A multi-case study of the onsite assistance systems, activities and supports of quality rating and improvement systems
Date
2016
Authors
Journal Title
Journal ISSN
Volume Title
Publisher
University of Delaware
Abstract
In order to ensure quality outcomes for all children in early childhood
programs, U.S. policymakers and researchers have increased their focus on
discovering how best to support and strengthen systems for early childhood education.
Most U.S. states and territories have implemented Quality Rating and Improvement
Systems (QRIS) to improve the quality of their early childhood programs with the
expectation that higher quality programs will lead to more positive outcomes for
children. One type of QRIS support commonly offered is onsite assistance, which
involves sending a professional to the program site to help improve the quality of the
program. Despite the widespread use of onsite assistance across QRIS, there is limited
information about existing systems for onsite assistance, the activities of onsite
assistance providers, and the supports available to them. This descriptive research used
a multi-case study approach to solicit new information and map the system of
statewide onsite assistance, its activities, and its supports for onsite assistance
providers. Findings indicate different and complex models of onsite assistance within
statewide QRIS. Despite these differences, commonalities were found within
components of the models, supports provided and the activities of onsite assistance
providers.
Keywords: onsite assistance, QRIS, systems