Conference Papers

This Microsoft PowerPoint on Early Childhood Professional Development Constructs was presented at the Leadership Symposium of the National Center for Research on Early Childhood Education in February, 2008. The focus is on common measurement approaches and alignment of goals and data across professional development, quality rating systems, and early childhood educator competencies. It is explored whether the core constructs of education, training, and credentials function to predict quality and child outcomes. Areas that need to be addressed are listed for research and systems.

This Microsoft PowerPoint presentation looks at the point of intersection between professional development (PD) systems and quality rating and improvement systems (QRIS). It is shown that in 2006, 76 percent of States have a PD system. The author presents a series of questions to move the research forward.

This Microsoft PowerPoint presentation illustrates how technical assistance (TA) practitioners can become more intentional and effective in their efforts to improve the practice of TA and training. Examples of efforts to improve the practice of TA and training at the State and organization levels are included. TA efforts need to be coordinated with the work of States to avoid duplication, share knowledge, and improve the delivery and impact of TA.

This Microsoft PowerPoint presentation describes how States are using Quality Rating Systems (QRS) to improve the quality of early care and education programs. Common elements of QRS include: (1) standards, (2) accountability, (3) program and practitioner outreach and support, (4) financing incentives linked to compliance with quality standards, and (5) parent/consumer education. Accreditation is included in 10 of the 11 Statewide QRS. Thirty States have Statewide tiered reimbursement. State evaluations have found positive impacts of QRS on quality.

This Microsoft PowerPoint presentation examines lessons learned from the first five years of the North Carolina Rated License Assessment Project. Charts present the percentage of homes by North Carolina Star Rated License. The average assessment scores achieved in preschool, school-age classrooms, and family child care homes reflect "good" quality.