Better Beginnings Level 1 Application Tutorial
for Center-Based Programs
This tutorial will walk you through the process for filling out the Better Beginnings Level 1 application.
Before you begin this tutorial, download and save the Better Beginnings Guide and the Better Beginnings Application.
1. Better Beginnings Guide 2019.pdfClick here to download or print the Better Beginnings Guide.
Better Beginnings Center Application.pdfClick here to download or print the Better Beginnings Application.
Video Tutorial
Click here to watch the Level 1 Application Tutorial video: https://astate.mediaspace.kaltura.com/media/Better+Beginnings+Level+1/1_oq992f3y
All of the information that is shared in the video is available below, with resources that you can use to prepare your level one application. Use FORM B as a checklist as your complete each requirement.
Table of Contents
Click the links below to access specific requirements or scroll down and go through each requirement in order.
1.A.1: Administrator of the program must attend “PAS Basics” training.
PAS Basics is offered live on Zoom every other month. On alternating months it is offered in a self-paced online format.
This 4-hour course is required for Administrators in Better Beginnings center-based programs. If it has been more than five years since you attended this workshop, it is required that you participate in the workshop again to make sure you have current information.
The Program Administration Scale 2nd edition (PAS) book is mailed to registered participants before the workshop begins.
You can find current course offerings for all Better Beginnings required trainings at this link. https://tinyurl.com/ARBBtraining
FORM B of the application: When you have completed PAS Basics training, check the "yes" box for requirement 1.A.1.
FORM C of the application: Record the date you completed PAS Basics.
Form B CCC Rev 12.19.docxClick here to open FORM B. Print this form or download and save it to your computer.
Better Beginnings Center Application FORM C.pdfClick here to open FORM C. Print this form or download and save it to your computer.
1.B.1: All administrative and teaching staff must be members of the Professional Development Registry ( PDR) or the Arkansas Department of Education (or ADE) registry.
All administrative and teaching staff must be members of the Professional Development Registry (PDR) or the Arkansas Department of Education (or ADE) registry. Most child care centers use PDR.
To become a member of the PDR, click on the link to open the PDR website. Click the Become a Member tab at the top of the page and fill out the online form.
For help with PDR, open the "PDR Member Application Tutorial."
FORM B of the application: When you have verified that all administrative and teaching staff are members of PDR, check the "yes" box for requirement 1.B.1.
FORM C of the application: Record the names and PDR numbers for all staff members.
Click here to go to the PDR website
2. PDR Member Application Tutorial.pdfClick here for the PDR Member Application Tutorial
Form B CCC Rev 12.19.docxClick here to open FORM B. Print this form or save it to your computer.
Better Beginnings Center Application FORM C.pdfClick here to open FORM C. Print this form or save it to your computer.
1.B.2: Administrator meets the requirements for Foundation Level 3 on the PDR Career Ladder.
Look at the document titled "PDR Career Ladder." The requirements for Foundation Level 3 include 45 clock hours of PDR-approved training or three semester hours of college credit in early childhood education or a related field. At least 21 clock hours must be in professionalism, and leadership/collaborative program management/administrator competencies.
If you have completed Directors Orientation and PAS Basics, you should have the 21 hours needed. Other courses in professionalism, leadership, collaborative program management, or administrator competencies will also count toward the21 hours.
FORM B of the application: When you have determined that you meet the requirements for Foundation Level 3, check the "yes" box for requirement 1.B.2. You do not need to document the specific trainings you have attended to meet this requirement. A Better Beginnings Specialist at DCCECE will review your PDR record to verify that you have met these requirements.
3. PDR Career Ladder.pdfClick here to open the PDR Career Ladder.
Form B CCC Rev 12.19.docxClick here to open FORM B. Print this form or save it to your computer.
1.B.3: Within the first year of employment, all staff must meet Foundation Level 1 requirements on the PDR Career Ladder.
Look at the document titled PDR Career Ladder. The requirement for Foundation Level 1 is 15 clock hours of training and orientation.
To meet the PDR orientation requirement, staff may complete New Staff Orientation or Child Care Orientation Training (CCOT). Arkansas New Staff Orientation (NSO). If you have staff who need to complete orientation, they can register for https://arkansas.learningterritory.com/.
https://ecep.uark.edu/basic_courses/ccot.php
To view your staff's PDR transcripts, you will need to request access to your staff's PDR records. Print the the form titled "Release to Access PDR Training Transcript." Submit the completed form to the PDR office. Complete instructions are included on the form.
FORM B of the application: When you have determined that all staff meet the requirements for Foundation Level 1 within their first year of employment, check the "yes" box for requirement 1.B.3.
