Quality Counts is an evidence-based quality enhancement program that is designed to create high quality learning environments and promote best practices for teachers with the ultimate goal that children will be ready for success in school and life. Targeted professional development, mentor/coaching and nationally recognized assessments (CLASS and ERS) lay the foundation for continuous quality improvement. Quality Counts, locally developed through a partnership between the Mary Black Foundation and Spartanburg County First Steps, implements a Continuous Quality Improvement loop using nationally recognized standards of high-quality learning environments. Quality Counts uses two evidence-based assessments, CLASS (Classroom Assessment Scoring System) and ECERS-3 (Early Childhood Environment Rating Scale, 3rd Edition). These assessments look at classroom environments and teacher-child interactions both of which include factors that have a significant impact on school readiness. Another component of quality addressed by Quality Counts is professional development, including authentic learning, emergent literacy practices, and behavior management. The Quality Counts coaching model is relationship-based and uses a strengths-based approach to build trusting relationships with teachers and administrators.
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The mission of the Alternative Pathways for Educator Certification (APEC) Center at Columbia College is to recruit, prepare, and retain quality teachers in critical-needs school districts in South...
