Glossary of Frequently Used Program Quality Assessment (PQA) Acronyms In the Internal Assessment Process (IAP) Webinar

Program observation instrument (POI) used to measure the overall quality of business and professional practices in family child care settings. The BAS is available in English and Spanish. The most current edition is the second edition.

Suite of program observation instruments (POI) used for assessing the quality of interactions between teachers and children in a classroom setting.

• Infant CLASS: Used in classrooms where children birth through 12 months are enrolled. 
• Toddler CLASS: Used in classrooms where children 1 year to 3 years are enrolled. 
• Pre-K-3 CLASS: Used in classrooms where children 3 years through grade 3, including before and after school programming, are enrolled. (Updated version is used by the PQA team) 
• Pre-K CLASS: Used in classrooms where children 3 years to 5 years are enrolled. (Older version) 
• K-3 CLASS: Used in classrooms where children K through 3rd grade are enrolled. (Older version) 

An ongoing process that includes reviewing sources of evidence that indicate program quality, planning goals, and implementing strategies that move learning programs toward best practices.

Suite of program observation instruments (POI) designed for assessing the experiences of children in their programs that have a direct effect on their development.  The ERS assesses the physical environment(s) used in the program, health and safety practices, learning materials, teacher-child and peer interactions, and opportunities for learning and development by age group or setting. Effective July 1, 2024, the revised (“r” versions) versions of the ERS will no longer be recognized as approved Program Observation Instruments (POI) in Keystone STARS. 

• ECERS-3 (Early Childhood Environment Rating Scale-Third Edition): Used in classrooms where children 3 to 5 years of age are enrolled. 
• FCCERS-3 (Family Child Care Environment Rating Scale – Third Edition): Used in family child care homes and group child care homes operating in a residence. 
• ITERS-3 (Infant Toddler Environment Rating Scale-Third Edition): Used in classrooms where children birth to 36 months of age are enrolled.
• SACERS-U (School Age Care Environment Rating Scale-Updated): Used in classrooms where children Kindergarten to 12 years of age are enrolled during out-of-school time. 

An intentional discussion between a Program Quality Assessor (PQA) and a program to support a program’s decision to choose and use a POI that does not have professional development opportunities from the Pennsylvania Key. This is a one-on-one (or small group when appropriate) hour-long session and one hour of PQAS credit is awarded for participation. 

Program led assessment of classroom environments, interactions, practices, and policies of the early learning program.  

The process of a program engaging in annual internal assessment of classroom practices and/or business and management/leadership practices. The program in collaboration with the Quality Coach and Program Quality Assessors develops an internal assessment plan for selecting and learning about a Program Observation Instrument (POI), training internal observers, and conducting the internal assessment, culminating with a meeting with the program quality assessor (PQA). The process also includes program requested assessor supports such as external assessment, coaching the internal assessor, program walk-throughs with feedback, and individualized supports based on program need. 

The process of a program engaging in annual internal assessment of classroom practices and/or business and management/leadership practices. The program in collaboration with the Quality Coach and Program Quality Assessors develops an internal assessment plan for selecting and learning about a Program Observation Instrument (POI), training internal observers, and conducting the internal assessment, culminating with a meeting with the program quality assessor (PQA). The process also includes program requested assessor supports such as external assessment, coaching the internal assessor, program walk-throughs with feedback, and individualized supports based on program need. 

Training, formal education, or advanced professional learning to help administrators, teachers, and others improve professional knowledge, competence, skill, and effectiveness. 

Evidenced based and reliable tools used to measure the quality of early learning and school-age care programs.

Individual trained and reliable on a variety of program observation instruments (POI) who supports programs through the internal assessment process, creates and delivers professional development modules, and engages with partners in the early care and education community.