Improving Instrument-Based Monitoring for Child Care: The Indicator Checklist

摘要

This report examines the Instrument - based Program Monitoring (IPM) system used by States to oversee child day care programs and discusses using an abbreviated indicator checklist to make these monitoring activities simpler and less expensive. States have developed IPM's in response to demands for public accountability, fiscal pressures, a trend toward lower levels of State regulation, and an interest in reducing the private sector's burden of compliance monitoring activities. The IPM is effective because it contains highly specific questions that correspond directly to State regulations. It clearly defines expectations, simplifies monitoring procedures, and is cost effective. Pennsylvania and West Virginia have experimented with an indicator checklist containing selected items from the larger IPM instrument that are most effective in distinguishing between providers who are in compliance and those out of compliance. The shorter form of the IPM substantially reduces the burden on providers as well as State agencies and can be consolidated into other State compliance reviews. Prerequisites for developig a checklist are detailed, principally a long comprehensive IPM instrument with items that are weighted to indicate relative importance and sufficient historical data. The manual contends that the short form enhances monitoring efforts by making more effective use of monitoring staff, but outlines precautions for States in developing and using such checklists. It also discusses problems of the checklist, such as failure to comply with State legal mandates, staff resistance, and a lack of prerequisites. Steps for implementing an indicator checklist are detailed. Charts are provided.