SCOPE Appendices Combined

APPENDICES

MATHEMATICA POLICY RESEARCH

TABLE OF CONTENTS
A. Coaching session observation protocol .................................................................................. A.1
B. 60-day Federal Register notice and comments...................................................................... B.1
B.1

Responses to Comments Received on 60-Day Federal Register Notice for
SCOPE ......................................................................................................................... B.7

B.2

Comments Received from the National Head Start Association ................................ B.11

B.3

Comments Received From Clay County Child Care Inc. ........................................... B.15

C. Study recruitment materials ....................................................................................................C.1
C.1

Study recruitment flyer ...............................................................................................C.1.3

C.2

Study recruitment flyer for FCC providers .................................................................C.2.3

C.3

Participant FAQ..........................................................................................................C.3.3

C.4

FCC provider FAQ .....................................................................................................C.4.3

C.5

Center director screening letter .................................................................................C.5.3

C.6

FCC provider screening letter ....................................................................................C.6.3

C.7

Coach recruiting letter ................................................................................................C.7.3

C.8

Teacher recruiting letter .............................................................................................C.8.3

C.9

Center director survey information letter ...................................................................C.9.3

C.10 Coach survey information letter .............................................................................. C.10.3
C.11 Teacher survey information letter ........................................................................... C.11.3
C.12 FCC provider survey information letter ................................................................... C.12.3
C.13 Coach supervisor case study recruitment letter ..................................................... C.13.3
C.14 Coach case study recruitment letter ....................................................................... C.14.3
C.15 Coach case study recruitment letter - new to SCOPE ........................................... C.15.3
C.16 Center director case study recruitment letter .......................................................... C.16.3
C.17 Center director case study recruitment letter - new to SCOPE .............................. C.17.3
C.18 FCC provider case study recruitment letter ............................................................ C.18.3
C.19 FCC provider case study recruitment letter - new to SCOPE ................................ C.19.3
C.20 Director survey email reminder ............................................................................... C.20.3
C.21 Coach survey email reminder ................................................................................. C.21.3
C.22 Teacher survey email reminder .............................................................................. C.22.3
C.23 FCC provider survey email reminder ...................................................................... C.23.3
C.24 Respondent verification call script .......................................................................... C.24.3
C.25 Survey reminder call script ..................................................................................... C.25.3
C.26 State coaching informant email .............................................................................. C.26.3
D. Mathematica confidentiality pledge .....................................................................................D.1.4

1

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APPENDIX A
COACHING SESSION OBSERVATION PROTOCOL

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APPENDIX A: COACHING SESSION OBSERVATION PROTOCOL

SCOPE Case Study
Coach Session Observation Tool
DRAFT 1/29/18
Before observation:
During observation:

o
o
o
o

o
o

After observation:

Observation Guidelines
Fill out ENTIRE cover page PRIOR to starting the observation.
Both observers should plan to arrive onsite with the coach to observe the entire coaching session.
If coach states the goals of the visit, indicate the goals on this cover sheet. Observers can ask generally about goals or plans
for the visit.
During introductions, the observers should inform everyone of the purpose of the observation (i.e., to better understand of
what coaching is across early childhood settings, not rate the quality or anyone’s individual performance). Also, observers
should let all participants know that notes from this session will be used by the study team and will be archived and stored
anonymously for future research purposes.
Follow the coach throughout the entire observation.
Observers should complete the After-Session Questions together, and then proceed with the site visit interviews.

*Complete this section PRIOR to starting the observation
Coach Name/ID: ____________________________________________ Teacher/Provider Name/ID: ______________________________________
Program Name/ID: __________________________________________ Director Name/ID: ______________________________________________
Program type:

☐Center-based

☐Home-based child care

☐Head Start

Is this program housed in a public school? ☐Yes ☐No

Age range of children in classroom of teacher/provider receiving coaching?
(select all that apply)

☐Infants
☐Toddlers
(0-15 months) (16-33 months)

☐Preschoolers
(30+ months, not yet in K)

☐School agers
(of any age)

Goals for session:
___________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________
___________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________
___________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

APPENDIX A: COACHING SESSION OBSERVATION PROTOCOL

Coaching Session Observation Checklist
The primary observer should observe the entire coaching session, noting the start and end time, and checking the location, people involved in the session, materials used,
and coaching features and content covered in the session.

About the session

(check all the apply, providing examples where requested)

Materials Used for Coaching: (provide examples)
Start time: _______ AM/PM
End time: ________ AM/PM

Coaching Location:
Y N
☐ ☐ Teacher/provider engaged in typical routine
w/ children
☐ ☐ Teacher/provider talking separately w coach in

Y N
☐ ☐ Coach manual/guidebook: __________________________________

Adults Present for Coaching:
Y N
☐ ☐ Teacher/provider

☐ ☐ Goals or action plan: ______________________________________

☐ ☐ Assistant teachers/helpers

☐ ☐ Showing video of teacher/provider: __________________________

☐ ☐ Director

☐ ☐ Showing video examples of another teacher/provider: ___________
☐ ☐ Showing photo examples of teacher/provider:
_____________________________________________________________

☐ ☐ Teacher supervisor

Primary Target of Coaching:

☐ ☐ Other (describe)

☐ ☐

Own classroom

☐ ☐ Showing photo examples of another teacher/provider: __________
_____________________________________________________________

☐ ☐

Another classroom

☐ ☐ Taking video of teacher/provider: ___________________________

☐ ☐ Teacher/provider

☐ ☐

Office

☐ ☐ Taking photo of teacher/provider: ___________________________

☐ ☐ Assistant teachers/helpers

☐ ☐

Break room

☐ ☐ Other (describe): _________________________________________

☐ ☐ Director

☐ ☐

Other location (describe)

☐ ☐ Other (describe)

Teacher Coverage:
Is teacher missing class time while children awake?
☐Y ☐N
If yes, who is covering for teacher? ______________

Y

N

☐ ☐ Teacher supervisor
Technology used for Coaching:
Y N
☐ ☐ Computer/tablet: _________________________________________
☐ ☐ Smart phone/camera: _____________________________________
☐ ☐ Other: __________________________________________________

☐ ☐ Other (describe)
Next session scheduled?
☐Y ☐N
Was there a distraction that interrupted
the coaching session?
☐Y ☐N
Describe: ___________________________

APPENDIX A: COACHING SESSION OBSERVATION PROTOCOL

CONTENT OF COACHING (check all that apply, provide examples in notes)
About the Teacher
Y

N

☐ ☐ Professional development: ________________
______________________________________
☐ ☐ Conflict resolution: ______________________
______________________________________
☐ ☐ Teacher relationships (specify): ____________
____________________________________________
☐ ☐ Managing change: _______________________
______________________________________
☐ ☐ Teacher’s personal issues/concerns:
_______________________________________
About Coaching
Y

N

☐ ☐ Logistics of next visit: ____________________
______________________________________
☐ ☐ Goal setting: ___________________________
_______________________________________
☐ ☐ Following up from last visit: _______________
______________________________________
About Interactions
Y

N

☐ ☐ Adult-child interactions: __________________
______________________________________

About the Classroom

Other

Y

Y

N

☐ ☐ Health and safety: ______________________________

☐ ☐ QRIS related: _____________________________

______________________________________________

________________________________________

☐ ☐ Behavior management: __________________________

☐ ☐ CLASS/ERS: ______________________________

______________________________________________

________________________________________

☐ ☐ Classroom set up: _______________________________

☐ ☐ Other (describe): __________________________

______________________________________________

________________________________________

☐ ☐ Routines and transitions: _________________________

________________________________________

______________________________________________

________________________________________

☐ ☐ Curriculum and formative assessment:

________________________________________

______________________________________________

________________________________________

☐ ☐ Lesson plans: ___________________________________

________________________________________

______________________________________________

________________________________________

☐ ☐ Special needs and inclusion: ______________________

________________________________________

_____________________________________________
☐ ☐ English Language Learners/Cultural responsiveness:
_____________________________________________
☐ ☐ Family engagement: _____________________________
______________________________________________
☐ ☐ Community partnerships: ________________________
______________________________________________
☐ ☐ Art, music, movement, math, science, language, literacy,
social studies: ________________________________________

______________________________________

______________________________________________

______________________________________

________________________________________

______________________________________________

☐ ☐ Children’s peer interactions: _______________
☐ ☐ Adult-adult interactions: __________________

N

☐ ☐ Social-emotional development/ approaches to
learning/executive functioning: ____________________
______________________________________________

APPENDIX A: COACHING SESSION OBSERVATION PROTOCOL

COACHING FEATURES--COACH behaviors
(observe coach behavior, check all that apply, provide detailed examples of key features in notes, fewer notes are needed of other features)

KEY FEATURES
Y N
☐ ☐ Modeling/demonstrating: _________________________________________
_________________________________________________________________
☐ ☐ with children?
☐ ☐ teacher/provider watching?
☐ ☐ Setting goals/ action planning: _____________________________________
_______________________________________________________________
_______________________________________________________________

OTHER BEHAVIORS
Y
☐
☐
☐

N
☐ Answering questions of adult: ______________________________________________
☐ Asking questions to adult: _________________________________________________
☐ Assisting with children in classroom: ________________________________________

☐ ☐ Closing/ending conversation: ______________________________________________
☐ ☐ Collecting data: _________________________________________________________
a. child data b. teacher/provider data
☐ ☐ Connecting teacher/provider to outside resources: _____________________________

☐ ☐ Reviewing goals/ action plan: _________________________________
_______________________________________________________________
_______________________________________________________________

☐
☐
☐
☐

☐ ☐ Encouraging reflection in the teacher/provider/staff: __________________
_______________________________________________________________
_______________________________________________________________

☐ ☐ Providing suggestions/problem solving: ______________________________________
☐ ☐ Providing rationale/explanation: ____________________________________________
☐ ☐ Re-stating/summarizing statements: ________________________________________

☐ ☐ Giving praise: ___________________________________________________
_______________________________________________________________
_______________________________________________________________
☐ ☐ Giving constructive feedback: _____________________________________
_______________________________________________________________
_______________________________________________________________
☐ ☐ Giving negative feedback: ________________________________________
_______________________________________________________________
_______________________________________________________________
☐ ☐ Observation/Assessment: _________________________________________
_______________________________________________________________
_______________________________________________________________

☐ Empathetic listening to teacher/provider: ____________________________________
☐ Greeting/opening conversation: ____________________________________________
☐ Identify next steps: ______________________________________________________
☐ Mutual problem solving: __________________________________________________

☐ ☐ Relationship building (specify): _____________________________________________
____________________________________________________________________________
☐ ☐ Reviewing classroom or program problem: ___________________________________
☐ ☐ Reviewing data: _________________________________________________________
a. child data b. teacher/provider data
☐ ☐ Reviewing/discussing written material: ______________________________________
☐ ☐ Role-playing: ___________________________________________________________
☐ ☐ Other (describe): ________________________________________________________
____________________________________________________________________________
____________________________________________________________________________
___________________________________________________________________________

APPENDIX A: COACHING SESSION OBSERVATION PROTOCOL

TEACHER/PROVIDER behaviors
(observe teacher/provider behavior, check all that apply, provide examples in notes)

Y N

Y N

☐ ☐ Answering questions from coach: ___________________________________

☐ ☐ Collecting data: _________________________________________________________

_______________________________________________________________
☐ ☐ Asking questions of coach: _________________________________________

