Para empezar
Think of Step Up to Quality as a journey, not a destination. The process is self-paced, and we’re here to help early childhood educators every step of the way.
Your first step on the path to quality is to register for and complete Step Up to Quality’s free, online orientation. Attendees will earn 1.5 in-service hours upon completion.
Your orientation session will explain Steps 1-5; detail the program’s goals, supports and benefits; and introduce you to our online portal called the Nebraska Early Childhood Professional Record System (NECPRS).
Enroll in the online Step Up to Quality orientation
If you need help enrolling in the online Step Up to Quality orientation, here are instructions:
NECPRS
After completing our orientation, the next step of your Step Up to Quality journey includes having directors and staff create profiles in the Nebraska Early Childhood Professional Record System (NECPRS).
In addition to hosting the Step Up to Quality application process, this online record system allows professionals to upload and store their records in one place, even as they change employers. No more tracking down paper documents — simply sign up once to ensure your professional information is saved and secure throughout your career.
Los pasos de un vistazo
Paso 1: ¡puede realizarse íntegramente en línea!
- Director or Lead Designee will complete the Step Up to Quality Orientation training (1.5 in-service hours)
- El Director o la persona designada introducirán la información del programa en NECPRS (Se accede a la "Información del Programa" a través de la propia cuenta del director. Si no tiene acceso como director, póngase en contacto con Step Up to Quality).
- Todo el personal debe crear NECPRS o actualizar su empleo si ya tienen una cuenta NECPRS
- Presentar su solicitud en NECPRS utilizando la lista de verificación “Avanzar hacia el progreso de calidad”
- (Upon completion of the Step 1 requirements, Head Start, Public School, and Nationally Accredited Programs may be eligible to enter at Step 3. See our Program Guide for details.)
Paso 2: ¡todo gira en torno a la formación!
- El Director o la persona designada completará lo siguiente:
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- Al menos 4 Dominios de las Directrices de Aprendizaje Temprano (ELG) (24 horas)
- Formación en cuidados especiales (3 horas)
- Choice of: Introduction to the Environment Rating Scales or Introduction to the CLASS (4 hours). Note: Family child care can choose between Introduction to the Family Child Care Environment Rating Scale (FCCERS-3) or Introduction to the Toddler CLASS.
- Go NAPSACC Pre Autoevaluaciones
- Apply in NECPRS using the “Step Up to Quality Progress Checklist”
Pasos 3-5: ¡hay dos opciones para avanzar!
- Programs may request a rating review to advance to Step 3 without an on-site ERS or CLASS Observation.
- Los programas pueden solicitar una revisión de la calificación para avanzar a los Pasos 3, 4 ó 5, que incluye una Observación ERS o CLASS in situ.
For either option, a minimum of 50 points must be earned from the indicators selected on the Rating Request Form. A program’s overall score on the ERS or CLASS determines the final rating:
- Una puntuación global del programa inferior a 3,75 da lugar a una clasificación en el escalón 3
- Una puntuación global del programa de al menos 3,75 da lugar a una calificación de Paso 4
- Una puntuación global del programa de al menos 4,75 da lugar a una clasificación Step 5
Preguntas frecuentes
How does Step Up to Quality benefit my program?
Step Up to Quality programs have special access to support and resources that improve quality. You’ll receive your first incentive bonus when you move up a step for the first time to pay for program materials like books, toys or professional development opportunities.
We also offer free, voluntary group and one-on-one coaching to providers in the program to make sure you’re supported along your quality improvement journey.
Regardless of which Step you’re at, all enrolled providers are featured in our online child care search tool, which parents across Nebraska use to find programs that are committed to taking their quality to the next level.
And perhaps the greatest benefit of all is the impact on your children and families. Step Up to Quality is not a typical rating system — it’s a path. No matter where you are on the path — at Step 1 or Step 5 — you are making a statement: that you want your program to be the best it can be. Step Up to Quality programs go beyond what is required because they strive to do better for their children’s and families’ futures.
¿Cómo es la calidad?
Step Up to Quality se centra en cinco normas de calidad.
Program administration
Quality early child care programs have policies and procedures in place to maintain sound business practices and support employee development.
Child outcomes
Early child care providers and educators should be knowledgeable of developmental milestones, complete regular assessments and communicate with families about children’s skills, strengths and needs.
Professional development and training
Quality early child care programs employ knowledgeable and professional staff who pursue lifelong learning. Professional development is an ongoing process of education and training to prepare individuals for a career working with young children and families. Actively pursuing professional development ensures that knowledge and skills stay relevant and up to date.
Family engagement and partnerships
Early child care providers and educators maintain collaborative relationships with families and the community to help support children’s learning and development.
Learning environments and program curriculum
Providers and educators actively engage children in everyday learning with teaching approaches to enhance each child’s learning and development. Learning activities are adapted to meet the needs of individual children. Quality early childhood programs use an evidence-based curriculum aligned with the Nebraska Early Learning Guidelines that incorporates child nutrition and physical activity.
Will Step Up to Quality change my program?
We aim to build upon programs’ strengths and offer suggestions for areas of improvement. Ultimately, it is your program, and we will work with you to determine how your child care philosophy can align with our research-based quality indicators.
¿Qué tipos de programas pueden acceder a un Step 3?
Los programas de educación infantil gestionados por una escuela pública o una Unidad de Servicios Educativos son elegibles para entrar en Step Up to Quality con una calificación de Step 3. Estos programas deben cumplir todos los requisitos del Paso 1.
Los programas Head Start y Early Head Start son elegibles para entrar en Step Up to Quality con una calificación de Step 3. Estos programas deben completar todos los requisitos del Paso 1. Los programas Head Start y Early Head Start deben estar al día con los sistemas de supervisión federales y otros estatales o locales para participar en Step Up to Quality.
Los programas acreditados pueden acceder al Step Up to Quality con una calificación de Step 3. Estos programas deben cumplir todos los requisitos del Step 1. Esto incluye programas acreditados por:
- Asociación Nacional para la Educación de los Niños Pequeños (NAEYC)
- Asociación Nacional de Guarderías Familiares (NAFCC)
- Acreditación nacional de programas para la primera infancia (NECPA)
- Consejo de Acreditación (COA)
- Cognia
- Acreditación nacional de escuelas luteranas (NLSA)
- Sociedad Americana Montessori (AMS)
Todos los programas mencionados anteriormente no pueden optar a primas de incentivación de la calidad ni a una tasa de reembolso de subvenciones más elevada hasta que no suban al menos un escalón desde el escalón 3.
How quickly do I need to move through the program?
Step Up to Quality is self-paced. It’s perfectly normal to take it slow so that you don’t feel overwhelmed. It’s not about achieving a Step 5, it’s about continually improving your quality along the way.
If I enroll in Step Up to Quality, am I required to make it to Step 5?
While we think reaching a Step 5 is a wonderful achievement and something to aim for, it is not required. Some programs opt out of observations and choose to remain at a Step 3.
Who do I contact with questions about Step Up to Quality?
You can contact our team at nde.stepuptoquality@nebraska.gov or at 844-807-5712 with questions about Step Up to Quality. In the meantime, check out our Program Guide, available in English and Español, for more details.