Program Assessments (CLASS®)

pre k class

In 2018 the Florida Legislature passed a law requiring most School Readiness (SR) programs to take part in an annual program assessment.

In 2022, this was expanded to ALL Voluntary Pre-Kindergarten (VPK) programs. 

All assessments use the CLASS (CLASSROOM ASSESSMENT SCORING SYSTEM) tool.  

THE CLASS tool observes teacher-child interactions as a key indicator of quality in teaching and children's learning. 

CLASS & School Readiness (SR)

School Readiness contracted Providers are classified as NON-EXEMPT OR EXEMPT.
Non Exempt Providers:

   -Have more than 20% SR children (based on license capacity) or

   -Received a Class 1 Violation and/or

   -Received 3 or more Class 2 Violations

Once you become non-exempt for SRPA, you will always remain non-exempt and participate in program assessments annually. *Even if your SR enrollment diminishes or you resolve the Violations.

50% of the classrooms at each care level (infant, toddler & pre-k) will be observed.

The Contract Threshold for the 25-26 School Readiness contract year is a Program Assessment Composite Score of 4.00.

If a provider scores below a 4.00, they can pay for a second assessment. (ONLY IF THEY SCORE BELOW)

Providers are required to update classroom list and staff rosters in QPS MONTHLY. 

In Broward, by the 3rd business day of the month (same as attendance)

CLASS & Voluntary Pre-Kindergarten (VPK)

All VPK classrooms must be observed.

VPK classrooms will be observed during their Instructional Hours and within their VPK Calendar. 

No Registration Required - VPK staff who are listed on the VPK-APP will be observed.

What happens during a CLASS observation?

The observer can stay in one spot of the classroom or move around the room to
watch and take notes on the interactions among teachers and children. 
 
Time

Infant Classroom - 4 cycles of 15 minutes

Toddler Classroom - 4 cycle of 15 to 20 minutes

Pre-K Classroom - 4 cycles of 15 to 20 minutes

10 minute break between cycles

The observer may step out of remain in the classroom during the break
to score.
Observers do their best to avoid interfering with classroom activities, teachers 
and children. 
 
Preparing for your CLASS observation

Attend a zoom live training

Attend a self-paced training - https://www.elcbroward.org/asynchronous-trainings 

Request on site training & technical assistance support

For general SR or VPK questions/info:

Watch CLASS in action!

Effective Teacher Child Interactions

QPS
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