Getting started
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.
Steps at a glance
Step 1: can be completed entirely online!
- Director or Lead Designee will complete the Step Up to Quality Orientation training (1.5 in-service hours)
- Director or Lead Designee will enter the Program Information into NECPRS (The “Program Information” is accessed through the director’s own account. If you do not have director access, contact Step Up to Quality)
- All staff must create NECPRS accounts or update their employment if they have an existing NECPRS account
- Apply in NECPRS using the “Step Up to Quality Progress” checklist
- (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.)
Step 2: is all about training!
- Director or Lead Designee will complete the following:
-
- At Least 4 Early Learning Guidelines (ELG) Domains (24 hours)
- Special Care Training (3 hours)
- 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 Self-Assessments
- Apply in NECPRS using the “Step Up to Quality Progress Checklist”
Steps 3-5: there are two options for moving forward!
- Programs may request a rating review to advance to Step 3 without an on-site ERS or CLASS Observation.
- Programs may request a rating review to advance to Steps 3, 4, or 5, which includes an on-site ERS or CLASS Observation.
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:
- A program overall score below 3.75 results in a Step 3 rating
- A program overall score of at least 3.75 results in a Step 4 rating
- A program overall score of at least 4.75 results in a Step 5 rating
FAQs
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.
What does quality look like?
Step Up to Quality focuses on five quality standards.
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.
What types of programs are eligible to enter at a Step 3?
Early childhood programs operated by a public school or Educational Service Unit are eligible to enter Step Up to Quality at a Step 3 rating. These programs must complete all Step 1 requirements.
Head Start and Early Head Start programs are eligible to enter Step Up to Quality at a Step 3 rating. These programs must complete all Step 1 requirements. Head Start and Early Head Start programs must be in good standing with federal and other state or local monitoring systems to participate in Step Up to Quality.
Accredited programs are eligible to enter Step Up to Quality at a Step 3 rating. These programs must complete all Step 1 requirements. This includes programs accredited by:
- National Association for the Education of Young Children (NAEYC)
- National Association for Family Child Care (NAFCC)
- National Early Childhood Program Accreditation (NECPA)
- Council on Accreditation (COA)
- Cognia
- National Lutheran School Accreditation (NLSA)
- American Montessori Society (AMS)
All the programs mentioned above are not eligible to receive quality incentive bonuses or a higher subsidy reimbursement rate until they move up at least one Step from Step 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.