ERS News
New ERS process for STAR 4 Accredited Facilities
On September 15, 2009, OCDEL issued a new ERS process for STAR 4 accredited facilities. In the past, a STAR 4-Accredited site was required to have an Environment Rating Scale (ERS) assessment during the second and fourth years of the site’s accreditation cycle. In an effort to align the ERS standard and the renewal process for STAR 4-Accredited sites with other STAR levels, this ERS requirement has changed.
Effective immediately, a facility must meet the ERS Performance Standard in order to receive an initial STAR 4-Accredited designation. Additionally, the need for an ERS assessment will no longer be dictated by the site’s accreditation cycle.
Facilities with STAR 4-Accredited status will be required to have an ERS assessment every other fiscal year. For example, ABC Early Learning Center was designated STAR 4A in September of 2009 with an ERS assessment that is effective for two (2) years. Their first designation renewal would be completed in September 2010 using the September 2009 ERS score. The second designation renewal would occur in September 2011. An ERS assessment would be required prior to this second renewal.
Please keep in mind there are exceptions to the ERS assessment being conducted every two years. In the event that one or more of these situations occurs, a new ERS assessment will need to occur prior to renewal of the site’s STAR 4A status.
- The site receives a Provisional Certificate of Compliance from the DPW
- The provider type has changed (Family, Group, or Center)
- The site’s director has changed
- There was a turnover of 50% or more among staff members
- More than 1/3 of the site’s classrooms has lost a lead teacher
- The enrollment patterns do not reflect the original ERS sample assessed (the number of classrooms or classroom types has changed)
If you have questions or concerns regarding this new policy, please contact your STARS Manager.
