Assessments Impacting High-Quality Learning Benefits
We are excited to share some important news about our ongoing commitment to providing the best possible learning environment for our children!
Recently, CSCC completed a comprehensive Program Quality Assessment (PQA), a nationally recognized research-based tool developed by HighScope to evaluate and enhance the quality of early childhood programs. Along with the completion of the PQA, teachers also implement the COR Advantage assessment to monitor children’s academic growth.
The PQA utilizes a 5-point scale to define quality along a continuum. This assessment looked at many different aspects of our center, including our learning environments, daily routines, how our teachers interact with children, and how we implement our curriculum.
The PQA process allows us to celebrate our strengths and identify areas where we can grow even stronger. It provides us with valuable insights into both the “structural quality” (like the layout of our classrooms and the materials available) and the “process quality” (the day-to-day interactions and learning experiences) within our program.
CSCC Director
PQA Strengths:
- Learning Environments
- Teachers make children feel warm, welcome, and safe at school
- Children are assessed with a formal assessment quarterly
- Daily Routines are followed consistently
PQA Areas for Growth:
- Use Conflict Resolution
- Expand knowledge of active learning principles.
- Teacher as Partner in Play
- Expanding Outdoor Play Opportunities and Adding Shade
How are children assessed?
Children attending the children’s centers are assessed both formally and informally. The formal assessment used is the COR Advantage. Informal assessments include portfolios, teacher-created assessments, and observations.
COR Advantage is an observation-based early childhood assessment tool developed by HighScope. It is designed for children from birth to age six. It focuses on assessing a child’s development through daily activities rather than on formal testing. The assessment is designed to be integrated with the HighScope Key Developmental Indicators (KDIs) and aligned with various early learning frameworks, including Head Start and Common Core State Standards.
How can you support this at home?
- Observe and Listen: Pay attention to what captures your child’s attention during playtime and conversations.
- Ask Open-Ended Questions: Encourage them to elaborate on their interests by asking questions like, “Tell me more about that,” or “What makes you curious about that?”
- Provide Resources: Offer books, art supplies, or simple materials related to their current interests.
- Visit Libraries and Museums: These offer a wealth of opportunities to explore new topics.
- Engage in Their Play: Show genuine interest in what they are doing and participate when invited.
By working together, both at school and at home, we can create a learning environment that truly nurtures your child’s unique potential and fosters a lifelong love of discovery.
2024-2025 COR Advantage Growth Report
We are incredibly proud of our team’s dedication throughout this assessment. The information gathered from the PQA will directly inform our professional development plans for staff and guide our efforts to continually refine our curriculum and classroom environments. Our goal is always to ensure that every child at our center receives the highest quality care and education.
We believe that by investing in high-quality early learning experiences, we are investing in our children’s future. Thank you for entrusting us with your care and education.
STEAM LAB Learning
(Science, Technology, Engineering, Art, and Math)