CLASS Frequently Asked Questions for CSPP
This page includes answers to Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) about classroom assessment requirements in the California State Preschool Program (CSPP) and implementation of the Classroom Assessment Scoring System (CLASS®) and CLASS Environment®.- CLASS Implementation
- Documentation
- Allowances and Intersections for Head Start Grantees and Contractors Participating in Quality Rating Improvement System (QRIS)
- Implementation Timeline
- Achieving Success in Positive Interactions, Relationships, and Environments (ASPIRE)
- Commingling
- Requirements for Certified Observers
- myTeachstone and Data Collection
CLASS Implementation
What is the CLASS tool and what does it measure?
The Classroom Assessment Scoring System (CLASS®) is an observation instrument developed to assess quality in learning settings serving infants through high schoolers. CLASS is the most-researched and validated observational system for measuring and improving educator-child interactions. CLASS focuses on measuring classroom interactions, defined as the moment-to-moment, back-and-forth exchanges (both verbal and nonverbal), that build and sustain relationships and support child development and learning.
As noted in Management Bulletin (MB) MB 23-10, California State Preschool Program (CSPP) contractors will be required to implement the CLASS Second Edition Prekindergarten through Third Grade (Pre-K-3rd) and the CLASS Environment through a graduated phase-in approach beginning in 2024–25, with full implementation in program year 2028–29.
What is the CLASS Environment and what does it measure?
The CLASS Environment® is a tool used with the CLASS Second Edition Pre-K-3rd to measure and improve the features of the learning environment that matter most for supporting high quality interactions between teachers and children. The CLASS Environment measures 29 specific elements of the environment, which can be completed during a CLASS Second Edition Pre-K-3rd observation. This will reduce time spent observing with multiple tools, further streamline data collection and reporting, and strengthen opportunities for efficiency and impact.
How was the CLASS and the CLASS Environment developed?
The CLASS instrument is an empirically validated system originally developed by the University of Virginia's Center for the Advanced Study of Teaching and Learning (CASTL) at the Curry School of Education. Delivery of the CLASS tool and supporting professional development and technical assistance is provided by Teachstone®. Teachstone closely collaborated with experts representing diverse backgrounds to develop the CLASS Environment and create a measure that supports educators working in diverse settings, including programs serving multilingual learners, children with disabilities, and children from diverse cultural and racial backgrounds.
Which version of CLASS will contractors have to use?
Beginning July 1, 2024, all CSPP contractors will be required to implement the CLASS Second Edition Pre-K-3rd and the CLASS Environment Tool according to the phase-in schedule set forth in MB 23-10. However, the California Department of Education (CDE) would direct contractors to the section in MB 23-10 titled “Allowances for Head Start Grantees and Contractors Participating in Quality Rating Improvement System (QRIS)” for any exceptions to this rule.
Can an individual certified in the CLASS Second Edition Pre-K-3rd who has not taken the CLASS Observer Support Series conduct a CLASS Observation in the CSPP that meets the requirements for MB 23-10?
No. Certified Observers conducting observations in CSPP classrooms must also complete the CLASS Observer Support Series before conducting observations to meet the requirements of MB 23-10, which includes:
- Settings with Dual Language Learners,
- Settings with Children with Disabilities, and
- Reducing Bias
This additional training requirement ensures California is centering diversity, equity, inclusion, and belonging in the CLASS implementation. Note that the CDE will be closely tracking any changes to the training included in the CLASS Observer Support series and will determine if any changes to the required trainings need to be made to the requirements of MB 23-10 through additional guidance or the regulations process.
The CDE would direct contractors to the section in MB 23-10 titled “Allowances for Head Start Grantees and Contractors Participating in Quality Rating Improvement System (QRIS)” for any exceptions to this rule.
Can an administrator be observed if they are temporarily the lead teacher in the classroom?
Yes. An administrator can be observed for a CLASS Second Edition Pre-K-3rd and CLASS Environment Observation if they have been teaching in the classroom for at least 30 calendar days.
Can a substitute teacher be observed?
Yes. A substitute teacher can be observed if they have been teaching in the classroom on a long-term assignment for at least 30 calendar days.
How do I account for classroom visitors during the observation?
Any visitor in the classroom present for at least 10 minutes and who interacts with children will be observed for the cycle they were present for during the CLASS Observation.
