As part of its expanding online learning options, Wheelock College has launched a new online course designed for early childhood educators interesting in moving up levels in the Massachusetts Department of Early Education and Care’s new Quality Rating and Improvement System (QRIS). Developed by Wheelock College’s Aspire Institute with funding and support from the Massachusetts Department of Early Education and Care and in collaboration with the United Way of Massachusetts Bay and Merrimack Valley, this course provides information about the purpose of QRIS, the levels of QRIS, and measurement tools for children and programs that are part of the system.
This course is free for all educators to obtain professional development. Educators wishing to take this course for Continuing Education Units (CEUs) will have a small fee attached. Educators who receive FY12 QRIS Program Improvement Grant funding will be required to complete this course by March 31, 2012.
Course Description
This course is designed to provide early education and out of school time educators with an introduction to the Massachusetts Quality Rating Improvement (QRIS) System. The first two-hour module of the course will introduce the QRIS and explore the current science of brain development. The next four modules will introduce the five categories of the QRIS Standards and the tools that measure process and structural quality indicators. The final module will cover how to apply this knowledge to an early education or out of school time program to identify areas for program improvement.
Course Objectives
- Explore the Key Components of Quality (standards, corresponding sub-categories and criteria contained within) that form the QRIS, the tools that measure process and structural quality indicators, and the research basis for the science of brain development supporting the effectiveness factors of early childhood program quality.
- Demonstrate knowledge of the QRIS standards for at least one program type.
- Participate in a structured field experience (observation) and apply knowledge of the QRIS standards.
- Identify areas for program improvement and movement towards the next level of the QRIS for an early education or out of school time program.
This course is for providers interested in receiving CEUs.