______________________________________________________________________
a. child data

b. teacher/provider data

c. video/photo

_______________________________________________________________

☐ ☐ Reviewing data: _________________________________________________________

☐ ☐ Passive listening to coach: _________________________________________

______________________________________________________________________

_______________________________________________________________
☐ ☐ Providing info to coach: __________________________________________

a. child data

b. teacher/provider data

c. video/photo

☐ ☐ Setting goals/ action planning: _____________________________________________

_______________________________________________________________

______________________________________________________________________

☐ ☐ Providing suggestions to coach: ____________________________________

☐ ☐ Trying something new: ___________________________________________________

_______________________________________________________________

______________________________________________________________________

☐ ☐ Reflecting based on coach’s question or feedback: _____________________

☐ ☐ Reviewing goals and/or action plan: ________________________________________

_______________________________________________________________

______________________________________________________________________

c. other (describe)_______________________

☐ ☐ Reviewing classroom or program problem: ___________________________________

☐ ☐ Following coach instruction/suggestion: ______________________________

______________________________________________________________________

_______________________________________________________________

☐ ☐ Reviewing written material: _______________________________________________

a. verbally

b. writing

☐ ☐ Re-stating/summarizing statements: _________________________________

______________________________________________________________________

_______________________________________________________________

☐ ☐ Other (describe): ________________________________________________________

☐ ☐ Role-playing: ____________________________________________________

______________________________________________________________________

_______________________________________________________________

______________________________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________________

☐ ☐ Watching coach model/demonstrate a practice: ________________________
_______________________________________________________________

______________________________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________________

☐ ☐ Assisting/ working with children in classroom: _________________________

______________________________________________________________________

_______________________________________________________________

APPENDIX A: COACHING SESSION OBSERVATION PROTOCOL

After Session Ratings/Questions
After the observation, both observers should come to consensus and rate the extent to which the coach and teacher/provider engaged in the following activities or
strategies. Use the space under each statement to provide supporting evidence for the rating.
The coach…

Not at all
(1)

A little
(2)

Somewhat
(3)

Worked collaboratively with the teacher/provider
Evidence:
Was reinforcing of the teacher/provider involved in the coaching process
Evidence:
Encouraged reflection from the teacher/provider
Evidence:
Clearly stated next steps in the coaching process
Evidence:
Appeared to trust and/or have a positive relationship with the teacher
Evidence (e.g., affect, body position, what is said):
Clearly defined the goals for the teacher/provider (circle y/n)
Evidence:

No
Negative

Yes
Neutral

No

Yes

The teacher/provider…
Was engaged throughout the coaching session
Evidence:
Appeared to trust and/or have a positive relationship with the coach
Evidence (e.g., affect, body position, what is said):
The assistant teacher/provider…
Was engaged throughout the coaching session
Evidence:
Appeared to trust and/or have a positive relationship with the coach
Evidence (e.g., affect, body position, what is said):

Negative

Neutral

Negative

Neutral

A lot
(4)

APPENDIX A: COACHING SESSION OBSERVATION PROTOCOL

Narrative Summary
The narrative summary should be completed within 24 hours of the observation. It should be drafted by one observer and reviewed/supplemented by the second observer.
What happened? Describe the “story” of this coaching session.

What was the main purpose of the coaching session?

How did the coach primarily spend her time?

How did the teacher primarily spend her time?

How did the teacher react to the coach?

What stood out for you in this coaching session?

Were there barriers that made the coaching session hard?

Were there things that seemed to make the coaching session easier?

Do you think this session was helpful or not? Explain.

Do you think this session will help strengthen instructional practices in this program/classroom? Explain.

What’s noteworthy about this coaching session?

APPENDIX A: COACHING SESSION OBSERVATION PROTOCOL

Definitions of Coaching Features
Coaching Feature
Modeling/demonstration
Setting goals/action planning
Reviewing goals/action plan
Encouraging reflection in the
teacher/provider/staff
Giving praise
Giving constructive feedback
Giving negative feedback

Observation/assessment
Answering questions of adult
Asking questions to adult

Assisting with children in the classroom

Closing/ending conversation
Collecting data
Connecting teacher/provider to
outside resource

Definition and Examples
KEY FEATURES
Coach demonstrates a practice that the teacher/provider should do (ex: asking complex questions of
children, redirecting a child, etc.).
Coach works with the teacher/provider/program to create or edit goals or actions for their work
together. (Also a teacher/provider behavior.)
Coach references or talks about the goals and/or action plans. (Also a teacher/provider behavior.)
Asking about perceptions, thoughts, or feelings about particular interactions or activities (e.g., “How
would you do it differently next time?”, “How comfortable were you when you tried that new activity?)
Verbally or nonverbally communicating approval or liking of teacher/provider behavior or comment
(e.g., “great job,” “I like how you handled that,” high-five, etc.)
Coach communicates her perceptions or judgement about teacher/provider behavior in a way that
offers ideas or suggestions for what to do differently.
Coach communicates verbally or nonverbally her disapproval or dislike of teacher/provider behavior
(e.g., “stop doing that,” “don’t,” or shaking head side to side). The communication is intended to
suppress a behavior but doesn’t offer ideas about what to do instead.
Coach conducts observations or assessment of classroom or teacher/provider interacting with children.
OTHER BEHAVIORS
Coach responds to questions about a process, technique, or the program. This does not include
answering personal questions about how the Coach is or other relationship based questions.
Coach asks questions about a process, technique, situation, children, program, etc. (“What is next on
your schedule?” “Have you tried the puppets in circle time yet?”). This does not include asking personal
or other relationship-based questions (e.g., “how are you?”).
Coach assists the teacher/provider with needs of children (ex. tying shoes, clean up, providing
instruction). Teacher/provider may also engage in assisting with children during the coaching session,
perhaps to be observed by the coach.
Coach and teacher/provider close the coaching session by recapping key points and talking about next
steps.
Gathering data during the coaching session. Examples of data: Coach observation notes, child
assessments, center self-assessments, ERS scores. (Also a teacher/provider behavior)
Provides resources that are outside what teacher/provider has access to as part of their day-to-day
activities. These can include connections to coursework, professional development, classroom
materials, other experts in the community.

APPENDIX A: COACHING SESSION OBSERVATION PROTOCOL

Coaching Feature
Empathetic listening to
teacher/provider
Greeting/opening conversation
Identify next steps
Mutual problem solving

Providing suggestions

Providing rationale/explanation
Re-stating/summarizing statements
Reviewing classroom or program
problem
Reviewing data

Reviewing/discussing written material
Role-playing

Definition and Examples
Coach listens to the teacher/provider with empathy, compassion, and non-judgmentally. Coach does
not try to solve a problem or pose a solution, instead she does things such as: listens actively, reflects
back to the speaker, and asks open ended questions.
Coach says “hello” or greets the teacher/provider upon arrival. Coach and teacher/provider exchange
small talk before beginning with the objectives for the session.
Coach talks to teacher/provider about what the coach and/or teacher/provider will do after the
coaching session.
Coach and teacher/provider work together to solve a problem. All individuals should play equal or near
equal parts in the problem solving. If a Coach suggests a solution and the teacher/provider agrees, that
is not mutual problem solving.
Coach or teacher/provider provides a potential solution to a problem, suggests a new behavior, etc. The
comment is not a result of mutual problem solving nor a comment correcting/fixing behavior. Look for
language such as “you could try…” “what about…” with no back-and-forth between the coach and the
teacher/provider.
Coach describes to teacher/provider why something is important; provides a justification; re-states
something to make it clear.
Coach rephrases or summarizes what the teacher/provider said. (Also a teacher/provider behavior. )
Coach and teacher/provider discuss a problem occurring in the classroom or at the program. This does
not necessarily need to lead to problem solving, but rather is just a conversation about the problem or a
statement about the problem.
Examining or talking about existing data during the coaching session. Examples of data include Coach
observation notes, child assessments, center self-assessments, ERS scores. (Also a teacher/provider
behavior.)
Reviews written materials such as goal setting documentation, catalogue of materials, lesson plans, etc.
(Also a teacher/provider behavior.)
Coach acts out a situation with teacher/provider. (ex: Coach pretends to be a child so a teacher/provider
can practice how she/he will respond). Both coach and teacher/provider have active role.

An agency may not conduct or sponsor, and a person is not required to respond to, a collection of information unless it displays a
currently valid OMB control number. The OMB number for the described information collection is 0970-0XXX and the
expiration date is XX/XX/XXXX.

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APPENDIX B
60-DAY FEDERAL REGISTER NOTICE
AND COMMENTS

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60746

Federal Register / Vol. 82, No. 245 / Friday, December 22, 2017 / Notices

DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH AND
HUMAN SERVICES
Administration for Children and
Families
Submission for OMB Review;
Comment Request
Title: Prenatal Alcohol and Other
Drug Exposures in Child Welfare
(PAODE–CW) Study.
OMB No.: New Collection.
Description: The Administration for
Children and Families (ACF), U.S.
Department of Health and Human
Services (HHS) is proposing a data
collection activity as part of the Prenatal
Alcohol and Other Drug Exposures in

Child Welfare (PAODE–CW) Study. The
study examines the current state of
child welfare practice regarding the
identification and provision of services
for children with prenatal substance
exposures, including alcohol and other
drugs.
The descriptive study will document
the policies and practices of child
welfare agencies and related
organizations to identify, assess, and
refer to services children who may have
been exposed to prenatal substances
and/or diagnosed with a resulting
condition such as fetal alcohol spectrum
disorders (FASD). The study will
document procedures as well as
challenges faced and lessons learned to
inform the field of practice as well as

policy makers, program administrators,
and funders at various levels.
The proposed information collection
activities consist of semi-structured
interviews and surveys conducted at 28
child welfare agency sites. Focus groups
conducted at 8 of the 28 sites will gather
information on needs, challenges, and
strategies to support children with
prenatal substance exposures and their
families within the child welfare
system.
Respondents: State and child welfare
agency directors, child welfare staff and
supervisors; agency partners and service
providers; and family members and
caregivers of children who may have
been prenatally exposed to substances.

ANNUAL BURDEN ESTIMATES
Number of
respondents

Instrument

sradovich on DSK3GMQ082PROD with NOTICES

Interview Protocol for Local Agency Staff—Frontline Only .............................
Interview Protocol for Local Agency Staff—Ongoing Only ..............................
Interview Protocol for Local Agency Staff—Frontline and Ongoing ................
Interview Protocol for Local Agency Medical Staff ..........................................
Interview Protocol for Local Agency Director ..................................................
Focus Group of Caregivers .............................................................................
Survey Instrument for Local Agency Staff—Form A General .........................
Survey Instrument for Local Agency—Form B General ..................................
Survey Instrument for Local Agency Form B Differential Response ..............
Survey Instrument for Service Providers .........................................................
Interview Protocol for Data Staff ......................................................................