Is a CLASS Observation the same as a contract monitoring review?
No. A CLASS Observation is not the same as a contract monitoring review (CMR). A CMR is the monitoring and review process for CSPP used to determine compliance with applicable laws, regulations and contractual provisions which may include an on-site compliance review, remote monitoring, technical assistance, and targeted support. A CLASS Observation will be conducted annually, as part of the Program Self-Evaluation (PSE) process, and every four years during an on-site compliance review.
During an on-site compliance review, the assigned Program Quality Implementation (PQI) consultant will complete a CLASS Observation and CLASS Environment Observation. PQI consultants meet the definition of Certified CLASS Observer, per
MB 23-10; therefore, contractors may use any CLASS Observations conducted as part of the on-site compliance review to meet their observation requirements for the PSE. However, if the required number of classrooms for that program year are not observed during the on-site compliance review, the contractor must obtain observations for the remaining classrooms.
What are the requirements for Local Educational Agency (LEA)s with License Exempt Classrooms?
Specific to the CLASS Environment implementation, prior to full implementation in program year 2028–29, CSPP contractors must prioritize all CSPP license-exempt classrooms for CLASS Environment Observations. Specifically, contractors must ensure the CLASS Environment Observations are completed for all license-exempt classrooms before the CLASS Environment Observations for licensed classrooms are started.
The CLASS implementation for LEAs with license-exempt classrooms is the same as prescribed for all licensed CSPP contractors in MB 23-10.
How long after my program year begins can an Observer conduct a CLASS Observation?
The CLASS Second Edition Pre-K-3rd observations may be conducted no sooner than 30 calendar days into the contractor's program calendar for the respective program year.
Why is it important to assess the quality of educator-child interactions?
Research has shown that structural elements of quality such as teacher qualifications, ratio, and aspects of the physical environment contribute to the overall quality, but they are not sufficient alone to ensure that programs promote positive outcomes for children. Improving process elements of quality such as educator-child interactions directly affects children’s development and learning on a broad scale.
Why did the CDE choose CLASS?
To promote continuous quality improvement throughout the Universal Prekindergarten (UPK) system, CLASS is being implemented in CSPP. Implementing CLASS, along with other UPK initiatives and statewide quality efforts, will support the quality of teacher-child interactions and support the overall development of three- and four-year-old children in California.
CLASS is considered the gold standard for preschool quality measurement across the nation; it is used by the Office of Head Start as a quality monitoring tool and is required within every Head Start program across the country. Additionally, over 10 US states use the CLASS tool in their state funded preschool programs. CLASS has been used in the local quality rating improvement system (QRIS) across the state for over a decade to measure quality in programs. Most CSPP contractors participate in their local QRIS, and many of our CSPP contractors are also Head Start grantees; therefore, state support for contractors can be maximized because the tool is already in use in the majority of our CSPPs to some degree.
Should a CLASS Environment Observation be conducted at the same time as a CLASS Observation?
At this time, the CDE recommends, but does not require that CLASS Environment observations be completed concurrently with the CLASS Observation. The CLASS Environment observation may be conducted with a separation in time, to the extent needed, if it is conducted within the same program year and with sufficient time before the Program Self Evaluation (PSE) to allow for accurate and complete data reporting.
How long does a CLASS Environment Observation take?
If completed on its own, the CLASS Environment observation will take approximately 15–20 minutes to complete.
Can contractors use Environment Rating Scale (ERS) after it is no longer required?
While contractors are no longer required to use ERS, contractors may certainly choose to continue to use ERS if they find it helpful in their program, so long as they are also meeting the requirements of Management Bulletin (MB) 23-10 or future regulations.
How can I learn more about CLASS Environment?
Visit the CDE Classroom Assessment Resources page to learn more about additional information and resources available to CSPPs.
Are there any additional health, safety, and environment requirements contractors are expected to meet?
Yes. As stated in MB 23-10 contractors are required to meet the following requirements that are preserved from ERS:
- Provide children enrolled in CSPP for over hours with regularly scheduled time to nap or rest. Furthermore, with regards to napping:
- Cots or mats must be at least 18” apart
- Napping and resting activities must be provided in a clean and sanitary manner
- Space must be conducive to resting
- Ensure their schedules provide a balance of structure and flexibility. The schedule must include the following each day:
- A variety of play activities
- Both gross motor and less active play
- At least one indoor and one outdoor play period (weather permitting)
- Post written handwashing procedures in a place that is visible to children and adults. Handwashing
procedures must be followed by children and adults
- Provide storage spaces with security provisions where staff can store their personal belongings
- Have space and/or policies in place to support staff for work-related tasks such as conferences and meetings and to support staff for personal breaks
Are there required timelines for teaching staff to receive their CLASS and CLASS Environment observation results from the certified observer?
