Early Care And Learning Inc

ECAL Inc believes in investing in the ongoing support of classroom staff and center leadership in the implementation of the high-quality CC: B-3 program. As a result, ECAL Inc offers 30 training courses that are Ohio Approved for professional development. It also offers coaching services for teachers and center directors for program improvement. This program year, ECAL Inc developed a detailed classroom observation tool, which was field tested in over 30 classrooms implementing the CC: B-3 model. This required a 3-hour observation in each classroom followed by a detailed report of the status of the implementation of all key elements of the CC: B-3 model and specific suggestions for improved implementation. These reports were then used by the center leadership and the coaches to develop specific continuous improvements plans for each classroom as needed. ECAL Inc implemented a Brigance assessment system, assessing 300 children in this reporting year. This information is provided to classroom staff and center leadership to provide individualized training plans for children based on their developmental status. Both systems are used by ECAL leadership to develop targeted trainings and coaching approaches to address development delay trends seen in the child assessments and trends in key element implementation. ECAL Inc also believes in peer support in ensuring high-quality center operation. To that end, CC: B-3 Directors meet monthly to discuss local and state public policy issues affecting early education centers and share best practices in all areas of operations and program implementation.

ECAL Inc. provides support to sites wishing to transform existing classrooms or add additional classrooms utilizing the CC: B-3 program approach. When a center is considering adopting this approach, ECAL Inc does an assessment of the center readiness for the approach, then provides matching funds for the physical transformation of the space and subsidized foundational trainings in the philosophy and practice of the CC: B-3 model. They also provide coaching in setting up the room to provide the appropriate atmosphere conducive to the philosophy and coaching in the implementation of the model as the center begins operation. While CC: B-3 has always supported the expansion, additional grants were received in the last reporting year to allow for more expansion and for greater reductions in costs to the implementing centers. During this reporting year, ECAL Inc added sites with six classrooms serving 50 additional children.