Program Assessment for VPK
Voluntary Prekindergarten (VPK) providers must annually participate in a program assessment of each VPK classroom. Program assessments measure the effectiveness of teacher-child interactions within the classroom.
The Classroom Scoring System (CLASS) is an evidence-based observational tool used to assess the effectiveness of teacher-child interactions in the classroom focusing on the following domains: Emotional Support, Classroom Organization, and Instructional Support. Research supports that quality interactions between adults and children promote children’s social and cognitive development, helping them thrive in their learning environments. Classrooms that have received high CLASS scores are proven to support greater learning gains in language, math and early literacy development. CLASS® is the VPK program assessment tool required for all VPK classrooms to participate beginning in the 2022-2023 program year per Section 1002.68 F.S. Program Assessment Requirements for the Voluntary Prekindergarten (VPK) Education Program Rule can be found here, 6M-8.621.
Resources for VPK Programs
- What is CLASS? Teachers F.A.Q. (PDF)
- VPK Provider FAQ (PDF)
- Helpful Hints for ELC Implementation of Classroom Assessment Scoring System (PDF)
- VPK Program Assessment Requirements Handbook (PDF)
Resources for VPK Families
Training
For local VPK Program Assessment training opportunities, contact your local Early Learning Coalition.
Please email VPKCLASS@del.fldoe.org with any questions.
Technical Assistance
Observers wishing to make data changes in the Web-Based Early Learning System (WELS) should complete the following request form, VPK Class Observation Data Change Request Form.