Estimated Total Annual Burden
Hours: 305.
Additional Information: Copies of the
proposed collection may be obtained by
writing to the Administration for
Children and Families, Office of
Planning, Research and Evaluation, 330
C Street SW, Washington, DC 20201.
Attention Reports Clearance Officer. All
requests should be identified by the title
of the information collection. Email
address: [email protected].
OMB Comment: OMB is required to
make a decision concerning the
collection of information between 30
and 60 days after publication of this
document in the Federal Register.
Therefore, a comment is best assured of
having its full effect if OMB receives it
within 30 days of publication. Written
comments and recommendations for the
proposed information collection should
be sent directly to the following: Office
of Management and Budget, Paperwork
Reduction Project, Email: OIRA_
[email protected], Attn:

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28
28
15
14
14
32
140
90
50
12
6

Desk Officer for the Administration for
Children and Families.
Robert Sargis,
Reports Clearance Officer.
[FR Doc. 2017–27600 Filed 12–21–17; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4184–01–P

DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH AND
HUMAN SERVICES
Administration for Children and
Families
Proposed Information Collection
Activity; Comment Request
Title: Study of Coaching Practices in
Early Care and Education Settings
(SCOPE).
OMB No.: New Collection.
Description: The Administration for
Children and Families (ACF) at the U.S.
Department of Health and Human
Services (HHS) seeks approval to collect
descriptive information for the Study of
Coaching Practices in Early Care and
Education Settings (SCOPE) project. The
goal of this information collection is to
identify how professional development
coaching practices for early care and

PO 00000

Frm 00051

Fmt 4703

Sfmt 4703

Number of
responses per
respondent
1
1
1
1
1
1
1
1
1
1
1

Average
burden hours
per response
1
1
1.25
1
1
1.5
.5
.5
.5
.5
1.5

Total burden
hours
28
28
19
14
14
48
70
45
25
6
9

education (ECE) providers are
implemented and vary in ECE
classrooms serving children supported
by Child Care and Development Fund
(CCDF) subsidies or Head Start grants.
This study will focus primarily on
coaching used for delivering
professional development services to
ECE teachers and caregivers to improve
knowledge and practice in center-based
classrooms and family child care (FCC)
homes serving preschool-age children.
This study aims to advance
understanding of how core features of
coaching are implemented in ECE
classrooms, how the features may vary
by key contextual factors and
implementation drivers, and which are
ripe for more rigorous evaluation. The
study tasks will include gathering
information to inform selection of states
in which to conduct the study,
designing and conducting a descriptive
study to examine the occurrence and
variability of coaching features in ECE
classrooms, and conducting case studies
to examine program or systems-level
drivers of coaching and the features
being implemented.
Respondents: State administrators
knowledgeable about coaching and

E:\FR\FM\22DEN1.SGM

22DEN1

60747

Federal Register / Vol. 82, No. 245 / Friday, December 22, 2017 / Notices
coaching funders or providers, ECE

center directors, coaches, teachers, and
FCC providers.

ANNUAL BURDEN ESTIMATES
Total number
of respondents

Instrument

sradovich on DSK3GMQ082PROD with NOTICES

State coaching informant interview protocol ........................
ECE setting eligibility screener ............................................
Center director survey .........................................................
Coach survey .......................................................................
Teacher/FCC provider survey ..............................................
Center director semi-structured interview protocol ..............
Coach semi-structured interview protocol ...........................
Teacher/FCC provider semi-structured interview protocol ..
Coach supervisor semi-structured interview protocol ..........

Estimated Total Annual Burden
Hours: 157.
In compliance with the requirements
of Section 3506(c)(2)(A) of the
Paperwork Reduction Act of 1995, the
Administration for Children and
Families is soliciting public comment
on the specific aspects of the
information collection described above.
Copies of the proposed collection of
information can be obtained and
comments may be forwarded by writing
to the Administration for Children and
Families, Office of Planning, Research,
and Evaluation, 330 C Street SW,
Washington, DC 20201, Attn: OPRE
Reports Clearance Officer. Email
address: OPREinfocollection@
acf.hhs.gov. All requests should be
identified by the title of the information
collection.
The Department specifically requests
comments on (a) whether the proposed
collection of information is necessary
for the proper performance of the
functions of the agency, including
whether the information shall have
practical utility; (b) the accuracy of the
agency’s estimate of the burden of the
proposed collection of information; (c)
the quality, utility, and clarity of the
information to be collected; and (d)
ways to minimize the burden of the
collection of information on
respondents, including through the use
of automated collection techniques or
other forms of information technology.
Consideration will be given to
comments and suggestions submitted
within 60 days of this publication.
Mary Jones,
ACF/OPRE Certifying Officer.
[FR Doc. 2017–27578 Filed 12–21–17; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4184–22–P

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Annual
number of
respondents

45
173
60
90
172
12
12
12
12

23
87
30
45
86
6
6
6
6

DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH AND
HUMAN SERVICES
Food and Drug Administration
[Docket No. FDA–2012–D–0307]

Amendment to ‘‘Revised Preventive
Measures To Reduce the Possible Risk
of Transmission of Creutzfeldt-Jakob
Disease and Variant Creutzfeldt-Jakob
Disease by Blood and Blood Products;
Guidance for Industry;’’ Draft Guidance
for Industry; Availability
AGENCY:

Food and Drug Administration,

HHS.
ACTION:

Notice of availability.

The Food and Drug
Administration (FDA or Agency) is
announcing the availability of a draft
document entitled ‘‘Amendment to
‘Revised Preventive Measures to Reduce
the Possible Risk of Transmission of
Creutzfeldt-Jakob Disease and Variant
Creutzfeldt-Jakob Disease by Blood and
Blood Products; Guidance for Industry;’
Draft Guidance for Industry.’’ The draft
guidance document provides blood
collection establishments with revised
recommendations intended to reduce
the possible risk of transmission of
variant Creutzfeldt-Jakob Disease (vCJD)
by blood and blood products by revising
and removing certain recommended
deferrals for geographic risk of bovine
spongiform encephalopathy (BSE)
exposure and recommending deferral
for individuals with a history of blood
transfusion in Ireland from 1980 to the
present. The recommendations apply to
the collection of Whole Blood and blood
components intended for transfusion or
for use in further manufacturing into
injectable and non-injectable products,
including recovered plasma, Source
Leukocytes and Source Plasma.
The draft guidance, when finalized,
will amend the document entitled
‘‘Revised Preventive Measures to

SUMMARY:

PO 00000

Frm 00052

Fmt 4703

Sfmt 4703

Number of
responses per
respondent
1
1
1
1
1
1
1
1
1

Average
burden hours
per response
1
0.25
0.5
0.5
0.58
1.5
1
1
0.5

Annual burden
hours
23
22
15
23
50
9
6
6
3

Reduce the Possible Risk of
Transmission of Creutzfeldt-Jakob
Disease and Variant Creutzfeldt-Jakob
Disease by Blood and Blood Products;
Guidance for Industry’’ updated January
2016 (‘‘2016 vCJD Guidance’’) by
incorporating into an updated final
guidance any new recommendations
adopted. All other recommendations in
the 2016 vCJD Guidance will remain
unchanged.
Submit either electronic or
written comments on the draft guidance
by March 22, 2018 to ensure that the
Agency considers your comment on this
draft guidance before it begins work on
the final version of the guidance.
ADDRESSES: You may submit comments
on any guidance at any time as follows:
DATES:

Electronic Submissions
Submit electronic comments in the
following way:
• Federal eRulemaking Portal:
https://www.regulations.gov. Follow the
instructions for submitting comments.
Comments submitted electronically,
including attachments, to https://
www.regulations.gov will be posted to
the docket unchanged. Because your
comment will be made public, you are
solely responsible for ensuring that your
comment does not include any
confidential information that you or a
third party may not wish to be posted,
such as medical information, your or
anyone else’s Social Security number, or
confidential business information, such
as a manufacturing process. Please note
that if you include your name, contact
information, or other information that
identifies you in the body of your
comments, that information will be
posted on https://www.regulations.gov.
• If you want to submit a comment
with confidential information that you
do not wish to be made available to the
public, submit the comment as a
written/paper submission and in the

E:\FR\FM\22DEN1.SGM

22DEN1

APPENDIX B.1
RESPONSES TO COMMENTS RECEIVED ON
60-DAY FEDERAL REGISTER NOTICE
FOR SCOPE

This page has been left blank for double-sided copying.

APPENDIX B. 60-DAY FEDERAL REGISTER NOTICE AND COMMENTS

MATHEMATICA POLICY RESEARCH

Response to Comments Received on 60-Day Federal Register Notice

We received two comments to the 60-day Federal Register Notice for SCOPE.
First, the National Head Start Association (NHSA) submitted a letter of support for the study
that also included suggestions for types of programs to include in the sample. The sample design
for SCOPE includes center-based settings and family child care homes that serve preschool-age
children. NHSA suggests that the study consider also including home-based providers (home
visitors), settings that serve children birth-to-five, and settings that reflect the full diversity of
who Head Start serves (including American Indian/Alaska Native [AI/AN] and Migrant and
Seasonal Head Start [MSHS]). We gave careful consideration to these important suggestions and
determined we cannot purposively integrate them into the sample (given the planned size of the
sample) and still meet the government’s goals related to describing how coaching features vary
in preschool-age classrooms serving children supported by Child Care and Development Fund
(CCDF) subsidies or in settings that receive Head Start grants. The coaching features selected
and used to support teachers’ and caregivers’ professional development are likely to differ
depending on the context in which coaching takes place, the type of staff receiving coaching, and
the needs of the children and families they serve. If we include the full range of settings
suggested by NHSA, we will not be able to adequately describe coaching in any of them.
Depending on the range of coaching approaches and settings identified in the states selected for
the study, it is possible that the study will include some settings that serve children birth-to-five,
and we would report this. It is unlikely our study will include AI/AN or MSHS settings. Our
study may include coaches who serve home visitors, but respondent burden for coaches would be
too high if we also asked them to report on coaching for home visitors (in addition to center
teachers and FCC providers).
Second, a program coach for Clay County Child Care Inc. submitted suggestions for topics
to include in the surveys (frequency of coaching, the coaching model used, number of years of
experience in using coaching within the program, and a teacher satisfaction survey for staff) and
the recommendation that SCOPE include early care and education (ECE) settings in rural areas.
Regarding the suggested topics, we have included all of the suggested topics in the surveys for
the descriptive study and will also address them in the case studies. Regarding the suggestion for
the sample, it is possible the study will include ECE settings in rural areas. However, the final set
of settings selected for the SCOPE sample will ultimately depend on which states are selected for
the study and the range of coaching approaches and settings receiving coaching in that state.

B.7

This page has been left blank for double-sided copying.

APPENDIX B.2
COMMENTS RECEIVED FROM THE NATIONAL HEAD START ASSOCIATION

This page has been left blank for double-sided copying.

February 20, 2018

Administration for Children and Families
Office of Planning, Research, and Evaluation
330 C Street SW
Washington, DC 20201
Attn: OPRE Reports Clearance Officer

To Whom It May Concern:
Thank you for the opportunity to submit comments regarding the Study of Coaching Practices in Early Care
and Education Settings (SCOPE), submitted for review and comments in the Federal Register (Volume 82,
Number 245, page 60746-60747, Friday, December 22, 2017).
The National Head Start Association (NHSA) is a nonprofit organization committed to the belief that every
child, regardless of circumstances at birth, has the ability to succeed in life. NHSA is the voice for more
than one million children, 250,000 staff, and 1,600 Head Start grantees.
Given the revised requirements in the Head Start Program Performance Standards, NHSA appreciates the
attention being given to coaching practices in early childhood education. Understanding the features of
coaching in early childhood is the first step towards improvement of the practice. With the time and
resources Head Start programs commit to coaching, and the impact it has on high-quality instruction for
young children, it is critical that both researchers and practitioners understand how to best support and
improve these efforts.
NHSA’s main concern regarding this study is the decision to focus on only center-based and family child
care settings and on only services for preschool-age children. Because Head Start is a birth-to-five program
serving children in a variety of settings, we urge the researchers to reconsider exclusion of coaching
practices for home-based providers and those serving children birth through three. The birth-to-five and
two-generation nature of the Head Start model is critical to the work we do to serve vulnerable children and
families and it would be a disservice to unnecessarily restrict the findings to only a segment of the Head
Start population.
Similarly, we wish to highlight that Head Start serves diverse populations and employs a diverse staff,
including Migrant/Seasonal and American Indian/Alaska Native families and staff. We encourage the
researchers to consider how to include these populations in the study as well as to be sensitive to how the
findings apply to various culturally diverse communities.
We at NHSA would also like to offer to assist or advise this project to the extent that our expertise and
organizational support could contribute to its success.

