Overview/Vision of Unified System 2. Practice Years and Preschool Development Grant Participation 3. Unified Measurement and Improvement System - Practice Year 1 4. Alignment Information for School Based Preschool Programs
Virginia's New Early Childhood System
Virginia’s current system does not offer every child equitable opportunity.
● Quality early childhood experiences prepare children for success but families and children
lack equitable access to these experiences.
● Our system too often fails to prepare children who are Black, Hispanic, speak a language
other than English at home, or have a diagnosed disability or developmental delay.
Virginia’s early childhood system must ensure that all children have access to
quality teaching and learning experiences that meet their unique needs.
Together, we will:
MEASURE and strengthen
UNIFY around shared teacher-child interactions IMPROVE supports for
and equitable and curriculum use in all educators, prioritizing
expectations for quality. publicly-funded birth-to- those who need it most.
five programs.A New Unified Measurement and
Improvement System
A new Unified Measurement and Improvement System is being developed.
Some programs will participate in Practice Year 1 during 2021-2022.
• The Virginia Department of Education (VDOE) is working with a variety of
stakeholders and communities to develop and scale the new system.
• This will include 2 years of practice with the new system through the
Preschool Development Grant (PDG) communities.
• By fall 2023, all publicly-funded programs, including VPI, ECSE and Head
Start will be required to participate in the Unified Measurement and
Improvement System, with ratings shared publicly in fall 2024.
Resources and answers to frequently asked questions are available on the
Building a Unified Early Childhood System website.Strengthening Collaboration Noting no single public or private provider can serve all children birth to five, Virginia will continue to increase collaboration by: • Supporting local and regional networks to build relationships via the PDG B-5; • Providing more joint guidance, professional development, technical assistance and communications (e.g., Readiness Connections); • Coordinating efforts at the state level across the Early Childhood Advisory Committee (ECAC), School Readiness Committee, State Interagency Coordinating Committee, Children’s Cabinet, Joint Subcommittee and others; • Supporting the thoughtful implementation of the unified measurement and improvement system over the next two years; and • Continuing to increase enrollment and access across program types.
Today’s Presenters and Panel
Division of School Readiness/Office of Early Childhood
• Jenna Conway – Chief School Readiness Officer
• Erin Carroll – Director, Office of Early Childhood
• Kris Meyers - Associate Director, Quality Measurement and
Improvement
• Mark Allan, Associate Director, PreK Programs
• Taundwa Jeffries – Director, Head Start Collaboration Office
• Dawn Hendricks – Coordinator, Early Childhood Special Education
• Tamilah Richardson - Associate Director, Early Childhood LearningPractice Years and Preschool Development Grant Participation
Timeline for Statewide Participation
Practice Year 1 begins July 2021
2021-2022 ● Participation available to PDG cohorts 1-3 (80% of state included)
Practice Year 2 begins July 2022
2022-2023 ● Participation available through PDG Statewide (100% of state included)
Year 1 begins in July 2023
● All publicly funded programs required to participate, including all VPI, HS,
2023-2024 ECSE
● Quality Ratings from Year 1 publicly shared in the fall 2024PDG Expansion and Coverage for Practice Year 1
Virginia has strategically used the Preschool Development Grant Birth-Five
(PDG B-5) funding to unify the system from the ground up. PDG B5 communities
receive funding and support to work collaboratively and build the foundation
for the measurement and improvement system in their region.
• All PDG B-5 communities will participate in Practice
Year 1.
• There are currently 2 cohorts of PDG B-5 Community
Networks, several of which have recently expanded
their coverage area.
• Cohort 3 will be joining this summer
Map of Cohort 1 and Cohort 2 PDG Communities.
• PDG is anticipated to be available in approximately Cohort 3 is still being determined.
82% of localities and 83% of publicly funded
programs the state next year.Participating in PDG 2021-2022
To participate in Practice Year 1 through PDG, school divisions complete the
following three steps.
● Refer to the PDG Community Contact Document on the VECF PDG website page.
This document provides a list of the counties and cities participating in the PDG,
which Lead Agency in their area is convening partners, and who the Community Lead
is for each locality.
● Reach out to the PDG Community Lead to set up a time to discuss the PDG
Assurances and Required Activities, and how your division can engage in the
collaboration.
• Cohort 3 communities will be announced no later than June 4th, 2021.
● Review and sign the “Intent to Participate” form and return it to your local PDG
Community lead.
