Assessment FAQ

What assessment tool(s) will be used to review my program?

• Level A – The ABC Level A Required Standards and the Environment Rating Scales are the assessment tools used at Level A.
• Level B – The ABC Level B Standards are the assessment tools used at Level B. All assessments are based on the ABC Level applied for and ages of the children served.
• Level C – Must meet regulatory requirements only.

What are Environment Rating Scales (ERS)?
The Environment Rating Scales are the designated classroom assessment tools for ABC Level A and are based on the ages of the children. The ERS tools used by ABC for Level A assessments are: (1) Age birth -2: Infant/Toddler Environment Rating Scale - Revised (ITERS-R); (2) Age 3-5: Early Childhood Environment Rating Scale - Revised (ECERS-R); and (3) Age 6-12: School-Age Care Environment Rating Scale - (SACERS). The ERS are nationally recognized classroom assessment tools used by many states to measure classroom quality.

I previously had an assessment - will it count?
Only assessments conducted by an ABC assessor will count. The assessment must have been based on the assessment tool required for the Level, and should not be more than 6 months old. For additional information, contact the ABC Program Monitor for your county.

Will all of my classrooms be assessed?
At Level A, 1/3 of the classrooms per age group will be assessed. At Level B, one classroom for each age will be assessed.

Do I get to choose what classrooms I want to get assessed?
No. The selection of classrooms is randomly made by the ABC Monitor.

Will I receive a written report of the assessment?
Yes. The report will include the findings and any recommendations being made and may be used by providers to work with staff on program improvement.

Can I receive an ABC assessment without being enrolled in the ABC Child Care Voucher System for payment?
Yes. Programs wanting to be assessed and receive an ABC Equivalent designation should contact the ABC Program Monitor for their county. The ABC Equivalent designation does not qualify the provider for ABC payments or grants.

How often are visits made to child care facilities?
The frequency of provider visits may vary depending on the findings during an on-site visit. At Level B, annual visits will be made at a minimum. At Level A, visits will be made every two years at a minimum.

Are visits announced or unannounced?
Initial enrollment visits and technical assistance visits are announced. All other visits are unannounced.