Head Start and CLASS Quality Improvement

Learn more about how the Classroom Assessment Scoring System (CLASS): Pre-K^® observation tool helps improve teacher-child interactions program quality and child outcomes. Explore how and when to use CLASS assessment data for program Quality Improvement (QI). Discover strategies that support high-quality teacher-child interactions. The resources on this page may be useful to all Head Start staff who support CLASS quality improvement efforts.

Teacher helping boys with bluilding blocks.

Using CLASS for Quality Improvement: Supports for Head Start Programs

Hear about strategies to promote well-organized learning environments, effective instructional interactions, and engaging learning experiences. Discover key resources and find out how programs can use them to meet the CLASS quality thresholds outlined in the Designation Renewal System (DRS) Final Rule. 

Teacher and children examining an item inside a jar.

A National Overview of Grantee CLASS Scores by Year

The Office of Head Start (OHS) uses the CLASS Pre-K observation tool during its on-site reviews of grantees. Visit this page to see descriptive statistics of the most recent national grantee-level CLASS data. Use this data to see how your program compares to others.

Teacher and young girl looking at several photo cards on table.

Improving Teacher-Child Interactions: Using the CLASS in Head Start Preschool Programs

Unpack this guide as it describes how the CLASS relates to school readiness and how to use it to collect and apply data. This guide also includes case studies that show how programs have applied CLASS for support and improvement. Program leaders can gain strategies to support planning and implementation within their own program.

Techniques for Improving Instructional Support

Explore strategies and resources education staff can use to improve instructional support and effective teaching practices in this three-part video series. Discover how one education manager helped her staff improve in these areas. Education managers can gain strategies and practices to use in program planning and professional development.

Five Questions with Dr. Allyson Dean - CLASS

Wondering how to use the CLASS to support staff and leaders in early childhood programs? In this video, Dr. Allyson Dean answers five questions (plus one bonus question!) about CLASS. Enhance any in-service or professional development opportunity by considering these questions.

Young boy using measuring tape to measure teacher's arm.

Use of Classroom Assessment Scoring System (CLASS) in Head Start Programs

OHS has published a list of FAQs and answers regarding the use of the CLASS Pre-K Teacher-Child Observation Instrument in Head Start programs. This resource helps staff understand how CLASS can be used for professional development and how it is used within OHS for program monitoring purposes.

CLASS Brief: Understanding and Using CLASS for Program Improvement

This document addresses three main questions: What do the CLASS results mean; what are the different ways CLASS results can be used, and how should CLASS results be reported and shared? Head Start staff can use the results obtained from OHS monitoring and program-level evaluation to help improve program quality and outcomes. These questions can help programs inform their monitoring plans, program planning, and evaluation, including professional development, and assessment of individual classrooms.

Teacher looking through a pair of binoculars.

Head Start Monitoring Protocols

Head Start monitoring protocols are used by OHS to gather data and other information to assess grantee program operation and performance. Reviews are held for the CLASS, Focus Area One, and Focus Area Two. OHS uses the information collected during reviews to understand the grantee’s approach to program design and services.

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Teaching Practices

Teaching Practices