Programs that are NOT in a PDG Community for the 2021-2022 year will have the opportunity to participate in Practice
Year 2, which will begin in July 2022.Unified Measurement and Improvement System Overview of Practice Year 1
The Unified Measurement and Improvement System – Practice Year 1 Virginia’s new system will measure the quality of infant, toddler and preschool teaching and learning based on two nationally-recognized quality indicators. Interactions Curriculum Measure teacher-child interactions and Measure the use of approved curricula that instruction in a developmentally-appropriate are aligned with Virginia’s Early Learning and way using the Classroom Assessment Scoring Development Standards System (CLASS) Research shows that stimulating and supportive interactions between teachers and children and effective use of quality curricula promote children’s holistic learning and development, resulting in improved and more equitable school readiness.
Local and External CLASS Observations
There will be two types of CLASS observations conducted in Virginia’s Unified
Measurement and Improvement System; local and external observations.
LOCAL OBSERVATIONS EXTERNAL OBSERVATIONS
Purpose Primary method for gathering classroom Secondary method to gather information
level information about the quality of about the accuracy and consistency of local
teacher child interactions observations and to provide additional
feedback.
Definition Coordinated and scheduled at the local Coordinated, scheduled, and recorded by an
level, with results recorded in Link B5. external organization. Conducted by
Conducted by locally identified reliable externally identified reliable observers.
observers.
Annual All birth-to-five classrooms will get two Only some birth-to-five classrooms will get
Cycle local observations each year. One in the an external observation.
fall and one in the spring.Benefits of Local CLASS Observations
Teachers benefit from frequent and specific feedback, along with
individualized supports provided through CLASS observations conducted at
the local level.
• With local observations, teachers are observed more often, and the results are
more likely to be used by instructional leaders to inform ongoing professional
development and assess growth in teacher-child interactions over time.
• Since local observers are people who work in the community and are familiar
with local program norms, structures and values, they are often best suited to
provide an individualized and supportive approach to the observation and
feedback process.
External CLASS observations provide a quality assurance check and reinforce the
information gained through local observations.Measuring Interactions in Practice Year 1
CLASS Observations
• PDG Communities coordinate and schedule 2 local CLASS observations for every
classroom*, using whichever tool (Infant, Toddler, Pre-K) is appropriate based on VDOE
guidance.
• Some classrooms may also receive an “external” CLASS observation to ensure
accuracy and provide additional feedback. (Coordinated by AEII in 2021-22)
• External observations coordinated by AEII will be focused on supporting PDG B5
communities. This will replace the previous bi-annual timeline for VPI and ECSE.
Feedback and Improvement Support
• All educators who are new to CLASS will receive Foundational CLASS training prior to
being observed.
• Local observers will provide feedback individually or to a team of teachers, within 2
weeks of the local CLASS observation, using AEII’s Effective Feedback Principles.
• Local CLASS observers will enter observation results into the LinkB5 data portal.
*VDOE considers Family Day Home settings as classrooms as they intentionally support learning and
development of young children.Building and Maintaining Local Observer
Capacity
Both PDG and VPI are responsible for ensuring adequate local observer coverage
based on program funding agreements.
During Practice Year 1, it will be important that there is a shared effort between
PDG communities and school divisions to make sure local observations are
completed.
To support local efforts, VDOE will be offering monthly PreK & Toddler CLASS
Observer trainings online through Teachstone.
• Trainings will begin in August and run through June 2022 using a hybrid format.
(i.e. 10 hours of trainer-facilitated instruction online and 7.5 hours of
independent work).
• Training and materials fees covered by VDOE for school divisions and PDG
participants.
• Online registration portal will open in mid-June.
PDG funds and school division program PD funds can also be used to support local observers with
costs related to purchasing score sheets, calibrations and annual recertification fees.Curriculum Review Process in Practice Year 1
Virginia has been reviewing curriculum at the state level to encourage more
programs to use quality instructional tools.
• Beginning July 1, 2021, VDOE will implement an updated curriculum review
process for birth to five curricula.
• The comprehensive review for each curriculum submission will be based on
early education research for effective, comprehensive curricula, also including
alignment with Virginia’s new Early Learning and Development Standards.
• Information on how to request a curriculum review and formal guidelines for
curriculum submission and vetting will be posted on the VDOE Early Childhood
Curriculum and Instruction website.
• The list of currently approved curricula is posted on the Advancing Effective
Interactions and Instruction (AEII) website.Link B5
LinkB5 is the data portal for PDG and the Unified Measurement and
Improvement system. It is a website that connects communities of
child care and early education providers serving children ages birth
to five.
• Programs use Link B5 to register for PDG by entering site and classroom
information in a program profile.