1651 Prince Street, Alexandria, VA 22314
Tel: (703) 739-0875 - Fax: (703) 739-0878 - www.nhsa.org
The National Head Start Association, an independent membership organization, advocates on behalf of the entire Head Start community and provides
training and resources to Head programs nationwide.

B.11

Thank you again for the opportunity to share our comments about the SCOPE project. If you have any
questions, please contact [email protected].
Sincerely,

Executive Director
National Head Start Association

1651 Prince Street, Alexandria, VA 22314
Tel: (703) 739-0875 - Fax: (703) 739-0878 - www.nhsa.org
The National Head Start Association, an independent membership organization, advocates on behalf of the entire Head Start community and provides
training and resources to Head programs nationwide.

B.12

APPENDIX B.3
COMMENTS RECEIVED FROM CLAY COUNTY CHILD CARE INC.

This page has been left blank for double-sided copying.

From: Chrissy Lindsley [mailto:[email protected]]
Sent: Friday, February 09, 2018 1:11 PM
To: ACF OPREInfoCollection
Subject: re Coaching study

I think we really need the data to show that coaching is extremely important in terms of professional
development for teachers and Home Visitors as well as the Day Care staff which we partner with in our
EHS programs. I hope it will include both frequency and the model used, number of years of experience
in using coaching within the program, and a teacher satisfaction survey for staff.
I would also like to see the more rural areas taking part in this survey. PBC might be good in urban areas
but due to the 2 week turnaround it is impossible to implement with fidelity in rural programs.
We have used the Benner coaching model for about 7 years and it has really shown benefit in improved
CLASS scores on the Head Start side. One of the things we like about the model is the 4-6 week
turnaround , giving more time to practice new skills before reevaluation and the fact we are required to
do an annual baseline – so everyone gets some coaching and we can identify where more intensive
coaching is needed much more easily.
Day Care and EHS are new additions but the lack of a really comprehensive tool such as CLASS in these
areas do make it difficult to evaluate progress as effectively as I would like. I am finding that day care
due to lower credentialing requirements do prove to be more problematic in assessing, since many Day
Care workers have little or no background in the field.
Dr, Chrissy Lindsley PhD
Program Coach
Clay County Child Care Inc.
Education is the passport to the future, for tomorrow belongs to those who prepare for it today.
Malcolm X

B.15

This page has been left blank for double-sided copying.

APPENDIX C
STUDY RECRUITMENT MATERIALS

This page has been left blank for double-sided copying.

APPENDIX C.1: STUDY RECRUITMENT FLYER

The Study of Coaching Practices in
Early Care and Education (SCOPE)

The purpose of this project:
To understand the different ways that coaching can be implemented to improve
teachers’ and caregivers’ classroom practices in centers and family child care homes.
The SCOPE project is sponsored by the Office of Planning, Research, and Evaluation
of the Administration for Children and Families in the U.S. Department of Health
and Human Services. It is being conducted by Mathematica Policy Research, an
independent research organization, in partnership with Child Trends and the
Children’s Learning Institute at the University of Texas.

What we are doing:
• First, we will ask center directors, family child care
providers, coaches, and teachers in 100 early care
and education (ECE) settings across the United
States to complete web-based surveys about their
experiences with coaching. Participants will receive
a $20 Visa gift card.
• Following the survey, 12 centers and family child
care homes will be selected for in-depth case
studies. We will visit the settings to conduct indepth interviews and observations about the
coaching that takes place at each site. The centers
and family child care homes that participate in the
case studies will receive a $250 check, and people
who participate in the in-depth interviews will
receive a $20 Visa gift card.
C.1.3

APPENDIX C.1: STUDY RECRUITMENT FLYER

What kind of ECE settings are eligible to participate in SCOPE?
SCOPE will include both centers and family child care homes that:
• Receive Head Start funding or serve children with Child Care and
Development Fund (CCDF) subsidies
• Serve preschool-age children
• Currently are providing coaching to improve the classroom practice of teachers
or caregivers of preschool-age children

What types of coaching is SCOPE studying?
For our study, coaching includes a teacher or caregiver who is receiving support
and guidance from another professional to improve the teacher’s knowledge or
skills. Coaching is done either one-on-one or with a small teaching team from the
same classroom. Sometimes, coaching might go by another name, like mentoring or
consultation. Coaching might be delivered by someone called a coach or by other
kinds of professionals like specialists, consultants, mentors, education managers,
and center directors. In addition, coaching may be delivered by someone who is part
of the staff of an early childhood program, or by someone who works for another
organization. SCOPE is interested in learning about all of these types of coaching.
For information about participating in this project, please contact:
Timothy Bruursema, Mathematica Policy Research: [email protected],
1-000-000-0000 or 202-484-3097
Wendy DeCourcey, Administration for Children and Families: [email protected],
202-260-2039

An agency may not conduct or sponsor, and a person is not required to respond to, a collection of information unless it displays a currently valid OMB control number.
The OMB number for the described information collection is 0970-0XXX and the expiration date is XX/XX/XXXX.

C.1.4

APPENDIX C.2: STUDY RECRUITMENT FLYER FOR FCC PROVIDERS

The Study of Coaching Practices in
Early Care and Education (SCOPE)
WE NEED FAMILY CHILD CARE PROVIDERS’ HELP!
The purpose of this project:
To understand the different ways that coaching can be implemented to improve
teachers’ and caregivers’ classroom practices in centers and family child care homes.
The SCOPE project is sponsored by the Office of Planning, Research, and Evaluation
of the Administration for Children and Families in the U.S. Department of Health
and Human Services. It is being conducted by Mathematica Policy Research, an
independent research organization, in partnership with Child Trends and the
Children’s Learning Institute at the University of Texas.

What we are doing:
• First, we will ask center directors, family child care
providers, coaches, and teachers in 100 early care
and education (ECE) settings across the United
States to complete web-based surveys about
their experiences with coaching. Family child care
providers will receive a $40 Visa gift card.
• Following the survey, 12 centers and family child
care homes will be selected for in-depth case
studies. We will visit the settings to conduct
in-depth interviews and observations about the
coaching that takes place at each site. The centers
and family child care homes that participate in
the case studies will receive a $250 check, and
people who participate in the in-depth interviews
will receive a $20 Visa gift card.

C.2.3

APPENDIX C.2: STUDY RECRUITMENT FLYER FOR FCC PROVIDERS

What kind of ECE settings are eligible to participate in SCOPE?
SCOPE will include both centers and family child care homes that:
• Receive Head Start funding or serve children with Child Care and
Development Fund (CCDF) subsidies
• Serve preschool-age children
• Currently are providing coaching to improve the classroom practice of teachers
or caregivers of preschool-age children

What types of coaching is SCOPE studying?
For our study, coaching includes a teacher or caregiver who is receiving support
and guidance from another professional to improve the teacher’s knowledge or
skills. Coaching is done either one-on-one or with a small teaching team from the
same classroom. Sometimes, coaching might go by another name, like mentoring or
consultation. Coaching might be delivered by someone called a coach or by other
kinds of professionals like specialists, consultants, mentors, education managers,
and center directors. In addition, coaching may be delivered by someone who is part
of the staff of an early childhood program, or by someone who works for another
organization. SCOPE is interested in learning about all of these types of coaching.
For information about participating in this project, please contact:
Timothy Bruursema, Mathematica Policy Research: [email protected],
1-000-000-0000 or 202-484-3097
Wendy DeCourcey, Administration for Children and Families: [email protected],
202-260-2039

An agency may not conduct or sponsor, and a person is not required to respond to, a collection of information unless it displays a currently valid OMB control number.
The OMB number for the described information collection is 0970-0XXX and the expiration date is XX/XX/XXXX.

C.2.4

Fact Sheet
The Study of Coaching Practices in Early Care and Education (SCOPE)
What is the SCOPE
study?

The main purpose of the study is to help the early childhood field understand
the different ways that coaching is being implemented to improve teachers’
and caregivers’ classroom practices. This study is being conducted for the
Office of Planning, Research, and Evaluation, of the Administration for
Children and Families in the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services.

Why do we need
your help?

We need your help to make sure the experiences and knowledge of center
directors, coaches, teachers, and family child care providers are represented
in this important study.

How are ECE
centers and family
child care homes
(FCCs) selected for
the study?

Our research team is conducting outreach to center directors and family child
care providers by phone to learn more about their center or family child care
home and the coaching that takes place to make sure they are eligible for
SCOPE. Following those phone calls, we will invite 60 centers and 40 family
child care homes from across the country to participate in the study so that we
can learn about their unique experiences with coaching in more detail.

What will
participants be
asked to do?

The participants selected for this study will be asked to engage in the
following activities. Participation in this study is completely voluntary.
1. Center directors, family child care providers, coaches, and teachers will
be asked to complete a web-based survey in fall 2018. The topics of each
survey will vary based on each respondent’s role in the coaching process.
Center directors, coaches, and teachers will receive a $20 Visa gift card
for completing the survey.
•

The center director survey will ask about each center and the
coaching and professional development opportunities in the
center. The center director survey will take approximately 30
minutes to complete.

•

The coach survey will ask about the strategies coaches use to
work with teachers, the different kinds of support they receive to
do their job, and their background. The coach survey will take
approximately 30 minutes to complete.

•

The teacher survey will ask for their perspective on the coaching
experience and activities, their attitudes and beliefs about working
in an ECE classroom, and their background. The teacher survey
will take approximately 35 minutes to complete.

•

The family child care provider survey will ask about their setting,
their perspective on the coaching experience and activities, their
attitudes and beliefs about working in an ECE classroom, and their
background. The family child care provider survey will take
approximately 35 minutes to complete.

2. In the year following the survey, 12 sites (centers and family child care
homes) will be asked to participate in case studies. Our team will conduct
site visits to learn more about how coaching unfolds through a coaching
observation and in-depth interviews with center directors, family child care
providers, teachers, coaches, and coach supervisors. The 12 centers and
family child care homes that are selected will receive a $250 check, and
individuals who participate in the in-depth interviews will receive a $20
Visa gift card.
Prepared by Mathematica Policy Research

C.3.3

Fact Sheet
The Study of Coaching Practices in Early Care and Education (SCOPE)
How does the
SCOPE study define
“coaching”?

For SCOPE, coaching includes a teacher or caregiver receiving support
and guidance from another professional to improve his or her
knowledge or skills. Coaching is either one-on-one, or with a small
teaching team from the same classroom. Sometimes, coaching might go
by another name, like mentoring or consultation. Coaching might be delivered
by someone called a coach, or by other kinds of professionals like specialists,
consultants, mentors, education managers, and center directors. In addition,
coaching may be delivered by someone who is part of the staff of an early
childhood program or by someone who works for another organization.
SCOPE is interested in learning about all of these types of coaching for
teachers and caregivers of preschool-age children.

Who is conducting
this study?

The Office of Planning, Research, and Evaluation of the Administration of
Children and Families in the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services
selected Mathematica Policy Research to conduct this study. Mathematica is
an independent research organization regarded as one of the nation’s top early
childhood policy research firms. Mathematica’s partners in this research are
Child Trends, a research nonprofit focused on improving the lives of children,
youth, and their families, and the Children’s Learning Institute at the University
of Texas.

How will
Mathematica protect
the privacy of study
participants?

