Using Fccers to Improve Program Quality

How can family child care providers use FCCERS to strengthen their program without losing sight of what matters most? This title is part of the respected Environment Rating Scale® Family of Products—the leading research-based tools to optimize the quality of children’s early learning.

This book shows family child care providers how to use FCCERS as a tool for self-reflection to support quality improvement, which was an original purpose of the ERS. It includes reflection questions that providers can use to think about their program operations in ways aligned with best practices as well as their own values. Readers will also learn the role of coaches and communities of practice in supporting quality, using the FCCERS as a framework.

National early childhood expert Ann Hentschel draws on her 40-year career to help home-based educators move beyond scores and focus on what children experience every day—the relationships, routines, and learning experiences that directly shape children's development (birth through age 12). After reading this book, providers will be empowered to create nurturing, developmentally appropriate environments where both children and educators thrive. They will also discover how to build reflective teaching habits and engage in peer communities of practice to reduce isolation and address common challenges such as transitions, mixed-age care, and children’s behavior.

When individuals at every level of the system embrace these tools for ongoing reflection and improvement, they cultivate a lasting driver of quality that inspires meaningful, sustainable change.

Key Features:

• Designed for Family Child Care Settings: Grounded in the unique strengths of home-based programs, including mixed-age groups, continuity of care, and shared living spaces.
• Actionable, Everyday Strategies: Packed with "Try This" strategy boxes, reflective questions, and an Action Plan Template for immediate use. Six appendices are also available as free, downloadable PDFs.
• From Assessment to Improvement: Translates FCCERS Items and Indicators into meaningful, developmentally appropriate practices that enhance children’s daily experiences.
• Supports Reflective Practice and Coaching: Ideal for individual reflection, coaching conversations, and community of practice networks.
• Focuses on What Matters Most: Centers process quality (interactions, relationships, and engagement) as the foundation of children’s learning and well-being.