Chandler High School Lil' Explorers receives Quality First 4-star rating 

MARCH 8, 2023       

COMMUNITY EDUCATION NEWS — Chandler High School (CHS) Lil' Explorers received a 4-star rating of exceeds quality standards by First Things First's Quality First program on January 23, 2023.

As Arizona's early childhood agency, First Things First measures progress in quality improvement through a Quality First Star Rating every two years that ranges from one to five stars. Star ratings are based on what research shows are the key components of quality early care and education. The goal is to help child care providers in Arizona improve the quality of their programs in ways that help young children be ready for kindergarten. 

"Achieving the 4-star rating is very important to our teaching team," explained Pat Berry, Lil' Explorers site coordinator at Chandler High School. "I am proud that my team has gotten the recognition they deserve for the superior learning that happens in our program every day."

The Quality First star rating process is based on two assessments: 

• Environment Rating Scales (ERS) are used to assess elements of a program's learning environment. This includes arrangement of indoor and outdoor space, the materials that are used for activities, and the use of language. Within ERS, different scales are used specific to the early childhood learning environment: the Early Childhood Environment Rating Scale-Revised (ECERS-R), for use of evaluation of preschool classrooms, the Infant-Toddler Environment Rating Scale-Revised (ITERS-R), for use of evaluation of center-based infant and toddler classrooms, and the Family Child Care Environment Rating Scale (FCCERS-R), for use of evaluation of family child care programs.
• Classroom Assessment Scoring Systems™ (CLASS™) are used to assess the quality of the interaction between teachers and their students. In classrooms for 3- and 5-year olds, Quality First analyzes emotional support, classroom organization, and instructional support. For classrooms with toddlers, Quality First analyzes emotional and behavioral support. 

CHS Lil' Explorers had three separate classrooms evaluated for a total of six assessments to receive their 4-star rating. 

This 4-star rating is a recognition of the quality care and curriculum that CHS Lil' Explorers upholds in their program with their students. Other resources available to CHS Lil' Explorers because of their 4-star rating include professional development and coaching, specialized assistance from a team of early childhood experts, and incentive opportunities, such as funding to help support improvements to the classrooms. 

First Things First is devoted to the development and learning of children from birth to age five. According to First Things First, quality early childhood programs matter because 90% of a child's brain growth happens before age 5. The quality of care and experiences children have during these ages impact how their brains develop. 

Lil' Explorers is offered on site at three Chandler Unified School District (CUSD) campuses: Basha High School, Chandler High School, and Perry High School. For more information on Lil' Explorers, contact Pat Berry, CHS site coordinator, at 480-812-7846 or berry.patricia@cusd80.com.

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