Mathematica is committed to respecting the privacy of everyone who
contributes to this study. We follow strict procedures to maintain the privacy of
the information we collect. Mathematica has done many studies like this, and
we are experienced in following strict procedures to guarantee this protection.
All information from this study and the contact information you provide will be
kept private to the extent permitted by law. We will not present information
about center directors, coaches, FCC providers, teachers or classrooms that
anyone could connect to specific individuals, classes, FCCs or centers. In this
way, the privacy of staff will be carefully guarded.

How can I get more
information about
the study?

If you have questions about the study or your rights as a research volunteer in
this study, please contact Tim Bruursema toll-free at [PHONE NUMBER] or
[STUDY EMAIL ADDRESS].

P.O. Box 2393
Princeton, NJ 08543-2393
Phone: (609) 799-3535

1100 First Street, NE, 12th Floor
Washington, DC 20002-4221
Phone: (202) 484-9220

955 Massachusetts Ave., Suite 801
Cambridge, MA 02139
Phone: (617) 491-7900

505 14th Street, Suite 800
Oakland, CA 94612-1475
Phone: (510) 830-3700

111 East Wacker Dr., Suite 920
Chicago, IL 60601
Phone: (312) 994-1002

220 East Huron Street, Suite 300
Ann Arbor, MI 48104-1912
Phone: (734) 794-1120

Visit our website at http://www.mathematica-mpr.com

An agency may not conduct or sponsor, and a person is not required to respond to, a collection of information unless it displays
a currently valid OMB control number. The OMB number for the described information collection is 0970-0XXX and the
expiration date is XX/XX/XXXX.

Prepared by Mathematica Policy Research

C.3.4

Fact Sheet for Family Child Care Providers
The Study of Coaching Practices in Early Care and Education (SCOPE)
What is the SCOPE
study?

The main purpose of the study is to help the early childhood field understand
the different ways that coaching is being implemented to improve teachers’
and caregivers’ classroom practices. This study is being conducted for the
Office of Planning, Research, and Evaluation, of the Administration for
Children and Families in the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services.

Why do we need
your help?

We need your help to make sure the experiences and knowledge of family
child care providers are represented in this important study.

How are ECE
centers and family
child care homes
(FCCs) selected for
the study?

Our research team is conducting outreach to center directors and family child
care providers by phone to learn more about their center or family child care
home and the coaching that takes place to make sure they are eligible for
SCOPE. Following those phone calls, we will invite 60 centers and 40 family
child care homes from across the country to participate in the study so that we
can learn about their unique experiences with coaching in more detail.

What will
participants be
asked to do?

The participants selected for this study will be asked to engage in the
following activities. Participation in this study is completely voluntary.
1. Family child care providers, coaches, center directors, and teachers will
be asked to complete a web-based survey in fall 2018. The topics of each
survey will vary based on each respondent’s role in the coaching process.
Family child care providers will receive a $40 Visa gift card for completing
the survey.
•

The family child care provider survey will ask about their setting,
their perspective on the coaching experience and activities, their
attitudes and beliefs about working in an ECE classroom, and their
background. The family child care provider survey will take
approximately 35 minutes to complete.

•

The center director survey will ask about each center and the
coaching and professional development opportunities in the
center. The center director survey will take approximately 30
minutes to complete.

•

The coach survey will ask about the strategies coaches use to
work with teachers, the different kinds of support they receive to
do their job, and their background. The coach survey will take
approximately 30 minutes to complete.

•

The teacher survey will ask for their perspective on the coaching
experience and activities, their attitudes and beliefs about working
in an ECE classroom, and their background. The teacher survey
will take approximately 35 minutes to complete.

2. In the year following the survey, 12 sites (centers and family child care
homes) will be asked to participate in case studies. Our team will conduct
site visits to learn more about how coaching unfolds through a coaching
observation and in-depth interviews with center directors, family child care
providers, teachers, coaches, and coach supervisors. The 12 centers and
family child care homes that are selected will receive a $250 check, and
individuals who participate in the in-depth interviews will receive a $20
Visa gift card.
Prepared by Mathematica Policy Research

C.4.3

Fact Sheet for Family Child Care Providers
The Study of Coaching Practices in Early Care and Education (SCOPE)
How does the
SCOPE study define
“coaching”?

For SCOPE, coaching includes a teacher or caregiver receiving support
and guidance from another professional to improve his or her
knowledge or skills. Coaching is either one-on-one, or with a small
teaching team from the same classroom. Sometimes, coaching might go
by another name, like mentoring or consultation. Coaching might be delivered
by someone called a coach, or by other kinds of professionals like specialists,
consultants, mentors, education managers, and center directors. In addition,
coaching may be delivered by someone who is part of the staff of an early
childhood program or by someone who works for another organization.
SCOPE is interested in learning about all of these types of coaching for
teachers and caregivers of preschool-age children.

Who is conducting
this study?

The Office of Planning, Research, and Evaluation of the Administration of
Children and Families in the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services
selected Mathematica Policy Research to conduct this study. Mathematica is
an independent research organization regarded as one of the nation’s top early
childhood policy research firms. Mathematica’s partners in this research are
Child Trends, a research nonprofit focused on improving the lives of children,
youth, and their families, and the Children’s Learning Institute at the University
of Texas.

How will
Mathematica protect
the privacy of study
participants?

Mathematica is committed to respecting the privacy of everyone who
contributes to this study. We follow strict procedures to maintain the privacy of
the information we collect. Mathematica has done many studies like this, and
we are experienced in following strict procedures to guarantee this protection.
All information from this study and the contact information you provide will be
kept private to the extent permitted by law. We will not present information
about center directors, coaches, FCC providers, teachers or classrooms that
anyone could connect to specific individuals, classes, FCCs or centers. In this
way, the privacy of staff will be carefully guarded.

How can I get more
information about
the study?

If you have questions about the study or your rights as a research volunteer in
this study, please contact Tim Bruursema toll-free at [PHONE NUMBER] or
[STUDY EMAIL ADDRESS].

P.O. Box 2393
Princeton, NJ 08543-2393
Phone: (609) 799-3535

1100 First Street, NE, 12th Floor
Washington, DC 20002-4221
Phone: (202) 484-9220

955 Massachusetts Ave., Suite 801
Cambridge, MA 02139
Phone: (617) 491-7900

505 14th Street, Suite 800
Oakland, CA 94612-1475
Phone: (510) 830-3700

111 East Wacker Dr., Suite 920
Chicago, IL 60601
Phone: (312) 994-1002

220 East Huron Street, Suite 300
Ann Arbor, MI 48104-1912
Phone: (734) 794-1120

Visit our website at http://www.mathematica-mpr.com

An agency may not conduct or sponsor, and a person is not required to respond to, a collection of information unless it displays
a currently valid OMB control number. The OMB number for the described information collection is 0970-0XXX and the
expiration date is XX/XX/XXXX.

Prepared by Mathematica Policy Research

C.4.4

Timothy Bruursema
SCOPE Survey Director
Mathematica Policy Research

[DATE]
Dear [Director]:
We request your help! We are seeking early care and education (ECE) centers and family child care
homes for an important study, the Study of Coaching Practices in Early Care and Education Settings
(SCOPE). As you know, coaching is a rapidly growing effort across early childhood settings, and early
childhood leaders are developing a great variety of coaching approaches. SCOPE will help the early
childhood field understand the different ways that coaches and teachers of preschool-age children work
together to improve classroom practices and what components are considered core to effective coaching.
We think your program could be one of the 60 centers and 40 family child care homes from across the
country that take part in this important study.
SCOPE wants to learn about your center’s unique experience with coaching.
Coaching can happen in a lot of different ways. For the purposes of SCOPE, coaching includes a
teacher or caregiver receiving support and guidance from another professional to improve her or his
knowledge or skills. Coaching is either one-on-one, or with a small teaching team from the same classroom.
Sometimes, coaching might go by another name, like mentoring or consultation. Coaching might be
delivered by someone called a coach, or by other kinds of professionals like specialists, consultants,
mentors, education managers, and center directors. In addition, coaching may be delivered by someone who
is on your program’s staff or by someone who works for another organization. SCOPE is interested in
learning about all of these variations on coaching for teachers and caregivers of preschool-age children. We
want to understand your center’s unique experience.
How can I participate in SCOPE?
As a participant in this study, we will ask you, one coach who works with teachers in your center, and
1, 2, or 3 teachers who work with that coach to complete a 30 to 35 minute web survey. The center
directors, coaches, and teachers who complete the survey will each receive a $20 Visa gift card. For more
information about these surveys, please see the Fact Sheet sent with this letter.
In the year following the web survey, we will also ask 12 sites (centers and family child care homes)
from across the country to participate in case studies. If your center is selected for a case study, members of
our team will visit your site to learn more about how coaching unfolds through in-depth interviews and an
observation of a coach-teacher session. Those who participate in interviews will receive a $20 Visa gift
card, and we will offer $250 to each site for allowing us to interview staff and conduct observations.
Participation in this study is completely voluntary and participants may decide to withdraw at any
time. The data we collect will be used for research and educational purposes only. All information from this
study and the contact information you provide will be private to the extent permitted by law. Any opinions
and practices will not be attributed to specific individuals or programs.
C.5.3

An Affirmative Action/Equal Opportunity Employer

LETTER TO:
FROM:
DATE:
PAGE:
2
Who is conducting this study?
SCOPE is being conducted for the Office of Planning, Research, and Evaluation of the Administration
for Children and Families in the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services. The SCOPE study is
being conducted by Mathematica Policy Research, an independent research organization. Mathematica has
conducted social policy research for more than 40 years and has frequently conducted research in early
childhood settings. Mathematica’s partners in this research are Child Trends, a research nonprofit focused
on improving the lives of children, youth, and their families, and the Children’s Learning Institute at the
University of Texas.
What are the next steps?
We will call you soon to discuss this study further. During that call, we will tell you more about the
study and ask a few questions about your center and the coaching that takes place in your center. We are
looking forward to the opportunity to speak with you. If you have any questions about the study or your
rights as a research volunteer in this study, please contact us either by e-mail (STUDY EMAIL) or phone
(toll free at XXX-XXX-XXXX).

Sincerely,

Timothy Bruursema
SCOPE Survey Director

An agency may not conduct or sponsor, and a person is not required to respond to, a collection of information unless it displays
a currently valid OMB control number. The OMB number for the described information collection is 0970-0XXX and the
expiration date is XX/XX/XXXX.

