Excellence Counts in Early Learning and School Age Care
What is
• Maryland EXCELS is a
Tiered Quality Rating
and Improvement System
(TQRIS).
• A TQRIS awards
ratings to child care and
public pre-K programs
that meet increasingly
higher standards in key areas of quality.
?
: Vision to Action
ASSESS
Early learning
experiences last
a lifetime.
Maryland
EXCELS
COMMUNICATE
IMPROVE
Standards
• Licensing and Compliance
• Rating Scales and Accreditation
• Staff Qualifications and
Professional Development
• Developmentally Appropriate
Learning and Practice
• Administrative Policies and
Practices
Check
Level
Accreditation and Rating Scales (ACR)
CHECK LEVELS
ACR
Accreditation
2
ACR 1.2 Within the past 12
months, the Director or
designated staff person has
completed MSDE approved
Accreditation Training.
Accreditation Reflection and
Planning form
3
4
ACR 1.3 Within the past 12
months, the Director or
designated staff person has
visited or had a conversation
with a child care program
accredited by an organization
recognized by MSDE.
Accreditation Visit Verification
form
ACR 1.4 Accreditation selfstudy completed and
validation visit requested.
ACR 2.3 Self-assessment
conducted using ERS or
CLASS for at least one
classroom from each age
group as defined by the
scales.
ACR 2.4 ERS or CLASS
conducted by an approved
assessor according to the
schedule established by
MSDE for at least one
classroom from each age
group as defined by the
scales.
Rating Scale Score Sheet
completed by MSDE
Criteria
Doc
ACCREDITATION
ACR 1
1
Doc
RATING SCALE
ACR 2
Classroom
Assessment
Category
Rating Scale Score Sheet(s)
Documentation
Documentation from
accrediting organization that
visit has been requested
Standard
5
ACR 1.5 Accreditation
awarded by an organization
recognized by MSDE and
program remains in good
standing with accrediting
body.
Letter or certificate of
accreditation award,
documentation from
accrediting organization that
annual report has been
received
ACR 2.5 ERS or CLASS
conducted by an approved
assessor according to the
schedule established by
MSDE for at least one
classroom from each age
group as defined by the
scales.
Rating Scale Score Sheet
completed by MSDE
assessor
Viewing the
Standards Online
• Maryland EXCELS is a block rating system.
• Overall check level rating is based on the highest level achieved in
each content area.
Additional Achievements
• Asthma Friendly Child Care
• Health and Wellness
• Quality Business Practices
Program Administration Scale (PAS) and
Business Administration Scale (BAS)
• Cultural and Linguistic Competency
Web Site
marylandexcels.org
Tech Support
Supporting High Quality
Credentialing
Liaison
Bonuses
Discounts
Breakthrough Centers
Tiered Reimbursement
Resource and Referral
Staff
Quality Assurance
Program
Specialists
Coordinators
Quality Assurance Specialists
• Information to programs and groups about Maryland EXCELS
• Regional and on-site consultation and support
• Monitoring visits for Maryland EXCELS programs
Dianna C. Aguirre
Yvonne Bell
Sara R. Martin
Find your Region’s Quality Assurance Specialist at:
marylandexcels.org
How Continuous
Improvement Happens
Programs and providers… learn
develop
have
their
what
andratings
quality
implement
looks
verified
alike.
Program
and
Improvement
receive
support,
Plan.
if needed.
Participating Programs
July 2013 – Oct 2014
3245
3477
2867
2118
1579
813
330
Jul '13 (Field
Test)
Sep '13
Dec '13
Mar '14
Jun '14
Sep '14
Oct '14
(Current)
Participation by Program Type
School-Age
Only
12%
Family Child Care
58%
October
2014
Center-Based
30%
Public PreK
<1%
Published Programs
July 2013 – Oct 2014
1029
928
748
355
221
29
Jul '13
(Field Test)
87
Sep '13
Dec '13
Mar '14
Jun '14
Sep '14
Oct '14
(Current)
Published by Check Level
Level 4
Level 3
3%
4%
Level 2
14%
October
2014
Level 5
13%
Level 1
66%
Family Outreach
Begins Fall 2014
 Flyers in English and Spanish, distributed in hard copy & online
 FREE Maryland EXCELS Mobile App
 Articles in local newspapers and organization’s newsletters
 Bus and light rail ads in Baltimore City/Co. & Montgomery Co.
New Expanded View for Families
Overall
Published
Rating
Rating in
Each
Content
Area
Additional
Achievements
(if applicable)
New Info/Tools for Families
FREE Quality Finder Mobile App
Countdown Continues…
Child care and early education programs accepting Child
Care Subsidy have until June 29, 2015 to submit their
Maryland EXCELS application to continue receiving
reimbursements.
Apply now at MarylandExcels.org!
No Computer? No problem!
Sign-up and Support sessions are
taking place throughout the state.
Computers will be available, with
assistance to help you sign-up on-site.
Don’t Wait... Participate!
Website:
marylandexcels.org
E-mail:
admin@marylandexcels.org