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Levels of Training

Levels of training usually provided are as follows, but many training programs are tailored to a sponsor’s specific needs. If you wish to arrange training for a specific group, either in Chapel Hill or at another desired location, please contact Vanessa McCullough.

Level 1 - LIVE - Introductory Training on the ECERS-3, ECERS-R, ITERS-R, FCCERS-R, and SACERS-U*

 

Can be completed in 1 day or less

 

This training is held every month in Chapel Hill, North Carolina by the authors and their associates. To view the list of dates, please see Live Trainings. In addition, this session can be scheduled at your location. For more information on scheduling this type of session, contact Cathy Riley (riley.ersi@gmail.com) and Tracy Link (tracy.g.link@gmail.com).

An informational session which contains lecture, small group activities, and actual classroom footage. Includes

  • how the scales measure quality and findings from research
  • where and when the scales are used
  • activities to help participants become familiar with the format and content of the scales
  • some information about how scale requirements are to be interpreted
  • instruction in scoring
  • procedures for completing an observation

* textbooks for these courses are the Rating Scale and All About book (if applicable)

Documentation of participation in the training is provided. No assessment of participant competence is completed, and no credit is given for the course.

 

Level 1 - ONLINE - Introduction to the ECERS-3, ECERS-R, ITERS-R, FCCERS-R or SACERS U (requires internet access)*

 

Complete at individual pace

 

On-line lecture, handouts, and AV activities with instructor support available on-line or by telephone. Includes:

  • history of the scales
  • how the scales measure quality and findings from research
  • where and when the scales are used
  • activities to help become familiar with the format and content of the scales
  • some information about how scale requirements are to be interpreted
  • instruction in scoring

*text book for these courses is the Rating Scale

Assessment of participant competence is provided, and CEU credit may be given for the course. Arrangement to follow with practice in the field with a trained observer is available by contacting Cathy Riley (riley.ersi@gmail.com) and Tracy Link (tracy.g.link@gmail.com). Documentation of participation in the training is provided.

 

Level 2 - Learning the Basics

 

2 days (or more upon request)

 

This 2-day (or more upon request) course includes information from 1a and added in-depth information provided about specific items and indicators. This course is best for coaches, mentors, teachers, and administrators who want to provide self-evaluations for their own programs, such as Early Headstart, Headstart, resource and referral agencies, and state funded pre-k programs.

This course can be conducted at your own agency and tailored to your needs. It is presented by ERSI certified trainers. Textbooks include the ERS scales and All About books.

 

Level 3 - Consists of Basic Training

 

3 days

 

This course is offered at ERSI’s headquarters in Chapel Hill, North Carolina. For a list of dates, please see Live Trainings. It consists of the Level 1 Live Training, plus two days of guided practice observations. Three-hour practice observations in early childhood classrooms led by an experienced group leader are followed by debriefing sessions to discuss scores and interpretation of scale requirements.

Documentation in the form of a letter indicating participation in the training is provided. No assessment of participant competence is completed, and no credit is given for the course by the authors. This course is conducted once a month by the authors and ERSI associates. For a list of dates see Live Trainings. It provides a more hands-on approach by completing 2 days of practice observations guided by an ERSI-certified trainer.

 

Level 4 - Training to Reliabiliy with the Authors

 

3 days with options for additional days as needed

 

Designed for scale users who will be doing “high stakes” assessments, for example in quality rating systems, or program monitoring, and also for technical assistance staff using the scales in program quality improvement efforts. Pre-requisites are required including the introductory training and some experience using the scales. This course is offered at the ERSI headquarters in Chapel Hill, North Carolina and is conducted by the authors and their certified trainers. For a list of dates and scales, please see Live Trainings.

This course can also be conducted at your agency. For more information on how to schedule this training at your location contact Cathy Riley (riley.ersi@gmail.com) and Tracy Link (tracy.g.link@gmail.com). Participant competence is determined by average of reliability across three consecutive observations and following of correct observation procedures. Reliability benchmarks include 85% for reliable scale users (silver level) and 90% for reliable scale anchors (gold level). Documentation of participation in the training is provided. Signed letters documenting reliability scores are provided.

Options for additional days include:

  • additional days of observation/debriefing as needed until reliability is reached
  • periodic reliability checks
  • writing accurate and clear summary reports
  • using the scales in technical assistance
  • establishing QRS systems that include the scales
  • procedures to ensure reliable and valid assessments
 

Level 5 - Recertification Reliability for Project Anchors and Assessors

 

3 days with options for additional days.

 

This course is designed for state or local anchors with QRIS or high stakes evaluation projects. Pre-requisites include level 4. This course takes place at ERSI headquarters in Chapel Hill, North Carolina or at your location. For dates in Chapel Hill see Live Trainings or to schedule a recertification session at your location, please contact Cathy Riley (riley.ersi@gmail.com) and Tracy Link (tracy.g.link@gmail.com).

Participant competence is determined by average of reliability across three consecutive observations and following of correct observation procedures. Reliability benchmarks include 85% for reliable scale users (silver level) and 90% for reliable scale anchors (gold level). Documentation of participation in the training is provided. Signed letters documenting reliability scores are provided.

 

Level 6 - In-depth Course*

 

8 days

 

Designed to enhance the skills of technical assistance (TA) providers using the scales to help improve the quality of children’s programs. Also useful to system anchors who train assessors, practitioners, and others. This course is not offered in Chapel Hill but can be conducted at your location and tailored to your agency’s needs. Currently this course is only available for ECERS-R and ITERS-R.

Each scale is covered in a separate 8-day course.
Pre-requisite is Level 1-2 or similar training, plus experience using the scale.  Includes:

  • Pretest to determine level of pre-course knowledge
  • Lecture by an author and their associates, on the interpretation of specific indicators, the research and rationale for requirements, what is required to meet requirements
  • Explanations about how to best use the scales in technical assistance efforts to maximize the effects of TA
  • Discussions among participants
  • A variety of hands-on activities to reinforce learning
  • Post-test to determine mastery of course content

* Texts for these courses are the appropriate scale and All About book.

As with any college-level course, the participant is expected to attend all portions of the course, have and read required materials, and study course content in order to pass the post-test.

Assessment of participant competence is completed through a post-test, where a score of 85% is required for passing. Documentation of participation in the course is provided as well as documentation of passing the course.

 

Additional Training Courses:

 

Summary Report Writing

 

1 day

 

This one-day course option is primarily for assessors and technical assistance staff who provide feedback on ERS scores to guide program improvement. Pre-requisite includes completion of practice observations. This session can be conducted at your location. To inquire, please send request to Cathy Riley (riley.ersi@gmail.com) and Tracy Link (tracy.g.link@gmail.com). Includes the purpose of summary reports, format of a report, rules for credible report writing, and practice in writing justifications. Successful completion of training is based on trainee competence in writing a sample report, and documentation is provided for successful completion.

- Introduction
- Levels of Training
- Live Training Events
- Online Training Courses
- Reliability Checks
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