Yes. The results from the CLASS and CLASS Environment observations shall be provided to the site administrator and classroom teaching staff within 30 calendar days of their observation. This means that if the contractor receives the scores directly from the observer, they must ensure that the site administrator and the teaching staff receive the scores within 30 calendar days of the observation.
Are CLASS scores for CSPPs required to meet the national averages?
No. CLASS scores will be used to analyze where CSPP classrooms need more support, technical assistance, or coaching. The CDE will be closely reviewing data collected on CLASS and CLASS Environment to determine minimum threshold scores in the future through the regulation process.
Are contractors required to complete CLASS observations in classrooms or settings where only one child is enrolled and funded through CSPP?
Yes. Each classroom that includes one or more children enrolled in CSPP must conduct CLASS observations with respect to all children in the classroom, regardless of funding source.
When contractors commingle CSPP children (certified children) with children being served through different funding sources (non-certified children), contractors must observe using the CLASS Second Edition Pre-K-3rd.
In all commingling situations, the Observers must observe educator-child interactions with all children in the classroom, not just children enrolled in CSPP.
NOTE: This also applies to CSPP children enrolled in a combination CSPP and Transitional Kindergarten classroom as Education Code (EC) Section 48000(h) provides that a school district or charter school serving both groups of children must meet all the requirements of the respective programs.
Documentation
What type of documentation are contractors required to maintain for CLASS?
Contractors are required to keep the following documentation to be made available to the CDE as requested:
- Current CLASS Observer certifications for all staff employed by the contractor that have completed the CLASS and CLASS Environment Observation Training and passed the reliability test for certification or recertification.
- All CLASS and CLASS Environment Observation scoresheets for each CSPP classroom, or CSPP classroom scores on an observation/scoring summary document provided by the observer that provides some context about the observation.
- All coaching and/or training documentation associated with CLASS and CLASS Environment observations.
- Name and agency association (for example, CSPP ASPIRE Regional Lead, Head Start, CDE) for all CLASS Observers that complete CLASS and CLASS Environment observations not employed by the CSPP contractor. (Note that this information can be captured informally such as, on the scoresheet or scoring summary provided at the end of the observation.)
In accordance with the California Code of Regulations, Title 5 Section 17820, contractors must maintain the above records for CLASS and CLASS Environment for at least five years.
Allowances and Intersections for Head Start Grantees and Contractors Participating in Quality Rating Improvement System (QRIS)
Can a contractor use observations completed through Head Start or the CSPP QRIS Block Grant (BG) using CLASS 2008 to meet the CSPP percentage threshold?
Yes. In program years 2024–25 and 2025–26, contractors may use observations using the CLASS 2008 tool, if they are completed by Head Start or CSPP QRIS BG and the contractor has access to at least site-level data from the observation results. If the percentage of classrooms observed using CLASS 2008 is sufficient to meet the percentage requirement applicable in that particular year, no additional observations using the CLASS Pre-K-3rd Second Edition will be required. However, if the percentage of classrooms observed using CLASS 2008 is insufficient to meet the required percentage threshold for the applicable year, then the contractor must obtain observations on additional classrooms using the CLASS Pre-K-3rd Second Edition to meet or exceed the required percentage.
Once CLASS is fully implemented for CSPP in program year 2028–29, can contractors continue to use CLASS observations conducted by other entities such as Head Start or the CSPP QRIS BG?
Yes. Contractors may continue to use CLASS observations conducted by other entities.
Are CSPP- Head Start collaborative programs required to use the CLASS Second Edition?
No. CSPP-Head Start collaborative programs are not required to use the CLASS Second Edition tool. Collaborative CSPP-Head Start programs have flexibilities provided through MB 23-10, which clarifies that the use of the CLASS 2nd Edition is optional, and they can continue to use CLASS 2008. The CDE, Early Education Division (EED) does not intend to implement any policies that would impact a Head Start program’s ability to maintain its federal funding or compliance. While programs may choose to use the CLASS Second Edition voluntarily, they are not mandated to do so by the EED.
