Requirements for Completing aFamily Child Care Environment Rating Scale (FCCERS-R) Self-assessment for the QRS

A child development home is required to submit documentation for completing a self-assessment using the FCCERS-R.

A completed FCCERS-Rself-assessment must include two forms:

1)completed FCCERS-R score sheet AND

2)completed FCCERS-R self-assessment form

Both the score sheet and the self-assessment form must be completed thoroughly with sufficient detail to reflect the score for each item.

Follow the steps below.

1) Complete aFamily Child Care Environment Rating Scale (FCCERS-R) score sheet using the FCCERS-R book.

  • Scores should be based on actual program observations (not memory) and the current situation (not future plans).
  • Score every indicator for every item either yes, no or NA (not applicable).
  • Comments and key words should be written on the FCCERS-R score sheet for each item to indicate the reasons for the indicator scores. For example, list the number and types of pieces of furniture, soft toys, children’s display work, housekeeping materials, the number of times handwashing is or is not completed. Use the questions, charts and other aids provided for keeping track of information throughout the observation. Furnish enough detail to support your scores or score sheets will be returned for additional information.
  • Score every item with the rating circled (1-7, or NA); compute average subscale scores and the total mean scale score (average total score).

2) Complete the FCCERS-R self-assessment form.

  • For each item list at least two strengths (list indicator numbers) and at least two areas for improvement (list indicator numbers) with an explanation of how you meet or do not meet the indicators. Start with the lowest indicator.
  • Assign a priority rating for each indicator listed in the “Areas for Improvement” column.
  • Refer to the Sample Items from Completed FCCERS-R Self-assessment Form on the next page. Furnish enough detail to describe the strengths and areas for improvement or the self-assessment form will be returned for additional information.

3)When you are ready to submit your completed Iowa Quality Rating System (QRS) application to your Regional QRS Specialist, attach the completed Family Child Care Environment Rating Scale score sheets and self-assessment form.

Sample Items from Completed FCCERS-R Self-assessment Form

P* (Priority): 1= High 2 = Medium 3 = Low

FCCERS-R
Items / Strengths / Areas for Improvement / Priority Rating*
2.
Furniture for routine care, play, and learning / (3.1) Each child has own cot, chair for mealtimes and a cubby to keep belongings in
(5.3) Low shelves for toys storage and step stool for bathroom sink promote self-help / (5.1) Only half of tables and chairs for eating are made suitable for children’s size (several children kneel on adult chairs while eating)
(7.2) Routine care furniture is not convenient (I have to walk through two rooms to reach a handwashing sink after diapering) / 1
3
3.
Provision for relaxation and comfort / Meets all indicators through 7.3
26 soft toys accessible much of the day for the 6 children enrolled in program (12 foam blocks, 4 cloth dolls, 3 puppets, 7 stuffed animals)
Wall-to-wall carpeting, 2 couches, covered mattress, child-sized upholstered chair
Couch used for reading / To maintain 7 rating:
(5.2) Monitor play so active children do not interfere with those children relaxing / 2
4.
Arrangement of indoor space for child care / (3.3) All breakables and choking hazards cleared from child care area
(5.3) Toys are stored by type – books on shelf by couch, dolls in a plastic crate, blocks in a basket / (1.2) Arrangement of space does not allow adequate supervision (children play in living room and bedroom at the same time)
(7.3) Storage for extra toys and materials is not convenient (currently stored in the attic, two floors above space used for child care) / 1
3

Self-assessment

Family Child Care Environment Rating Scale (FCCERS-R)

Name:Program Name:

Date:Ages of Children:Number of Children:

For each item list at least two strengths (list indicator numbers) and at least two areas for improvement (list indicator numbers) with an explanation of how you meet or do not meet the indicators. Start with the lowest indicator. Decide a priority rating for each indicator in the “Areas for Improvement” column.

P* (Priority): 1=High 2=Medium 3=Low

FCCERS-R Items / Strengths
(List indicator numbers) / Areas for Improvement
(List indicator numbers) / Priority Rating*
1.
Indoor space used for child care
2.
Furniture for routine care, play, and learning
3.
Provision for relaxation and comfort
4.
Arrangement of indoor space for child care
5.
Display for children
6.
Space for privacy
7.
Greeting/
departing
8.
Nap/rest
9.
Meals/snacks
10.
Diapering/
toileting
11.
Health practices
12.
Safety practices
13.
Helping children understand language
14.
Helping children use language
15.
Using books
16.
Fine motor
17.
Art
18.
Music and movement
19.
Blocks
20.
Dramatic play
21.
Math/number
22.
Nature/science
23.
Sand and water play
24.
Promoting acceptance of diversity
25.
Use of TV, video, and/or computer
26.
Active physical play
27.
Supervision of play and learning
28.
Provider-child interaction
29.
Discipline
30.
Interactions among children
31.
Schedule
32.
Free play
33.
Group time
34.
Provisions for children with disabilities
35.
Provisions for parents
36.
Balancing personal and caregiving responsibilities
37.
Opportunities for professional growth
38.
Provisions for professional needs

1

FCCERS-R Handout 4.3

09/01/10