C.5.4

Timothy Bruursema
SCOPE Survey Director
Mathematica Policy Research

[DATE]
Dear [FCC provider]:
We request your help! We are seeking early care and education (ECE) centers and family child care
homes for an important study, the Study of Coaching Practices in Early Care and Education Settings
(SCOPE). As you know, coaching is a rapidly growing effort across early childhood settings, and early
childhood leaders are developing a great variety of coaching approaches. SCOPE will help the early
childhood field understand the different ways that coaches work together with teachers and caregivers of
preschool-age children to improve classroom practices and what components are considered core to
effective coaching.
We think your program could be one of the 60 centers and 40 family child care homes from across the
country that take part in this important study. Your perspective as a family child care provider is especially
important, because the ECE field has so much to learn about your professional development needs and
preferences.
SCOPE wants to learn about your unique experience with coaching.
Coaching can happen in a lot of different ways. For the purposes of SCOPE, coaching includes a
teacher or caregiver receiving support and guidance from another professional to improve her or his
knowledge or skills. Coaching is either one-on-one, or with a small teaching team from the same classroom.
Sometimes, coaching might go by another name, like mentoring or consultation. Coaching might be
delivered by someone called a coach, or by other kinds of professionals like specialists, consultants,
mentors, education managers, and center directors. In addition, coaching may be delivered by someone who
is on your program’s staff or by someone who works for another organization. SCOPE is interested in
learning about all of these variations on coaching for teachers and caregivers of preschool-age children. We
want to understand your unique experience.
How can I participate in SCOPE?
As a participant in this study, we will ask you and your coach to complete a 30 to 35 minute web
survey. The FCC providers who complete the survey will each receive a $40 Visa gift card. For more
information about these surveys, please see the Fact Sheet sent with this letter.
In the year following the web survey, we will also ask 12 sites (centers and family child care homes)
from across the country to participate in case studies. If your family child care home is selected for a case
study, members of our team will visit your site to learn more about how coaching unfolds through in-depth
interviews and an observation of a coach-family child care provider session. Those who participate in
interviews will receive a $20 Visa gift card, and we will offer $250 to each site for allowing us to interview
staff and conduct observations.
Participation in this study is completely voluntary and participants may decide to withdraw at any
time. The data we collect will be used for research and educational purposes only. All information from this

C.6.3

An Affirmative Action/Equal Opportunity Employer

LETTER TO:
FROM:
DATE:
PAGE:
2
study and the contact information you provide will be private to the extent permitted by law. Any opinions
and practices will not be attributed to specific individuals or programs.
Who is conducting this study?
SCOPE is being conducted for the Office of Planning, Research, and Evaluation of the Administration
for Children and Families in the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services. The SCOPE study is
being conducted by Mathematica Policy Research, an independent research organization. Mathematica has
conducted social policy research for more than 40 years and has frequently conducted research in early
childhood settings. Mathematica’s partners in this research are Child Trends, a research nonprofit focused
on improving the lives of children, youth, and their families, and the Children’s Learning Institute at the
University of Texas.
What are the next steps?
We will call you soon to discuss this study further. During that call, we will tell you more about the
study and ask a few questions about your FCC home and the coaching taking place. We are looking forward
to the opportunity to speak with you. If you have any questions about the study or your rights as a research
volunteer in this study, please contact us either by e-mail (STUDY EMAIL) or phone (toll free at XXXXXX-XXXX).

Sincerely,

Timothy Bruursema
SCOPE Survey Director

An agency may not conduct or sponsor, and a person is not required to respond to, a collection of information unless it displays
a currently valid OMB control number. The OMB number for the described information collection is 0970-0XXX and the
expiration date is XX/XX/XXXX.

C.6.4

Timothy Bruursema
SCOPE Survey Director
Mathematica Policy Research

[DATE]
Dear <>:
We request your help! You are one of 90 coaches from across the country selected to be part of an
important study, the Study of Coaching Practices in Early Care and Education Settings (SCOPE). As you
know, coaching is a rapidly growing effort across early childhood settings, and early childhood leaders are
developing a great variety of coaching approaches. SCOPE will help the early childhood field understand
the different ways that coaches work with teachers and caregivers of preschool-age children to improve
classroom practices and what components are considered core to effective coaching.
SCOPE wants to learn about your unique approach to coaching.
[FOR CENTER COACHES: Coaching can happen in a lot of different ways. For this study to be
successful, we need to hear from coaches about their unique approaches. As part of the study, we are asking
you; 1, 2, or 3 teachers you support; and the center director to complete a 30-minute web-based survey in
the fall of 2018.Your survey will ask about the strategies you use to work with teachers and caregivers, the
different kinds of support you receive to do your job, and your background. You will receive a $20 Visa gift
card for completing the survey.]
[FOR FCC COACHES: Coaching can happen in a lot of different ways. For this study to be
successful, we need to hear from coaches about their unique approaches. As part of the study, we are asking
you and one or two family child care providers you support to complete a 30-minute web-based survey in
the fall of 2018. Your survey will ask about the strategies you use to work with family child care providers,
the different kinds of support you receive to do your job, and your background. You will receive a $20 Visa
gift card for completing the survey.
Participation in this study is completely voluntary and participants may decide to withdraw at any
time. The data we collect will be used for research and educational purposes only. All information from this
study and the contact information you provide will be kept private to the extent permitted by low. Any
opinions and practices will not be attributed to specific individuals or programs.
Who is conducting this study?
SCOPE is being conducted for the Office of Planning, Research, and Evaluation of the Administration
for Children and Families in the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services. The SCOPE study is
being conducted by Mathematica Policy Research, an independent research organization. Mathematica has
conducted social policy research for more than 40 years and has frequently conducted research in early
childhood settings. Mathematica’s partners in this research are Child Trends, a research nonprofit focused
on improving the lives of children, youth, and their families, and the Children’s Learning Institute at the
University of Texas.

C.7.3

An Affirmative Action/Equal Opportunity Employer

LETTER TO:
FROM:
Timothy Bruursema
DATE:
PAGE:
2
What are the next steps?
We will call you soon to discuss this study further. During that call, we will tell you more about the
study and ask a few questions about your coaching. We look forward to speaking with you. If you have any
questions about the study or your rights as a research volunteer in this study, please contact us either by email (STUDY EMAIL) or phone (toll free at XXX-XXX-XXXX).

Sincerely,

Timothy Bruursema
SCOPE Survey Director

An agency may not conduct or sponsor, and a person is not required to respond to, a collection of information unless it displays
a currently valid OMB control number. The OMB number for the described information collection is 0970-0XXX and the
expiration date is XX/XX/XXXX.

C.7.4

Timothy Bruursema
SCOPE Survey Director
Mathematica Policy Research

[DATE]
Dear <>:
We request your help! Your center is one of 60 selected to be part of an important study, the Study of
Coaching Practices in Early Care and Education Settings (SCOPE). As you know, coaching is a rapidly
growing effort across early childhood settings, and early childhood leaders are developing a great variety of
coaching approaches. SCOPE will help the early childhood field understand the different ways coaches and
teachers of preschool-age children work together to improve classroom practices and what components are
considered core to effective coaching.
SCOPE wants to learn about your unique experience with coaching.
Coaching can happen in a lot of different ways. For this study to be successful, we need to hear from
teachers about their unique experiences with coaching. As part of the study, we are asking you, your coach,
and your center director to complete a web-based survey in the fall of 2018. Your survey will ask for your
perspective on the coaching experience and activities, your attitudes and beliefs about working in an early
care and education classroom, and your background. The survey will take approximately 35 minutes to
complete. You will receive a $20 Visa gift card for completing the survey.
Participation in this study is completely voluntary and participants may decide to withdraw at any
time. The data we collect will be used for research and educational purposes only. All information from this
study and the contact information you provide will be kept private to the extent permitted by law. Any
opinions and practices will not be attributed to specific individuals or programs.
Who is conducting this study?
SCOPE is being conducted for the Office of Planning, Research, and Evaluation of the Administration
for Children and Families in the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services. The SCOPE study is
being conducted by Mathematica Policy Research, an independent research organization. Mathematica has
conducted social policy research for more than 40 years and has frequently conducted research in early
childhood settings. Mathematica’s partners in this research are Child Trends, a research nonprofit focused
on improving the lives of children, youth, and their families, and the Children’s Learning Institute at the
University of Texas.
What are the next steps?
We will call you soon to discuss this study. During that call, we will tell you more about the study
and ask a few questions about the coaching you are receiving. We look forward to speaking with you. If
you have any questions about the study or your rights as a research volunteer in this study, please contact us
either by e-mail (STUDY EMAIL) or phone (toll free at XXX-XXX-XXXX).
Sincerely,

An agency may not conduct or sponsor, and a person is not required to respond to, a collection of information unless it displays a
currently valid OMB control number. The OMB number for the described information collection is 0970-0XXX and the expiration date is
XX/XX/XXXX.

C.8.3

An Affirmative Action/Equal Opportunity Employer

This page has been left blank for double-sided copying.

Tim Bruursema
Survey Director

1100 1st Street, NE, 12th Floor
Washington, DC 20002-4221
Telephone (202) 484-9220
Fax (202) 863-1763
www.mathematica-mpr.com

[DATE]

Dear <>:

Thank you for taking part in the Study of Coaching Practices in Early Care and Education Settings (SCOPE). We
are excited about the study and hope you are too. SCOPE aims to help the early childhood field understand how
coaches and teachers of preschool-age children work together to improve classroom practices and what components
are considered core to effective coaching. We need your help to make sure the experiences and knowledge of early
care and education administrators are represented in this important study. Your help is vital to the study’s success.
We would like you to complete a 30-minute web-based survey. You will receive a $20 Visa gift card for
completing the survey. Your survey will ask about your center, the staff who work in your center (for example, the
number of teachers on staff and their educational backgrounds, the number of coaches), the number of children served
(including those who speak a language other than English at home), supports for and challenges to coaching and
professional development in your program, and the structure and process for coaching in your program including
which staff are involved in overseeing and making decisions about coaching.
When you visit the website, you will use the login ID and password below. These are secure and will not be
shared with anyone. All information you provide will be kept private to the extent permitted by law. No one from your
program will see your individual responses, and your name and your program’s name will never be associated with or
identified in study reports. Using the login ID and password below ensures that your responses will be protected.

We encourage you to complete the survey online at:
[SURVEY URL]
LOGIN ID: XXXXXX
PASSWORD: XXXXXX
We are also asking a coach in your program and the teacher(s) they work with to complete web-based surveys.
We hope you are willing to encourage the teacher(s) and coach from your program participating in the study to
complete their web-based surveys.
SCOPE is being conducted for the Office of Planning, Research, and Evaluation of the Administration for
Children and Families in the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services. The SCOPE study is being conducted
by Mathematica Policy Research, an independent research organization.
Your participation is voluntary. If you have any questions about the study or your rights as a research volunteer
in this study, please contact us either by e-mail (STUDY EMAIL) or phone (toll free at XXX-XXX-XXXX). Thank
you in advance for your help with this important research.
Sincerely,

An agency may not conduct or sponsor, and a person is not required to respond to, a collection of information unless it displays a
currently valid OMB control number. The OMB number for the described information collection is 0970-0XXX and the expiration date is
XX/XX/XXXX.

C.9.3

An Affirmative Action/Equal Opportunity Employer

This page has been left blank for double-sided copying.

Tim Bruursema
Survey Director

1100 1st Street, NE, 12th Floor
Washington, DC 20002-4221
Telephone (202) 484-9220
Fax (202) 863-1763
www.mathematica-mpr.com

[DATE]
Dear <>:
Thank you for taking part in the Study of Coaching Practices in Early Care and Education Settings
(SCOPE). We are excited about the study and hope you are too. SCOPE aims to help the early childhood
field understand how coaches and teachers of preschool-age children work together to improve classroom
practices and what components are considered core to effective coaching. We need your help to make sure
the experiences and knowledge of professional development coaches are represented in this important
study. Your help is vital to the study’s success.
We would like you to complete a 30-minute web-based survey. You will receive a $20 Visa gift card
for completing the survey. Your survey will ask about your background and experiences as a coach, your
approach to coaching, support for your work as a coach, and factors that might make coaching challenging.
When you visit the website, you will use the login ID and password below. These are secure and will
not be shared with anyone. All information you provide will be kept private to the extent permitted by law.
No one outside of the study team will see your individual responses, and your name and your program’s
name will never be associated with or identified in study reports. Using the login ID and password below
ensures that your responses will be protected.

We encourage you to complete the survey online at:
[SURVEY URL]
LOGIN ID: XXXXXX
PASSWORD: XXXXXX
SCOPE is being conducted for the Office of Planning, Research, and Evaluation of the Administration
for Children and Families in the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services. The SCOPE study is
being conducted by Mathematica Policy Research, an independent research organization.
Your participation is voluntary. If you have any questions about the study or your rights as a research
volunteer in this study, please contact us either by e-mail (STUDY EMAIL) or phone (toll free at XXXXXX-XXXX). Thank you in advance for your help with this important research.
Sincerely,

An agency may not conduct or sponsor, and a person is not required to respond to, a collection of information unless it displays a
currently valid OMB control number. The OMB number for the described information collection is 0970-0XXX and the expiration date is
XX/XX/XXXX.

