1. Who Can Apply for a STAR 2–5 Assessment?
- Licensed child care programs may apply for Alabama Quality STARS if they have been licensed for at least one year.
- Centers
- Family Day Care Homes
- Group Day Care Homes
- Centers that cannot be licensed by DHR (e.g.military, public schools, Alabama Community College System, university, Tribal, etc.) may also apply for a STAR 2-5 assessment after they have been in operation for at least one year.
- Programs must be in “good standing” with DHR.
- Centers and Family or Group Day Care Homes in “good standing” are those that are not currently under adverse action and meet all current Licensing Standards.
- Centers that cannot be licensed by DHR must have written policies and procedures for addressing parent and/or community complaints and documentation that there is follow through when complaints are received
2. What Tools Are Used to Assess My Program?
Programs must meet the minimum number of points in both the Best Practice Rubric and CLASS observations to earn a STAR Rating.
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1. The Best Practice Rubric (Verification Manual)
The domains of the Best Practice Rubric include:
- Curriculum and Instruction
- Screening and Assessment
- Family Engagement
- Professional Credential
- Environment
- Program Design
Each domain of the Best Practice Rubric includes a series of indicators, all of which have been assigned a point value. The rubric is designed to be cumulative so that program sites are able to select only the indicators that fit their individual program.
The components and items of the Best Practice Rubric have been identified as markers of quality. They have been established by experts in the field of Early Childhood Education, validated by research, and developed from recognized resources to provide incremental progressions of quality.
2. CLASS Observations
What is CLASS?
The Classroom Assessment Scoring System (CLASS) is a research-based observation tool that measures the quality and effectiveness of teacher-child interactions. Certified reliable CLASS observers consider interactions across all routines and activities of the classroom day. Interactions are grouped into broad categories, or Domains, then divided further into Dimensions. Observers make standardized judgments about the quality of interactions and score Dimensions on a 1-7 scale. High-quality, effective interactions have a proven positive impact on children’s social and academic outcomes.
CLASS Cycles and Length
CLASS scores will be calculated by a CLASS reliable observer completing an assessment consisting of 4 cycles of 15-20 minutes of observation.
The CLASS portion of assessment visits will take approximately 2 hours total per classroom.
CLASS Mixed-Age Group Process
In mixed-age kindergarten/Pre-K classrooms, the Pre-K tool should be used if the classroom is a majority Pre-K or if the classroom receives early childhood funding.
- In mixed-age Pre-K/toddler classrooms, the Pre-K tool should be used if the classroom is a majority or at least half Pre-K.
- In mixed-age toddler/infant classrooms, the toddler tool should be used if the classroom is a majority or at least half toddler. The infant tool should only be used if the classroom is a majority infant.
A classroom that is a mix of infant, toddler, and Pre-K children shall be observed using the tool appropriate for the majority of the class. If there is no clear majority among the three age groups, the toddler tool shall be used.
CLASS Scoring Process
The overall CLASS Score Points for each site are calculated by averaging all dimension scores (except for Negative Climate) for all observations together. Dimension scores are first calculated by using the scores collected from the four observation cycles to create an average dimension score. The dimension scores from every domain and every observation count equally in the overall rating. Domain scores are never averaged together to create an overall rating. CLASS scores are collected with a maximum of 7 points and then multiplied by 10.
Class Score Points are determined by taking the average of all dimensions of each classroom observed and multiplying it by 10.
CLASS Domains and Dimensions By Age Level:
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CLASS The Power of Interactions
3. How many points do I need to earn a higher STAR Rating?
Programs must meet the minimum number of points in both the Best Practice Rubric and CLASS observations to earn a STAR Rating.
* For STAR 2, the CLASS assessment will be conducted informally for training purposes only
4. How do I Prepare For An Assessment?
A. Download and review assessment documents for your program type
Click the button below to take you to your program type’s assessment documents.
B. Prepare a binder or box divided into six sections for each domain
C. Organize documentation by indicator within each domain and prepare your staff and classrooms to be observed
D. Connect to AlaCEED and submit assessment application for review.
Follow the directions and video tutorials on the Getting Started page to connect to AlaCEED and submit your Assessment Application.
Once the assessment application is reviewed and approved by DHR, your program will be assigned an Alabama Quality STARS lead specialist.
The lead specialist will contact the program director to schedule the assessment site visit. The Alabama Quality STARS assessment team will visit the program at the agreed upon date and time to complete their assessment.
5. What Can I Expect On Assessment Day?
6. I Have Never Gone Through an Assessment Before, Can I get some Guidance?
- Yes! Visit Guided Support to read about applying for Guided Support before applying for an assessment.
Only those who have been previously assessed are eligible to apply for Enhancement services.