Supporting Statement B

Screener on Quality Rating System Data, Monitoring and Use of Data for System Improvement (OMB #0970-0356)

Supporting Statement Part B for OMB Approval

Child Care Quality Rating System Assessment

March 31, 2009

B. STATISTICAL METHODS (USED FOR COLLECTION OF INFORMATION EMPLOYING STATISTICAL METHODS)

B.1. Respondent Universe and Sampling Methods

Potential respondents for the Screener on Data, Monitoring and Evaluation for the Child Care Quality Rating System project include QRS administrators that oversee the collection of data, monitoring and evaluation of the QRS in the sample of 27 states/localities identified for the QRS Assessment (see Appendix A). These sites were selected in March 2009 using the following criteria: 1) Programs must have a process in place for defining, rating and/or monitoring quality indicators and 2) Programs must be in operation currently so that interviews can be conducted about program provisions and the program can be a candidate for a subsequent multi-case study. Respondents to the screener in each state/locality will be identified through two earlier phases of the Child Care Quality Rating System Assessment. In the first phase, a scan of existing public information on QRS will be conducted, and information about selected sites will be compiled in a database. In the second phase, targeted telephone interviews of QRS informants will be conducted to fill in gaps for information not found in the search of publicly available information. If the respondent for the targeted telephone interviews is the person identified as the primary contact for questions about data, monitoring and evaluation, the screener would be conducted during these interviews. Otherwise, the interview would be conducted with the individual in the site who is identified as being most knowledgeable about data, monitoring and evaluation.

B.2. Procedures for the Collection of Information

Child Trends intends to send an email to QRS administrators in the selected state/localities to introduce the organization, research team members, the project goals, and the importance of the project. QRS administrators will be asked if they are willing to participate in a telephone interview regarding QRS data, monitoring and evaluation with members of the Child Trends research team. The email will provide specific information about what participation entails for the QRS administrators including a statement of confidentiality (that is, information will not be published and all responses are confidential). If necessary, a Child Trends research team member will conduct a follow up telephone call to QRS administrators to answer any questions, inquire about willingness to participate, and schedule a telephone interview. The interview will take place according to QRS administrators’ schedule. It is anticipated that the interview will last between 15 to 60 minutes. Child Trends researchers will employ a common screener (see Appendix B).

Responses to the telephone interview will be entered in a secure data-base managed by

Child Trends. This information will be used internally to inform subsequent phases of the

Child Care Quality Rating System Assessment project. Information will not be

publicly available.

B.3. Methods to Maximize Response Rates and Deal with Nonresponse

We do not anticipate any problems contacting and gathering information from state/locality QRS administrators. Child Trends staff will 1) identify contacts in each states/localities, 2) email contacts 3) conduct callbacks if necessary to schedule the interview, and 4) conduct the telephone interview at times that are determined by the schedules of QRS administrators. The Child Trends research team has conducted interviews with state child care administrators (who are typically serving as the QRS administrators or overseeing the work of QRS administrators) on past projects and has encountered a very high rate of responsiveness to requests for interviews.

B.4. Test of Procedures or Methods to be Undertaken

There are no plans to test the procedures. Similar interviews have been conducted in the past by the study team and have been an effective strategy for gathering information.

B.5. Individuals Consulted on Statistical Aspects and Individuals Collecting and/or Analyzing Data

The Child Trends research team, under subcontract to Mathematica Policy Research for this collection, includes Kathryn Tout, Program Area Director and Senior Research Scientist; Rebecca Starr, Research Scientist; Shannon Moodie, Senior Research Associate; and Nara Topp, a consultant to Child Trends. The Mathematica Policy Research team overseeing the work on this collection includes Gretchen Kirby and Kimberly Boller.