C.10.3

An Affirmative Action/Equal Opportunity Employer

This page has been left blank for double-sided copying.

Tim Bruursema
Survey Director

1100 1st Street, NE, 12th Floor
Washington, DC 20002-4221
Telephone (202) 484-9220
Fax (202) 863-1763
www.mathematica-mpr.com

[DATE]
Dear <>:
Thank you for taking part in the Study of Coaching Practices in Early Care and Education Settings
(SCOPE). We are excited about the study and hope you are too. SCOPE aims to help the early childhood
field understand how coaches and teachers of preschool-age children work together to improve classroom
practices and what components are considered core to effective coaching. We need your help to make sure
the experiences and knowledge of teachers are represented in this important study. Your help is vital to the
study’s success.
We would like you to complete a 35-minute web-based survey. You will receive a $20 Visa gift card
for completing the survey.Your survey will ask about your background and experiences as a teacher in an
early care and education setting, the supports for and coaching in your program, and the structure and
process for coaching in your program. It will also ask you about your attitudes and beliefs about the
coaching you receive.
When you visit the website, you will use the login ID and password below. These are secure and will
not be shared with anyone. All information you provide will be kept private to the extent permitted by law.
No one outside the study team will see your individual responses, and your name and your program’s name
will never be associated with or identified in study reports. Using the login ID and password below ensures
that your responses will be protected.

We encourage you to complete the survey online at:
[SURVEY URL]
LOGIN ID: XXXXXX
PASSWORD: XXXXXX
SCOPE is being conducted for the Office of Planning, Research, and Evaluation of the Administration
for Children and Families in the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services. The SCOPE study is
being conducted by Mathematica Policy Research, an independent research organization.
Your participation is voluntary. If you have any questions about the study or your rights as a research
volunteer in this study, you can contact us either by e-mail (STUDY EMAIL) or phone (toll free at XXXXXX-XXXX). Thank you in advance for your help with this important research.
Sincerely,

An agency may not conduct or sponsor, and a person is not required to respond to, a collection of information unless it displays a
currently valid OMB control number. The OMB number for the described information collection is 0970-0XXX and the expiration
date is XX/XX/XXXX.

C.11.3

An Affirmative Action/Equal Opportunity Employer

This page has been left blank for double-sided copying.

Tim Bruursema
Survey Director

1100 1st Street, NE, 12th Floor
Washington, DC 20002-4221
Telephone (202) 484-9220
Fax (202) 863-1763
www.mathematica-mpr.com

[DATE]
Dear <>:
Thank you for taking part in the Study of Coaching Practices in Early Care and Education Settings
(SCOPE). We are excited about the study and hope you are too. SCOPE aims to help the early childhood
field understand how teachers and caregivers of preschool-age children work together with coaches to
improve classroom practices and what components are considered core to effective coaching. We need your
help to make sure the experiences and knowledge of family child care providers are represented in this
important study. Your participation is vital to the success of this study.
We would like you to complete a 35-minute web-based survey. You will receive a $40 Visa gift card
for completing the survey. Your survey will ask about your background and experiences as a family child
care provider, and about the characteristics of your family child care setting. It will also ask about the
structure and process for coaching in your setting, and about your attitudes and beliefs about the coaching
you receive.
When you visit the website, you will use the login ID and password below. These are secure and will
not be shared with anyone. All information you provide will be kept private to the extent permitted by law.
No one outside the study team will see your individual responses, and your name and your program’s name
will never be associated with or identified in study reports. Using the login ID and password below ensures
that your responses will be protected.

We encourage you to complete the survey online at:
[SURVEY URL]
LOGIN ID: XXXXXX
PASSWORD: XXXXXX
SCOPE is being conducted for the Office of Planning, Research, and Evaluation of the Administration
for Children and Families in the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services. The SCOPE study is
being conducted by Mathematica Policy Research, an independent research organization.
Your participation is voluntary. If you have any questions about the study or your rights as a research
volunteer in this study, please contact us either by e-mail (STUDY EMAIL) or phone (toll free at XXXXXX-XXXX). Thank you in advance for your help with this important research.
Sincerely,

An agency may not conduct or sponsor, and a person is not required to respond to, a collection of information unless it displays a
currently valid OMB control number. The OMB number for the described information collection is 0970-0XXX and the expiration date is
XX/XX/XXXX.

C.12.3

An Affirmative Action/Equal Opportunity Employer

This page has been left blank for double-sided copying.

[RECRUITER NAME AND TITLE]

<>
Dear <>,
We request your help! You are from one of 12 sites across the country selected to be part of an
important study, the Study of Coaching Practices in Early Care and Education Settings (SCOPE). As you
know, coaching is a rapidly growing effort across early childhood settings, and early childhood leaders are
developing a great variety of coaching approaches. SCOPE will help the early childhood field understand
the different ways that coaches and teachers of preschool-age children work together to improve classroom
practices and what components are considered core to effective coaching.
How was I selected for a SCOPE case study?
In late 2018, the SCOPE study conducted surveys with coaches, center directors, teachers, and family
child care providers to learn about their experiences with coaching. As you may already know, one of the
coaches from your organization completed a survey. We are now conducting 12 in-depth case studies in
centers and family child care homes so we can learn even more about the factors that influence the coaching
process. Based on what we learned from the surveys, your organization’s coaching approach has been
identified as important to include in our case studies.
What will happen in the case study?
The case study involves two types of activities: (1) in-depth interviews with you, a coach, a center
director and teacher or a family child care provider supported by the coach and (2) an observation of a
coaching session between the coach and teacher or FCC provider. These activities will both occur during a
1.5 day site visit to the center or FCC home by two members of the SCOPE team. The in-depth interview
with you will take approximately 30 minutes to complete. All interview participants will receive a $20 Visa
gift card Participation in this study is completely voluntary. The data we collect will be used for research
and educational purposes only. All information from this study and the contact information you provide will
be kept private to the extent permitted by law. Any opinions and practices will not be attributed to specific
individuals or programs.
Who is conducting this study?
SCOPE is being conducted for the Office of Planning, Research, and Evaluation of the Administration
for Children and Families in the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services. The SCOPE study is
being conducted by Mathematica Policy Research, an independent research organization. Mathematica has
conducted social policy research for more than 40 years and has frequently conducted research in early
childhood settings. Mathematica’s partners in this research are Child Trends, a research nonprofit focused
on improving the lives of children, youth, and their families, and the Children’s Learning Institute at the
University of Texas. All three organizations have experience in early care and education and with coaching,
in particular.

C.13.3

An Affirmative Action/Equal Opportunity Employer

LETTER TO:
FROM:
RECRUITER
DATE:
PAGE:
2
What are the next steps?
We will soon call to talk about your participation in the case study. During that call, we will answer
your questions, talk about who will take part, and find a time to schedule our team’s site visit. We know
you are extremely busy. We will schedule the site visit at a time that is convenient for you and other
participating staff. Please contact me with any questions about the study or your rights a research volunteer
in this study via e-mail ([email protected]) or phone (XXX-XXX-XXXX).
Sincerely,

An agency may not conduct or sponsor, and a person is not required to respond to, a collection of information unless it displays a
currently valid OMB control number. The OMB number for the described information collection is 0970-0XXX and the expiration date is
XX/XX/XXXX.

C.13.4

[RECRUITER NAME AND TITLE]

<>

Dear <>,

Thank you for your participation in the Study of Coaching Practices in Early Care and Education
(SCOPE). Based on what we learned about coaching in the surveys, we are identifying 12 sites from across
the country where we will conduct in-depth case studies. We would like to include you and one of the early
care and education settings you work with. These case studies are critical for helping the early childhood
field understand how coaching can have the maximum possible benefit for teachers and caregivers, and
ultimately the children they serve. We hope you will agree to participate.
What will happen in the case study?
The case study involves two types of activities: (1) in-depth interviews with you, a center director and
teacher or a family child care provider you support, and your supervisor and (2) an observation of a coachteacher or coach-family child care provider session. These activities will both occur during a 1.5 day site
visit to the early care and education setting by two members of the SCOPE team. The in-depth interview
with you will take approximately 60 minutes to complete. All interview participants will receive a $20 Visa
gift card. Participation in this study is completely voluntary. The data we collect will be used for research
and educational purposes only. All information from this study and the contact information you provide will
be kept private to the extent permitted by law. Any opinions and practices will not be attributed to specific
individuals or programs.
Who is conducting this study?
As a reminder, SCOPE is being conducted for the Office of Planning, Research, and Evaluation of the
Administration for Children and Families in the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services. The
SCOPE study is being conducted by Mathematica Policy Research, an independent research organization
that has frequently conducted research in early childhood settings. Mathematica’s partners in this research
are Child Trends, a research nonprofit focused on improving the lives of children, youth, and their families,
and the Children’s Learning Institute at the University of Texas.
What are the next steps?
We will soon call to talk about your participation in the case study. During that call, we will answer
your questions, talk about who will take part, and find a time to schedule our team’s site visit. We know you
are extremely busy. We will schedule the site visit at a time that is convenient for you and other
participating staff. Please contact me with any questions about the study or your rights as a research
volunteer in this study via e-mail ([email protected]) or phone (XXX-XXX-XXXX).
Sincerely,

An agency may not conduct or sponsor, and a person is not required to respond to, a collection of information unless it displays a
currently valid OMB control number. The OMB number for the described information collection is 0970-0XXX and the expiration date is
XX/XX/XXXX.

C.14.3

An Affirmative Action/Equal Opportunity Employer

This page has been left blank for double-sided copying.

[RECRUITER NAME AND TITLE]

<>
Dear <>,
We request your help! You are from one of 12 sites across the country selected to be part of an
important study, the Study of Coaching Practices in Early Care and Education Settings (SCOPE). As you
know, coaching is a rapidly growing effort across early childhood settings, and early childhood leaders are
developing a great variety of coaching approaches. SCOPE will help the early childhood field understand
the different ways that coaches and teachers of preschool-age children work together to improve classroom
practices and what components are considered core to effective coaching.
How was I selected for a SCOPE case study?
In late 2018, the SCOPE study conducted surveys with coaches, center directors, teachers, and family
child care providers to learn about their experiences with coaching. One of the coaches from your
organization completed a survey. We are now conducting 12 in-depth case studies in centers and family
child care homes so we can learn even more about the factors that influence the coaching process. Based on
what we learned from the surveys, your organization’s coaching approach has been identified as important
to include in our case studies.
What will happen in the case study?
The case study involves two types of activities: (1) in-depth interviews with you, a center director and
teacher or a family child care provider you support, and your supervisor and (2) an observation of a coachteacher or coach-family child care provider session. These activities will both occur during a 1.5 day site
visit to the early care and education setting by two members of the SCOPE team. The in-depth interview
with you will take approximately 60 minutes to complete. All interview participants will receive a $20 Visa
gift card. Participation in this study is completely voluntary. The data we collect will be used for research
and educational purposes only. All information from this study and the contact information you provide will
be kept private to the extent permitted by law. Any opinions and practices will not be attributed to specific
individuals or programs.
Who is conducting this study?
SCOPE is being conducted for the Office of Planning, Research, and Evaluation of the Administration
for Children and Families in the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services. The SCOPE study is
being conducted by Mathematica Policy Research, an independent research organization. Mathematica has
conducted social policy research for more than 40 years and has frequently conducted research in early
childhood settings. Mathematica’s partners in this research are Child Trends, a research nonprofit focused
on improving the lives of children, youth, and their families, and the Children’s Learning Institute at the
University of Texas. All three organizations have experience in early care and education and with coaching,
in particular.

