CLASS Assessment
School Readiness (SR) and Voluntary Prekindergarten (VPK) providers participate in an annual Program Assessment utilizing the Classroom Assessment Scoring System (CLASS). The CLASS assessment elevates the quality and responsibility of early learning programs by gauging interactions between
educators and children in three areas:
1. Emotional/behavioral support
2. Classroom organization
3. Instructional support
Benefits of participating in the CLASS Assessment
Access to the ELCP's quality supports for offsetting the cost of onboarding, providing wage supplements,
earning a National CDA, and raising Readiness Rates.- Higher reimbursement rates through the Quality Performance Incentive.
The Quality Performance Incentive (QPI) provides eligible providers with a payment differential based on their Classroom Assessment Scoring System (CLASS®) scores, up to 10 percent for each care level and unit of care, based on their SR reimbursement.
QPI Score/Reimbursement Breakdown:
5.0 - 5.99 = 7% higher reimbursement
6.0 - 7.0 = 10% higher reimbursement
Interested in participating in our CLASS Assessment program?
Complete the CLASS Assessment SRPA Participation Opt-In form.
CLASS® Pre-K Tool Update: Transition to 2nd Edition
Starting July 1, 2026, The Early Learning Coalition of Pinellas (ELCP) transitioned from the CLASS® 2008 Pre-K observation tool to the 2nd Edition CLASS® Pre-K tool. All preschool-aged assessments and observations will utilize this updated version. These updates are designed to improve clarity and inclusive language while maintaining the core integrity of the assessment.
Resources for Your School
To help your team prepare for this transition, ELCP is providing the following support materials:
Complimentary Dimension Guides: Every school will receive one copy of the 2nd Edition Pre-K Dimension Guide provided by ELCP.
Detailed Comparison: Download the Transition PowerPoint Presentation to review the changes between the 2008
and 2nd Edition tools.Additional Materials: If your program requires more than one guide, additional copies can be purchased
directly through the TeachStone Store.
Training & Implementation
We are committed to providing training opportunities to support your staff during this implementation.
Upcoming Schedule: Please check back regularly or keep an eye on your inbox for upcoming training dates and registration links.
Contact Us: Have questions? Our team is here to help. Email: ProviderTraining@elcpinellas.org
What to expect
For VPK (Voluntary Prekindergarten) Providers, all VPK classrooms are required to participate in a program assessment. School Readiness Providers, with 21% filled School Readiness child care slots out of the maximum capacity, must participate in program assessment for 50% of every care level offered.
Through an automated system developed by the Division of Early Learning, classrooms are randomly selected to be assessed.
A single-classroom observation lasts about 2 hours broken into smaller periods of 20 minutes for a total of 4 cycles. Observations may be paused during outdoor/recess time.
Discuss with your program site staff/owner your scheduled observation time and let the children know ahead of time. If unfamiliar with CLASS, attend an introductory training opportunity and familiarize yourself with the CLASS Dimensions Guide and tips. We strongly recommend you take advantage of all the support we provide before your assessment window. On the day of the observation, lead your class naturally like any other typical day.
The Composite score is an average of all dimensions scores assigned to the classrooms observed, omitting the negative climate score. Assessors enter the dimension scores into the Statewide system and the system calculates and generates the final composite score.
For SR providers your score can be viewed in QPS. For VPK providers, your score will be sent via email. All CLASS composite scores are sent to the contact on file, via email, within 14 days (about 2 weeks) of the score being generated.
Request individual classroom scores and notes directly from ELC. Please allow us up to 10 calendar days upon your written request to reply via email with your requested documents.
CLASS Assessment Information
Discover detailed information about the Classroom Scoring System (CLASS) and provider program requirements.
SR Program LEARN MORE
CLASSy Corner
The CLASSy Accreditation Corner is a monthly instruction guide that shares some simple yet effective strategies for enhancing classroom quality, boosting CLASS scores, and positively impacting child outcomes.
READ MONTHLY EDITIONS