We are a CSPP-Head Start collaborative program and are concerned about using the CLASS Environment in our program due to federal requirements. Are we required to use the CLASS Environment tool?
The EED does not intend to implement any policies that could impact a Head Start program’s ability to maintain its federal funding or compliance, therefore, CSPP-Head Start collaborative programs may choose to use the CLASS Environment voluntarily but it will not be mandated to do so by the EED at this time.
NOTE: The guidance in this frequently asked question supersedes the guidance in MB 23-10.
Implementation Timeline
How often do the CLASS Second Edition Pre-K-3rd and the CLASS Environment Observations need to be conducted?
The CLASS Second Edition Pre-K-3rd and the CLASS Environment Observations will need to be conducted once per program year as part of the program compliance review and the data from the observations is used to inform the annual Program Self-Evaluation (PSE). The percentage of CSPP classrooms observed each program year must adhere to the phased-in requirements included in MB 23-10 for CLASS Observations in CSPP classrooms, beginning July 1, 2024.
During the phase-in period, can contractors exceed the required percentage of classrooms per contract for the CLASS Second Edition Pre-K-3rd and the CLASS Environment Observations?
Yes. The CDE recommends contractors with additional capacity phase-in implementation of the CLASS Second Edition Pre-K-3rd and the CLASS Environment at percentages higher than the minimum and reach 100 percent sooner than required.
Are the percentages of classrooms required to be observed during the phase-in years percentages of classrooms per site, or percentages of classrooms across the contract?
The percentage of CSPP classrooms required to be observed during the phase-in years are across the agency’s contract.
If the number of classrooms in the contract is not exactly equal to the required percentages each year, contractors must round up the number of classrooms that will be observed until it meets or exceeds the required percentage. For example, if a program only has one classroom, they will need to complete the CLASS Second Edition Pre-K-3rd and the CLASS Environment Observations on that classroom in 2024–25 to meet the requirements of MB 23-10. If a program has seven classrooms, they will need to obtain observations of two classrooms in 2024–25 to meet the requirements.
Achieving Success in Positive Interactions, Relationships, and Environments (ASPIRE)
What is ASPIRE and how will ASPIRE support CSPP Contractors using CLASS Second Edition Pre-K-3rd and CLASS Environment?
The CDE has funded the ASPIRE program. This funding supports one Statewide Lead, and four Regional Leads to support and build CLASS Observer capacity at the local level. In collaboration with the CDE, the Statewide Lead is the ASPIRE lead for the roll out of CLASS and CLASS Environment implementation by collaborating with Teachstone and the four Regional Leads to ensure CSPP contractors have access to the training, observations, and resources needed to implement CLASS and CLASS Environment in CSPP. The Regional Leads are working directly with contractors to support CSPP staff in accessing training, getting access to myTeachstone, and supporting continuous quality improvement.
If a CSPP contractor serves children in multiple counties, who should they contact to access CLASS training and support?
ASPIRE Regional Leads provide support based on the site location, not headquartered county; therefore, if a contractor serves children in multiple counties, the contractor should reach out to their applicable ASPIRE Regional Lead for support. If the counties that the contractor operates in are supported by different ASPIRE Regional leads, the contractor would need to reach out to multiple Regional Leads, depending on the location of the sites that need support.
Commingling
Which CLASS tool will be used when infants and toddlers make up the majority of the classroom?
So long as there is at least one CSPP child in the classroom, when conducting a CLASS Observation in a mixed-age setting or classroom, including in family childcare homes operating as part of a family childcare home education network (FCCHEN), contractors must observe using the CLASS Second Edition Pre-K-3rd.
In all commingling situations, the Observers must observe teacher-child interactions with all children in the classroom, not just children enrolled in the CSPP.
The CDE would direct contractors to the section in MB 23-10 titled “Allowances for Head Start Grantees and Contractors Participating in Quality Rating Improvement System (QRIS)” for any exceptions to this rule.
Requirements for Certified Observers
Who can conduct a CLASS Observation in a CSPP classroom?
