MARYLAND EXCELS and CLASS®

Maryland EXCELS is Maryland Department of Education’s quality rating and improvement system for childcare and early education programs that meet nationally recognized quality standards. The Classroom Assessment Scoring System® (CLASS®) tool, developed by Teachstone®, is objective and ensures consistent and reliable measurement of educator-child interactions.

Maryland EXCELS uses CLASS to assess and provide data-driven feedback to licensed Child Care Centers, Family Child Care providers, and Public Prekindergarten programs.

Starting on January 1, 2021, in the Accreditation and Rating Scales Content Area, assessments will be conducted by approved MSDE assessors using CLASS. CLASS will replace the Environment Rating Scales, except in School-Age childcare settings, where we will continue to use the SACERS-u.

Why is Maryland EXCELS using CLASS assessment tools?

CLASS supports the mission of the Maryland State Department of Education, Division of Early Childhood, to improve the early education experiences of young children so that they are prepared for and successful in school. The CLASS measure has been validated and proven to predict child outcomes in the United States, Europe, Asia, and Latin America.

Who receives a CLASS assessment?

Programs that wish to meet Maryland EXCELS Quality Rating 4 requirements and Quality Rated 5 programs who will receive an assessment every 3 years.

Who conducts a CLASS® assessment?

CLASS assessments are conducted by assessors who hold current certification from Teachstone and are approved by MSDE.

What are the benefits of receiving a CLASS assessment from MSDE?

The CLASS assessment acknowledges the work you do every day, including meeting Maryland EXCELS Standards. The feedback you receive from the assessment will:

• help you maintain high quality;
• support your continuous quality improvement; and
• prepare you for an accreditation visit.

You will choose:

• the classrooms to be observed;
• the dates the assessments will take place;
• the areas to include in your Program Improvement Plan.

What if my childcare center has school-age children?

Child care centers with school-age children and school-age only programs will be assessed using CLASS.