• 2021-2022 Registration window Aug. 2nd - Sept. 17th
• Practice Year data for CLASS and Curriculum will be entered in Link B5.
• At the site level, information entered in Link B5 will be used to help
directors and principals support improvement in their classrooms.
• At the community and state levels, information entered in Link B5 will
be used to provide aggregated baseline data.Practice Year 1 Timeline
Here is the timeline for Practice Year 1 for participating PDG communities.
July Fall 2021 Spring 2022 Summer 2022 Fall 2022
2021
Local CLASS Local CLASS VDOE uses Programs
Practice Observations and Observations and LinkB5 data from receive their
Year 1 curriculum use updates to Practice Year 1 practice
Begins entered in LinkB5 curriculum use to calculate rating results
entered in LinkB5 practice ratings
Fall 2021 - Spring 2022 - External CLASS July 2022
observations also occur for some sites Practice Year 2 BeginsProgram Level Results for Practice Year 1
Practice Year 1 results will be private and will not have any consequences.
• Results will be shared with program leaders.
• State level results will be used to analyze equity impact and improve the system.
Interactions
Points ● Average of all CLASS scores (all classrooms at a site) x 100
(700 total points)
Curriculum Points ● Programs using an approved curriculum in at least one
(100 total points) classroom will receive 100 points added to their score
Total Points ● Interactions Points + Curriculum Points = Total Points
Practice Year ● Exceeds Practice Year Expectations = 700 - 800 points
Rating ● Meets Practice Year Expectations = 400 - 699 points
● Needs Support = 100 - 399 pointsQuality Measurement Helps Drive
Improvement
To improve child outcomes, Virginia’s system must continually improve
supports for educators, prioritizing those who need it most. It should ensure:
• Educators receive frequent feedback and support to strengthen their practice:
• Are recognized for their strengths and know areas for growth.
• Have access to training and coaching based on their unique needs.
• Program leaders have data and understand the strengths and needs within their
program:
• Have access to aligned professional development supports for their site goals.
• Community leads, professional development organizations and individuals (e.g.,
coaches) have insight into specific program needs as well as statewide focus
areas:
• Can align their improvement efforts and collaborate more effectively.Information for School Based Programs Frequent Questions from Public School Early Childhood Programs
What CLASS observations should school-based
preschool programs expect in 2021-2022?
School-Based Participating in Practice Year 1 NOT Participating in Practice Year 1
Preschool (PDG participants) (Non-PDG)
VPI ● All programs: Two required local Two required local CLASS observations
CLASS observations coordinated as coordinated by the division (fall and
part of PDGB5 (fall and spring). spring).
Scores entered in Link B5. PDG
ECSE Community lead and school division Two local CLASS observations encouraged.
programs work together to schedule
and ensure scores are recorded.
Head Start ● Some programs may receive an Two local CLASS observations encouraged.
School Division external CLASS observation
Grantees coordinated by AEII.
Additional external CLASS observations may be required based on specific program requirements, such as
Federal HS reviews or Virginia Quality ratings.Will my current curriculum be approved for
Practice Year 1?
• The list of currently approved curricula is posted on the Advancing
Effective Interactions and Instruction (AEII) website.
• Nearly all VPI and Head Start programs are already meeting the curriculum
requirement.
• For Practice Year 1, programs will report curriculum use as of May 31,
2022, allowing time to access and implement an approved curriculum. This
will also allow time for additional curriculum to be reviewed as necessary.
• Programs will be supported to access quality curricula, and should not
purchase a new curriculum because of Practice Year 1 at this time.How will AEII/CASTL work with my program
during 2021-2022?
During Practice Year 1, AEII/CASTL will expand their work to include birth to
five programs, focusing on the following….
1) Coordinating, scheduling and recording of external observations to gather
information about the accuracy and consistency of local observations.
• External observations will no longer be required for VPI/ECSE on a bi-
annual basis. Instead external observations will be randomized across
a bigger sample of birth to five programs.
2) Providing data-driven professional development support and resources
for improving interactions and curriculum.
• PD support will be responsive to information we learn about needs
across all birth to five programs.What does PDG participation mean for school-based
professional development schedules for next year?
Professional development that is aligned to CLASS and the use of high-quality
curriculum will support teachers in preparing for Practice Year 1 and beyond.
• PDG Communities will be offering a variety of opportunities for Introduction to
CLASS training (i.e. Foundational Training) for teachers who are new to CLASS.
• All teachers should complete Foundational Training before being observed.
• Teachers will be receiving regular feedback on teacher-child interactions.