CLASS Observations in a CSPP classroom must be completed by someone who has completed the CLASS Second Edition Pre-K-3rd training to become a Certified Observer, passed the certification test (Pre-K-3rd or PreK Version) for certification, has an active certification from Teachstone, and completed the Support Series, which includes:
- Settings with Dual Language Learners,
- Settings with Children with Disabilities, and
- Reducing Bias
Certified Observers completing a CLASS Environment Observation are also required to complete the CLASS Environment Observer training (The Pre-K-[Kindergarten]K CLASS Environment Foundations and CLASS Environment within a CLASS Observation).
How do I become a Certified Observer for the CSPP?
To become a Certified Observer, you must:
- Complete a 3-day CLASS Second Edition Pre-K-3rd observation training.
- Pass a certification test to obtain your certification within 8 weeks of completing the 3-day training.
- Once you have obtained your certification, you must complete the CLASS Support Series self-paced online trainings available through Teachstone on your Dashboard, which include:
- Settings with Dual Language Learners,
- Settings with Children with Disabilities, and
- Reducing Bias
- Certification for CLASS Environment Observers also includes completing the CLASS Environment Observer training, which includes:
- The Pre-K-K CLASS Environment Foundations, and
- The CLASS Environment within a CLASS Observation
Contractors should note that the requirements to become a Certified Observer for CSPP are higher than becoming a Certified Observer through Teachstone alone.
NOTE: The additional training requirement set forth in Number 3 above ensures California is centering diversity, equity, inclusion, and belonging in CLASS implementation.
How do I complete the CLASS Environment Observer Training?
To complete the CLASS Environment training, you must:
- Get a product keycode from the Achieving Success in Positive Interactions, Relationships, and Environments (ASPIRE) Regional Lead
- Log on to your Teachstone account and click on "Activate Product Key” on your Teachstone Dashboard where you can then access the CLASS Environment Observer Training, which includes:
- The Pre-K-K CLASS Environment Foundations, and
- The CLASS Environment within a CLASS Observation
- This training is a two-part self-paced online training that will provide you with a certificate of completion once you have completed both parts of the training.
How do I complete the CLASS Support Series?
Once you become a Certified Observer, you will receive access to the free CLASS Support Series self-paced online trainings on your Teachstone Dashboard;
- Settings with Dual Language Learners,
- Settings with Children with Disabilities, and
- Reducing Bias
These are on-demand training courses that are accessed for free through your Teachstone Dashboard.
Can contractors obtain observations conducted by their own staff or do observations need to be conducted by a Certified Observer from an outside entity?
Program staff may conduct the CLASS Observations. If program staff complete the CLASS Observations, then the staff observing must do all the following:
- Meet the CDE’s requirements for a Certified Observer;
- Observe only in classrooms that they are not assigned to teach in daily; and
- Only observe at sites where they are not assigned as part of the teaching team for at least one of the CSPP classrooms.
Staff that are not assigned as part of a teaching team, for example a site supervisor or other support staff, and have met the requirements of a Certified Observer, may observe at the site where their job is located.
Can a teacher who is a Certified Observer complete an observation in another teacher's classroom at the same site where they teach?
No. Staff assigned to teach in CSPP classrooms daily cannot conduct a CLASS Observation at the same site they are assigned to teach.
Can a site supervisor conduct CLASS observations at the site they oversee?
Yes. Site supervisors can complete CLASS Observations at the site they oversee if they meet the requirements for a Certified Observer and are not part of the teacher-child or adult-child ratio.
Can program directors complete CLASS Observations in the CSPP classrooms at the sites they oversee?
Yes. Program directors can complete CLASS Observations at their site if they meet the requirements of a Certified Observer and are not part of the teacher-child or adult-child ratio.
Do teaching staff need to become Certified Observers?
No. Teaching staff are not required to become Certified Observers unless they are conducting the CLASS Second Edition Pre-K-3rd and the CLASS Environment Observations for your program. However, it is beneficial and highly recommended for teaching staff to have some level of CLASS training in order to understand the CLASS tools since they are being observed.
How can we find Certified CLASS Observers?
