copyright 2006 thomson delmar learning. all rights reserved. caring for school-age children chapter...

Copyright 2006 Thomson Delmar Learning.All Rights Reserved.

Caring for School-Age Children

Chapter 16

Quality and Standards


Changes in the Goals of Child Care

• Greater demand for programs

• Research shows quality programs benefit children

• Public perception has changed

• Considered more than a safe haven


• Recognized as a place for developmental growth and development of life skills

• Requires efforts of many agencies


Changes in the 21st Century

• Child care initiative– Shares trends and ideas– Money added to welfare reform laws

• Quality according to Donna Shelala– Good, strong interaction with parents– Improvements based on research– Good working conditions– Work with health experts


Accreditation


Accreditation and Standards

• National School Age Care Alliance– Standards based on research and field testing– Standards on:

• Human relationships• Indoor environment• Outdoor environment• Activities• Safety, health, and nutrition• Administration


National Association for the Education of Young Children

• Self-study by director, staff members, parents

• Evaluation by trained team of validators


• Categories: interactions among staff and children, curriculum, staff/parent interactions, staff qualifications, staffing patterns, physical environment, health and safety, nutrition and food service


National Association for Family Child Care

• Accreditation for home-based programs

• Categories:– Relationships– Environments– Activities– Developmental learning goals– Policies and procedures– Professional and business practices


Credentials


Credentials

• Child Development Associate (CDA)

• AS degree in Child Development or related field

• BA degree in Child Development or related field

• Local training and certification

• National Out of School Time


Evaluation


Evaluation

• School-Age Care Environmental Rating Scale (SACERS)– Trained observers use numerical scale– Categories:

• Space and furnishings Interactions• Indoor space Program structure• Health and safety Staff development• Activities Special needs


Assessing Children

• Observation

• Anecdotal record

• Event recording

• Time or duration sampling

• Video camera or tape recording

• Checklist

• Self assessment

copyright 2006 thomson delmar learning. all rights reserved. caring for school-age children chapter...

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