A Pilot Study Of Quality Rating Scale For Early Childhood Programs In China (Trial Version)

Purpose:According to the "Early Childhood Environment Rating Scale-Revised Version"(ECERS-R), and on the basis of solid empirical research, Kejian Li and Biying Hu have compiled the first draft of "Quality Rating Scale for Early Childhood Programs in China (trial version)"(hereinafter referred to as" trial version Scale "). The purpose of this study is to preliminarily analyze the application of the trial version scale in class observation on kindergartens of China, and to explore the content validity of the scale, and further to put forward suggestions for future revision of "Quality Rating Scale for Early Childhood Programs in China" in order to enhance its reliability, validity, and its conformity to China’s socio-cultural reality and the actual needs of ECEC quality assessment.Method:Observational measurement and questionnaire survey are the two main methods used in this research. We extracted22preschool samples,48samples of classes in the city of H, and F in Zhejiang province by using purposive sampling and multilayer sampling. Then12trained observers carried out the whole classroom observation and scoring task using the trial version scale ". At the same time, we extracted169practiced experts to complete the questionnaire. We analyzed applicability of the" trial version of scale " in our kindergartens.Results:According to analysis on the classroom observation data and questionnaire survey result, I found that (1) Overall, the trial version Scale can distinguish different quality level of sample kindergartens, consistent Chinese ECEC reality. That is to say, the trial version scale is an effective, practical evaluation tool. (2) Except for1items (" audio-visual equipment and the use of computers"), the other51items of the trial version scale have extremely significant differences (P<0.000) between high score group and low score group. Then each item has good degree of distinction.(3) The alpha coefficients of each subscale and the total scale are high, mostly above0.9, which indicate that the scale have high reliability of interrater agreement.(4)The total scale on the basis of subscale as the unit of split half reliability is807, and on the basis of items the split half reliability is>0.9.(5)50of total52items, each subscale and the whole scale have remarkable differences between different grades of kindergartens rated by Zhejiang Provincial Standards (P<0.000). Therefore, it indicates the trial version Scale has high criterion validity in general.(6)According to the analysis of practiced experts questionnaire survey result,90.5%practiced experts think that the trial version Scale, its subscales and most compiled items have high quality, at the same time,with strong applicability, but a few individual items need to be improved.(7)Almost all practiced experts unanimously support to add "Collective Education Activity" subscale, and most of them also expressed support for the subscale" Support for Children with Special Needs ".Conclusion:(1) Overall, the trial version Scale has very high item discrimination, reliability and validity, in line with Chinese early childhood educational reality and the need of quality assessment. After further refinement, it can be widely and effectively used in quality evaluation and monitoring of kindergartens in China.(2)As to the revision of the trial version scale, the author suggests that individual items should be deleted or adjusted, and the differences between urban and rural areas and different age groups should be taken into full consideration.