CSPP contractors can find Certified CLASS Observers by connecting with:
- Local CSPP Quality Rating and Improvement System (QRIS) Block Grantees (BG) in their county/region
- Regional Achieving Success in Positive Interactions, Relationships, and Environments (ASPIRE) Leads
- CDE Program Quality Implementation Office Consultants
Contractors may also:
- Use a CLASS Second Edition Pre-K-3rd and/or CLASS Environment Observation by a Certified Observer under another auspice (such as Head Start, as described in
MB 23-10 section titled “Allowances for Head Start Grantees and Contractors Participating in QRIS”); - Coordinate with other CSPPs in their area to arrange for staff Observers; and/or
- Pay for a Certified Observer to come observe using available contract funds
Are Certified Observers required to recertify all components of the initial certification annually?
The CLASS Second Edition Pre-K-3rd requires annual recertification, meaning Certified Observers must complete a certification test for recertification through Teachstone to maintain a current CLASS Observer Certification. Certifications expire exactly one year from the date observers were last certified or recertified.
The CLASS Environment observer training and the CLASS Support Series are a one-time requirement following the attainment of Certified Observer status.
Note that CDE will be closely tracking any changes to the training included in the CLASS Observer Support Series and will determine if any changes to the required trainings need to be made to the requirements of MB 23-10 through additional guidance or through the regulation process.
How will contractors fund recertifications?
Contractors have the following options to fund annual recertifications for staff that are certified CLASS observers:
- Contractors may reach out to their CSPP ASPIRE Regional Lead to obtain access to recertifications that are free to the contractor; or
- Contractors may use contract funds (as available) to pay for staff to complete their annual CLASS Observer recertification.
Will the CLASS and CLASS Environment be observed during the on-site contract monitoring review?
Yes. Beginning in the 2024–25 program year, CLASS and CLASS Environment observations will be used in on-site contract monitoring reviews.
Will there be a minimum CLASS or CLASS Environment score required by the CDE?
At this time, the CDE is not setting a required minimum threshold score per domain for the CLASS or the CLASS Environment. While there is not a minimum score that contractors need to meet at this time, the CLASS and CLASS Environment scores will still be reported to the CDE through the myTeachstone data system and as part of the annual PSE.
Will CLASS and CLASS Environment training be free through the ASPIRE Regional Leads?
Yes. CLASS and CLASS Environment training offered by ASPIRE Regional Leads will be free for contractors.
Please contact your Regional Lead if you are interested in attending a CLASS observer and/or CLASS Environment training.
myTeachstone and Data Collection
Accessing myTeachstone
Who can we contact for technical assistance with the myTeachstone system?
There are a variety of resources to support myTeachstone users with technical assistance and support.
- Contractors should reference the myTeachstone User Navigation Guide (DOCX); this guide includes step-by-step instructions for the most common functions contractors will be required to use in myTeachstone
- The “Help Center” within the myTeachstone platform includes guides, videos, and other user resources – access using the “Help” tab
- Email supportca@teachstone.com
- For questions related to the guidance found in MB 23-10 and the requirements around CLASS and CLASS Environment Observations, please contact your assigned EED, Program Quality Implementation Office Regional Consultant on the CDE Consultant Regional Assignments web page.
I do not have a myTeachstone account. Do I need to create one before getting an invitation?
No. A myTeachstone account is not a requirement to accept your invitation. Once you accept the invitation, you will be required to set up your myTeachstone account.
I lost my password, how do I reset it?
From the log-in screen, enter the email address associated with the account. On the next screen, you will see a “Forgot Password?” link that will guide you through the password recovery process.
My current email address is different than an existing email address registered in myTeachstone and now I have two different user accounts. Can they be combined?
Yes, contact myTeachstone at supportca@teachstone.com to request that your accounts be merged into one.
How am I able to know if I have access to enter observation data on the platform?
If you have access to CLASS Data Collection, you will see the CLASS Data Collection tile on your home screen, and it will be available under your Observations drop down.
What is the cost for access to myTeachstone?
MyTeachstone is available to CSPP contractors at no cost. Access is funded by the ASPIRE Grant.
I am a program administrator who also is a trained observer. How do I toggle access between those two user roles in the myTeachstone system?
If you are a program administrator and need access to view all the observations for your site, you should be entered into the CLASS Data Collection application as a Supervisor. Your observation credentials are still valid and will let you enter an observation at any point; however, the supervisor role will allow you to see the other observations for your administrative area.
I am a Program Director and I have not received my invitation to create my myTeachstone profile, who should I contact?
Check your inbox and spam folder for an email from notifications@teachstone.com. If you are not able to locate the invitation, please contact Teachstone support at supportca@teachstone.com.