FORM C of the application: Record the the hire date and total annual training hours for all staff members.
PDR Career Ladder.pdfClick here to open the PDR Career Ladder.
Release For Access To Training Transcript - PDR.pdfClick here to download and print the Release for Access to PDR Training Transcript.
Form B CCC Rev 12.19.docxClick here to open FORM B. Print this form or save it to your computer.
Better Beginnings Center Application FORM C.pdfClick here to open FORM C. Print this form or save it to your computer.
1.B.4: Administrator completes an ERS (Environment Rating Scale) training
The course titled "ERS Basics" has been designed for this requirement, but any course on ECERS, ITERS, or SACERS can be taken to meet this requirement.
You can find current course for all Better Beginnings required trainings at this link https://tinyurl.com/ARBBtraining
FORM B of the application: When you have completed "ERS Basics" or another ERS-related training, check the "yes" box for requirement 1.B.4.
FORM C of the application: Record the date you completed "ERS Basic" or another ERS-related training.
Form B CCC Rev 12.19.docxClick here to open FORM B. Print this form or save it to your computer.
Better Beginnings Center Application FORM C.pdfClick here to open FORM C. Print this form or save it to your computer.
1.B.5: Administrator completes training on developmentally appropriate physical activity for children.
There are many courses that can be taken to meet this requirement. Some are listed on the Required Training for Better Beginnings document, https://tinyurl.com/ARBBtraining. Any training that focuses on children and physical activity, moving, dancing, exercise, etc. will meet t his requirement.
Form B of the application: When you have taken a training on developmentally appropriate physical activity for children, check the "yes" box for requirement 1.B.5.
FORM C of the application: Record the date you completed training on developmentally appropriate physical activity.
Form B CCC Rev 12.19.docxClick here to open FORM B. Print this form or save it to your computer.
Better Beginnings Center Application FORM C.pdfClick here to open FORM C. Print this form or save it to your computer.
1.C.1: A developmentally appropriate daily program schedule is posted in each classroom.
A developmentally appropriate daily schedule is:
Predictable
Flexible
includes a variety of developmentally appropriate activities
includes active and quiet, indoor and outdoor learning experiences
includes at least one hour of outdoor play in suitable weather
provides a reasonable pace for children's participation
recognizes developmental differences in attention span
See the resources provided below for more information on daily schedules for each age group, along with sample daily schedules.
Form B of the application: When you have confirmed that there is a daily program schedule posted in each classroom, check the "yes" box for requirement 1.C.1.
FORM D of the application: Record the name of each classroom and check the box to confirm that a daily schedule is posted in the classroom. Next, check the box to confirm that you have attacked one sample schedule for each age group (infants, toddlers, preschool, school age)
Elements of a Good Preschool Schedule.pdfInfant-Daily-Schedule-Download.pdfScheduling for Success-Preschool.pdfForm B CCC Rev 12.19.docxClick here to open FORM B. Print this form or save it to your computer.
Better Beginnings Center Application D.pdfClick here to open FORM D. Print this form or save it to your computer.
1.C.2: Staff develop and implement written daily plans for each group
Two weeks of lesson plans for each age group (infants, toddlers, preschool, and school-age) will be submitted with your application.
Lesson plans do not have to be complicated or lengthy, but should:
include all hours that care is provided,
take into consideration the ages, interests, and abilities of the children
guide the teachers as they work with children throughout the day
Sample lesson plans for each age group are provided below.
Form B of the application: When you have made copies of two weeks of lesson plans for each age group, check the "yes" for requirement 1.C.2.
FORM D of the application: Check the boxes to confirm that you have attached two weeks of lesson plans for each age group.
1.D.1: The facility has completed a self-evaluation using an approved environment rating scale.
Better Beginnings uses environment rating tools designed for different types of centers.
Early Childhood Environment Rating Scale, ECERS (ages 2 ½ through 5 years)
Infant/Toddler Environment Rating Scale, ITERS (ages birth through 30 months)
School-Age Environment Rating Scale, SACERS (ages 5 through 12 years)
Family Child Care Environment Rating Scale, FCCERS (all ages in family child care)
School Age Program Quality Assessment (for programs serving youth in grades K-6)
The environment rating scales define the environment in a broad sense and guide the observer to assess the arrangement of space both indoors and outdoors, the materials and activities offered to the children, the supervision and interactions (including language) that occur in the classroom, and the schedule of the day (including routines and activities).
Centers applying for Better Beginnings Level 1 are required to complete self-assessments in all classrooms using approved tools. Most center-based programs use the ITERS, ECERS, and SACERS. Self-assessments for each of these tools are provided below.
