Facts In Action

During the summer of 2000, the Outcome Measurement Task Force (OMTF) of Associated Early Care and Education, Inc. in Boston, Massachusetts, adopted the Creative Curriculum Child Development and Learning Checklist to use as both its child assessment form as well as its outcome measurement instrument in its center-based and family child care programs. Over the past six months, the OMTF developed and implemented a multi-phase plan to train teachers and providers in using the new instrument.

The OMTF first invited a Creative Curriculum representative to conduct a "Train the Trainers" session with those directors, coordinators, teachers and providers who were chosen to train other program staff. The goals of this training were to teach the participants how to do child observations and to familiarize them with the new instrument. Following this training, the OMTF distributed the new instrument, and met with all staff to explain its purpose and how it would be used.

Associated Early Care and Education, Inc. then scheduled a shut-down day for both its center-based and family child care programs in order to conduct trainings with teachers and providers. At these trainings, the individuals who participated in the "Train the Trainers" session provided tips for gathering and recording observations, practiced conducting observations using videotapes of children in programs, and practiced transferring these observations onto the new instrument.

Finally, following the shut-down trainings, the OMTF scheduled a one-month piloting period for teachers and providers to practice using the new instrument. Additional technical assistance was provided when necessary. When the piloting period was completed, the new instrument was phased into all programs in January 2001.

For more information:
about Associated Early Care and Education, Inc.' Outcome Measurement Task Force, contact Carol Campbell at (617) 695-0700 x236 or Erika Argersinger at (617) 695-0700 x271.

Facts in Action, April 2001