Managing Program and Classroom Hierarchy
When do I need to complete the hierarchy for my program?
Contractors were required to set up their myTeachstone account no later than May 1, 2025. As a reminder, CLASS and CLASS Environment observations cannot be reported in myTeachstone until the classroom has been added to the account.
How can I view the CSPP hierarchy for my contract?
The steps to view or update the contractor/program hierarchy can be found in the myTeachstone User Navigation Guide (DOCX). See pages 14–19.
In myTeachstone are contractors required to identify two part-day CSPP sessions that operate in the same classroom at different times, separately?
Yes. Please differentiate sessions in the same physical room. For example, you may have “Room A, AM” and “Room B, PM”. If you are an LEA site, please use the naming convention that is reflected in the California Preschool Data Collection (CAPSDAC) system.
Do I enter all classrooms into the hierarchy, or just the ones that will receive a CLASS observation this year?
All CSPP classrooms are required to be entered into the hierarchy and updated each year.
If one of the teachers leaves the site mid-year, can I reassign a new teacher as the educator for the classroom?
Yes. A new educator may receive access to myTeachstone if a previously observed teacher leaves mid-year.
How do I delete or archive an employee that is no longer with the program?
In the Manage Organization area, select the Members tab. Find the employee that you would like to remove from your organization. Select the check box next to their name. Once the box is selected, a new header bar will appear over the name list with an option to archive the user. Selecting “Archive” will remove them from your organization and the applications within your organization.
Will I be able to edit or update the hierarchy if there are changes in the future?
Yes. Program administrators can edit the hierarchy and members as needed to reflect updates to the overall program, classroom names, educator assignments, etc. See the myTeachstone User Navigation Guide (DOCX) for more information.
Observation Data Entry
Which CLASS observations should be entered into myTeachstone? Our CSPP classrooms review observations for Quality Counts California (QCC) rating as well.
All CLASS observations should be entered into myTeachstone, including those completed for QCC or CSPP QRIS Block Grant participation, from your CDE consultant, or from someone else pursuant to Management Bulletin 23-10.
How do I make sure that external observers have access to enter scores for my program?
Observers may enter observation data for any CSPP program in the state, as long as they have a user account with a valid observer certification and are set up and included as a member of the CSPP account with their role identified as “observer.” If they need access to the platform, a program administrator can set up their access using the process outlined by Teachstone
, or they may email supportca@teachstone.com for set up assistance.
I am an observer and have completed an observation but cannot locate the classroom in the site hierarchy. What do I do?
If you are able to see the site itself, please contact the CSPP Program Director or Site Supervisor to ensure that the site hierarchy is set up correctly and classrooms are accurately reflected in the system. If you believe a CSPP contractor is missing from the platform as a whole, please contact supportca@teachstone.com for assistance.
How can I edit an observation that is complete?
A user who has a supervisor role in the CLASS Data Collection application can select an observation and return it to “in progress” if changes or corrections need to be made by the observer.
Which age group should I select for the classroom, if there are children of multiple ages present?
Select the age groups that are reflected in the classroom when there is multiple age groups present.
I am a certified CLASS observer, but my myTeachstone profile does not reflect all CLASS certifications and trainings accurately. How can I get that corrected?
Contact supportca@teachstone.com for assistance.
Will I have to enter observation twice – once into myTeachstone and once into Hubbe?
No. Data entered into myTeachstone will be shared with QRIS data system vendors (Hubbe, Vertical Change, and WELS) for use in QCC rating and other quality improvement planning.
Which fields are required to be completed for an observation?
Field details are available in the myTeachstone User Navigation Guide (DOCX).
How do I represent bilingual classrooms or classrooms where the language used during the observation is not listed as an option?
Select “Other” in the Language option when setting up the observation. You can note the language in any of the available text fields for evidence or notes in the observation as necessary.
Accessing Observation Data and Reports
Are summary reports available at the classroom level?
Yes. Summary reports are available at multiple levels within an agency hierarchy, depending on the level of access an individual user has. Program administrator level users can create custom reports at the agency, site, or classroom level. Educators can access only reports for the classroom where they were personally observed.
Does a teacher need a user account to view observation data in myTeachstone?
Yes. Educator accounts are necessary to view observation data and summary reports. Program administrators can create educator profiles associated with classrooms in the program hierarchy.