Form B of the application: When you have completed a self-assessment in each classroom, check the "yes" for requirement 1.D.1.
FORM E of the application: Check the boxes for the self-assessments you have completed.
ITERS-R Self-Assessment.pdfECERS-3 Self Assessment.pdfSACERS-U Self-Assessment.pdfForm B CCC Rev 12.19.docxClick here to open FORM B. Print this form or save it to your computer.
Better Beginnings Center Application FORM E.pdfClick here to open FORM E. Print this form or save it to your computer.
1.E.1: Facility documents distribution of AR Kids First information to uninsured families.
1.E.2: Facility shares with families information about child development and on children's health.
This information can be shared in different ways. You may have a family bulletin board or a table with resources for families. Or you might share information in a welcome packet that you give families when they enroll their child or at the beginning of each year. It's up to you.
Below are samples that can be used, but you are encouraged to find and share resources that are meaningful to the families you serve and the time of year. For instance, the flu flyer provided below is more appropriate to share in the fall and winter, while information on the use of sunscreen would be more meaningful in the summer months.
FORM F of the application: In the blank spaces for Level 1 applicants, you will record the title or a description of the information you have shared, the date it was shared (which can be "ongoing"), and the way it was shared.
FORM B of the application: After you have shared the required information with families, check the "yes" box for requirements 1.E.1 and 1.E.2 on the checklist.
Info for families AR KIDS FIRST FLYER.pdfInfo for families FLU.pdfInfo for families DEV IS A JOURNEY.pdfInfo for families SUNSCREEN.pdfForm B CCC Rev 12.19.docxClick here to open FORM B. Print this form or save it to your computer.
Better Beginnings Center Application FORM F.pdfClick here to open FORM F. Print this form or save it on your computer.
1.E.3: Medical and educational care plans involving a child are written and on file, and implementation is documented while maintaining confidentiality.
This means that the program has written policies/procedures in place to support children who have special educational or medical needs.
Questions to consider when creating these policies are provided below, along with a sample of each. Policies do not have to be long or complicated. They just need to include enough information to help you and your staff remember what needs to be done when a new student with medical or educational needs enrolls. Thinking through these questions will help you know what to include in your policy.
FORM G of the application: Attach your written policy/procedure for obtaining copies of care plans and the written policy/procedure for carrying out responsibilities within children’s special medical and/or educational care plans.
FORM B of the application: When you have attached your written policy/procedures, check the "yes" box for requirement 1.E.3.
Medical Care Plan Questions to Consider.docxMedical Care Plan Sample.docxEducational Care Plan Questions to Consider.docxEducational Care Plans Sample.docxForm B CCC Rev 12.19.docxClick here to open FORM B. Print this form or save it to your computer.
Better Beginnings Center Application FORM G.pdfClick here to open FORM G. Print this form or save it on your computer.
You've completed the checklist! Now, it's time to finish your application.
When you have checked all the boxes on the FORM B checklist, it's time to submit the application.
FORM A of the application: Fill in your program's contact information and details about your program, your enrollment, nationally accreditation (if applicable), and funding sources and program type.
The Instructions/Cover Sheet includes a list of each form you must submit and the attachments to include. Review the cover sheet to double-check that everything you need is in order and ready to send.
Submit FORMS A-G.
FORM H will not be submitted until you apply for level 2.
Better Beginnings Center Application FORM A.pdfClick here to open FORM A. Print or download and save this FORM to your computer.
Better Beginnings Center Application Instructions and Cover Sheet.pdfClick here to open the Instructions/Cover sheet. Print or download and save these two pages to your computer.
Better Beginnings Center Application.pdfIf you'd rather use the full BB application, click here. Print or download and save this FORM to your computer.
Submit
When your application is ready, send it to the Better Beginnings Unit at the DHS Division of Child Care and Early Childhood Education.
Applications can be mailed or emailed to the addresses listed below. The addresses are also on the application form.
Mail:
Division of Child Care and Early Childhood Education
Attn: Better Beginnings
PO Box 1437, Slot S150
Little Rock, AR 72203-1437
Email:
BetterBeginnings@dhs.arkansas.gov
You will receive an email notification that your application has been received. The staff in the Better Beginnings Unit will review it.
If there are any questions or if additional documents are needed, the Better Beginnings Unit will call or email you. .
Finally, the Better Beginnings Unit will email you to let you know that you have earned Better Beginnings certification. Congratulations!
If you need assistance, please contact us at
BetterBeginnings@AState.edu
YOU can do this, we can help!