• Professional development that uses the data and information gained from
CLASS observations will help support improvement.
• Use of quality curriculum will be measured for all classrooms by May 31, 2022.
• Teachers need ongoing training and support to fully implement instructional
resources.
• All participating birth-to-five programs in PDG communities will have a shared
focus on these quality measures.
• Localities should consider opportunities for cross-program professional
development to maximize resources and collaboration.I am worried about finding enough local CLASS
observers. What should we do?
For all school-based pre-K programs
• Refer to the CLASS Observer Directory for Organizations
• Filter observers by location, age level, and languages spoken
• Consider having appropriate school-based personnel become certified.
For PDG Participants
• PDG Community leads can assist with identifying local CLASS observers
• PDG funds and program professional development funds should be
considered to support building local observer capacity.
For Non-PDG Participants
• Program professional development funds should be considered to support
building local observer capacity.My community will not be in PDG next year.
What does this mean for me?
• Programs that are NOT in a PDG Community for the 2021-2022 year will
have the opportunity to participate in Practice Year 2, which will begin in
July 2022.
• Programs that are NOT in a PDG community can enroll in Virginia Quality
during Practice Year 1 (2021-2022) to receive support.
• As a part of the VQ Transition Plan, VQ Ratings will be frozen as of July 2022.
• All VQ programs will need to participate in Practice Year 2 to receive continued
support.
• All VQ ratings will expire in the fall of 2024 when the new unified system ratings
are released, marking the official end of Virginia Quality as Virginia’s QRIS.
• All programs that take public funds, including all public school
preschool programs, will be required to participate in the Unified
Measurement and Improvement System beginning July 2023Questions
APPENDIX SLIDES
Supporting Improvement in Every Classroom
PREPARE
Leaders and educators understand
what is being measured and why
RECOGNIZE, REFLECT AND ADJUST MEASURE AND IMPROVE
Leaders and educators use data to recognize All infant, toddler and preschool
growth, reflect on what works and make classrooms are observed and consistent
adjustments to address challenges and gaps information is collected to understand the
experience of all children
SUPPORT GIVE FEEDBACK
Leaders and educators receive professional Leaders provide educators with
development that addresses their unique individualized feedback on their
classrooms classroom’s strengths and opportunities
for growthInvestment in Measurement and Improvement
Virginia will increase funding to build the new system including:
• Funding communities to build relationships, conduct CLASS observations and support
educators in Practice Year 1 through PDG B-5.
• Funding programs to meet higher expectations:
• VPI rate has increased by 21% with additional funding for private providers.
• Mixed Delivery rate has increased.
• Child care subsidy rates have increased with additional flexibility and benefits.
• Strengthening improvement resources and making them accessible to programs that
typically have fewer resources (i.e., child care and family day homes):
• Millions in federal and state funding will support instructional and social-
emotional supports (e.g., curriculum, mental health, etc.)
• Incenting educators directly:
• Child care and family day home educators receive up to $1500 annually to
encourage participation, reduce turnover and support improvement.*
• Study showed that incentive reduced turnover by half (30% to 15%).
*Eligibility is generally limited to child care, FDH and Head Start educators who work 30 or more hours/week
with children in publicly-funded programs and are not school system employees. Eligibility is subject to change.Detail on Current Investments
Amount How Funding Supports Improvement
~$107 million Total Virginia Preschool Initiative funding for at-risk 3- and 4-year-olds, including a 21% increase in the per-pupil rate
and nearly $5 million to support community or private providers who offer VPI
$5 million Total Mixed Delivery Grant (MDG) funding for at-risk 3- and 4-year-old children at a higher per-child rate to support
quality preschool in private settings
~$177 million Federal funding through the Child Care and Development Block Grant for child care assistance to low income
estimated families and quality supports across the system
~$8 million Preschool Development Grant (PDG B-5) funding to support quality measurement and improvement efforts in PDG B-
5 communities, including the educator incentive program
$7 million Governor’s Educational Emergency Relief Fund (GEER) funding to bolster early childhood mental health consultation
(ECMHC) services in schools, increase the educator incentive program, expand developmental assessments for
children in preschool, and develop a resource hub for educators
~$204 million* Consolidated Appropriations Act of 2021 funding to expand eligibility for and strengthen the child care subsidy
program, bolster ECMHC services, and strengthen improvement supports for child care
~$794 million* American Rescue Plan Act funding including direct grants to providers and expanding access to child care
~$1.3 billion TOTAL
Note: Some funding is multi-year and chart does not include federal-to-local funding to support Head Start programs.You can also read