C.15.3

An Affirmative Action/Equal Opportunity Employer

LETTER TO:
FROM:
RECRUITER NAME
DATE:
PAGE:
2
What are the next steps?
We will soon call to talk about your participation in the case study. During that call, we will answer
your questions, talk about who will take part, and find a time to schedule our team’s site visit. We know you
are extremely busy. We will schedule the site visit at a time that is convenient for you and other
participating staff. Please feel free to contact me with any questions about the study or your rights as a
research volunteer in this study via e-mail ([email protected]) or phone (XXX-XXX-XXXX).
Sincerely,

According to the Paperwork Reduction Act of 1995, no persons are required to respond to a collection of information unless such
collection displays a valid OMB control number. The valid OMB control number for this information collection is 0970-XXXX and the
expiration date is XX/XX/XXXX.

[RECRUITER NAME AND TITLE]

<>
Dear <>,
Thank you for your center’s participation in the Study of Coaching Practices in Early Care and
Education (SCOPE). Your center has been selected as one of 12 sites from across the country where we will
conduct in-depth case studies. These case studies are critical for helping the early childhood field
understand how coaching can have the maximum possible benefit for teachers and caregivers, and
ultimately the children they serve. We hope you will agree to participate.
What will happen in the case study?
The case study involves two types of activities: (1) in-depth interviews with you, a teacher in your
center who is receiving coaching, the coach, and the coach’s supervisor and (2) an observation of a coachteacher session. These activities will both occur during a 1.5 day site visit to your center by two members of
the SCOPE team. The in-depth interview will take approximately 90 minutes to complete. Your center will
receive a $250 check for your participation, and all interview participants will receive a $20 Visa gift card.
Participation in this study is completely voluntary. The data we collect will be used for research and
educational purposes only. All information from this study and the contact information you provide will be
kept private to the extent permitted by law. Any opinions and practices will not be attributed to specific
individuals or programs.
Who is conducting this study?
As a reminder, SCOPE is being conducted for the Office of Planning, Research, and Evaluation of the
Administration for Children and Families in the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services. The
SCOPE study is being conducted by Mathematica Policy Research, an independent research organization
that has frequently conducted research in early childhood settings. Mathematica’s partners in this research
are Child Trends, a research nonprofit focused on improving the lives of children, youth, and their families,
and the Children’s Learning Institute at the University of Texas.
What are the next steps?
We will call you soon to talk about your center’s participation in the case study. During that call, we
will answer your questions, talk about who will take part, and find a time to schedule our team’s site visit.
We know you are extremely busy. We will schedule the site visit at a time that is convenient for you. Please
contact me with any questions about the study or your rights as a research volunteer in this study via e-mail
([email protected]) or phone (XXX-XXX-XXXX).
Sincerely,

An agency may not conduct or sponsor, and a person is not required to respond to, a collection of information unless it displays a
currently valid OMB control number. The OMB number for the described information collection is 0970-0XXX and the expiration date is
XX/XX/XXXX.

C.16.3

An Affirmative Action/Equal Opportunity Employer

This page has been left blank for double-sided copying.

[RECRUITER NAME AND TITLE]

<>
Dear <>,
We request your help! Your center is one of 12 sites across the country selected to be part of an
important project, the Study of Coaching Practices in Early Care and Education Settings (SCOPE). As you
know, coaching is a rapidly growing effort across early childhood settings, and early childhood leaders are
developing a great variety of coaching approaches. SCOPE will help the early childhood field understand
the different ways that coaches and teachers of preschool-age children work together to improve classroom
practices and what components are considered core to effective coaching.
How was I selected for a SCOPE case study?
In late 2018, the SCOPE study conducted surveys with coaches, center directors, teachers, and family
child care providers to learn about their experiences with coaching. We are now conducting 12 in-depth
case studies in centers and family child care homes so we can learn even more about the factors that
influence the coaching process. Based on what we learned from the surveys, we identified the approach
used by your center’s coach as important to include in the study. We need your help too so that this study
can be a success.
What will happen in the case study?
The case study involves two types of activities: (1) in-depth interviews with you, a teacher in your
center who is receiving coaching, the coach, and the coach’s supervisor and (2) an observation of a coachteacher session. These activities will both occur during a 1.5 day site visit to your center by two members of
the SCOPE team. The in-depth interview will take approximately 90 minutes to complete. Your center will
receive a $250 check for your participation, and all interview participants will receive a $20 Visa gift card.
Participation in this study is completely voluntary. The data we collect will be used for research and
educational purposes only. All information from this study and the contact information you provide will be
kept private to the extent permitted by law. Any opinions and practices will not be attributed to specific
individuals or programs.
Who is conducting this study?
SCOPE is being conducted for the Office of Planning, Research, and Evaluation of the Administration
for Children and Families in the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services. The SCOPE study is
being conducted by Mathematica Policy Research, an independent research organization. Mathematica has
conducted social policy research for more than 40 years and has frequently conducted research in early
childhood settings. Mathematica’s partners in this research are Child Trends, a research nonprofit focused
on improving the lives of children, youth, and their families, and the Children’s Learning Institute at the
University of Texas. All three organizations have experience in early care and education and with coaching,
in particular.

C.17.3

An Affirmative Action/Equal Opportunity Employer

LETTER TO:
FROM:
RECRUITER NAME
DATE:
PAGE:
2
What are the next steps?
We will call you soon to talk about your center’s participation in the case study. During that call, we
will answer your questions, talk about who will take part, and find a time to schedule our team’s site visit.
We know you are extremely busy. We will schedule the site visit at a time that is convenient for you. Please
contact me with any questions about the study or your rights as a research volunteer in this study via e-mail
([email protected]) or phone (XXX-XXX-XXXX).

Sincerely,

An agency may not conduct or sponsor, and a person is not required to respond to, a collection of information unless it displays a
currently valid OMB control number. The OMB number for the described information collection is 0970-0XXX and the expiration date is
XX/XX/XXXX.

C.17.4

[RECRUITER NAME AND TITLE]

<>
Dear <>,
Thank you for participating in the Study of Coaching Practices in Early Care and Education (SCOPE).
You have been selected as one of 12 sites from across the country where we will conduct in-depth case
studies. These case studies are critical for helping the early childhood field understand how coaching can
have the maximum possible benefit for teachers and caregivers, and ultimately the children they serve. We
hope you will agree to participate.
What will happen in the case study?
The case study involves two types of activities: (1) in-depth interviews with you, your coach, and the
coach’s supervisor and (2) an observation of a coaching session between you and your coach. These
activities will both occur during a site visit to your location by two members of the SCOPE team. The indepth interview will take approximately 60 minutes to complete. Your family child care will receive a $250
check for your participation, and all interview participants will receive a $20 Visa gift card. Participation in
this study is completely voluntary. The data we collect will be used for research and educational purposes
only. All information from this study and the contact information you provide will be kept private to the
extent permitted by law. Any opinions and practices will not be attributed to specific individuals or
programs.
Who is conducting this study?
As a reminder, SCOPE is being conducted for the Office of Planning, Research, and Evaluation of the
Administration for Children and Families in the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services. The
SCOPE study is being conducted by Mathematica Policy Research, an independent research organization
that has frequently conducted research in early childhood settings. Mathematica’s partners in this research
are Child Trends, a research nonprofit focused on improving the lives of children, youth, and their families,
and the Children’s Learning Institute at the University of Texas.
What are the next steps?
We will call you soon to talk about your participation in the case study. During that call, we will
answer your questions, talk about who will take part, and find a time to schedule our team’s site visit. We
know you are extremely busy. We will schedule the site visit at a time that is convenient for you. Please
contact me with any questions about the study or your rights as a research volunteer in this study via e-mail
([email protected]) or phone (XXX-XXX-XXXX).
Sincerely,

An agency may not conduct or sponsor, and a person is not required to respond to, a collection of information unless it displays a
currently valid OMB control number. The OMB number for the described information collection is 0970-0XXX and the expiration date is
XX/XX/XXXX.

C.18.3

An Affirmative Action/Equal Opportunity Employer

This page has been left blank for double-sided copying.

[RECRUITER NAME AND TITLE]

<>
Dear <>,
We request your help! Your family child care home is one of 12 sites across the country selected to be
part of an important study, the Study of Coaching Practices in Early Care and Education Settings (SCOPE).
As you know, coaching is a rapidly growing effort across early childhood settings, and early childhood
leaders are developing a great variety of coaching approaches. SCOPE will help the early childhood field
understand the different ways that coaches and teachers of preschool-age children work together to improve
classroom practices and what components are considered core to effective coaching. Your perspective as a
family child care provider is especially important, because the ECE field has so much to learn about your
professional development needs and preferences.
How was I selected for a SCOPE case study?
In late 2018, the SCOPE project conducted surveys with coaches, family child care providers, center
directors, and teachers to learn about their experiences with coaching. We are now conducting 12 in-depth
case studies in family child care homes and centers so we can learn even more about the factors that
influence the coaching process. Based on what we learned from the surveys, we identified the approach
used by your coach as important to include in the study. We need your help too so that this study can be a
success.
What will happen in the case study?
The case study involves two types of activities: (1) in-depth interviews with you, your coach, and the
coach’s supervisor and (2) an observation of a coaching session between you and your coach. These
activities will both occur during a site visit to your location by two members of the SCOPE team. The indepth interview will take approximately 60 minutes to complete. Your family child care will receive a $250
check for your participation, and all interview participants will receive a $20 Visa gift card. Participation in
this study is completely voluntary. The data we collect will be used for research and educational purposes
only. All information from this study and the contact information you provide will be kept private to the
extent permitted by law. Any opinions and practices will not be attributed to specific individuals or
programs.
Who is conducting this study?
SCOPE is being conducted for the Office of Planning, Research, and Evaluation of the Administration
for Children and Families in the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services. The SCOPE study is
being conducted by Mathematica Policy Research, an independent research organization. Mathematica has
conducted social policy research for more than 40 years and has frequently conducted research in early
childhood settings. Mathematica’s partners in this research are Child Trends, a research nonprofit focused
on improving the lives of children, youth, and their families, and the Children’s Learning Institute at the
University of Texas.

C.19.3

An Affirmative Action/Equal Opportunity Employer

LETTER TO:
FROM:
RECRUITER NAME
DATE:
PAGE:
2
What are the next steps?
We will call you soon to talk about your participation in the case study. During that call, we will
answer your questions, talk about who will take part, and find a time to schedule our team’s site visit. We
know you are extremely busy. We will schedule the site visit at a time that is convenient for you. Please
contact me with any questions about the study or your rights as a research volunteer in this study via e-mail
([email protected]) or phone (XXX-XXX-XXXX).

Sincerely,

An agency may not conduct or sponsor, and a person is not required to respond to, a collection of information unless it displays a
currently valid OMB control number. The OMB number for the described information collection is 0970-0XXX and the expiration date is
XX/XX/XXXX.

C.19.4

DIRECTOR SURVEY EMAIL REMINDER

MATHEMATICA POLICY RESEARCH

Subject: SCOPE coaching study
Dear <>:
Thank you for taking part in the Study of Coaching Practices in Early Care and Education
Settings (SCOPE). We are excited about the study and hope you are too. Your help is vital to the
study’s success.
This is a reminder to please complete the 30-minute survey. You will receive a $20 Visa gift
card for completing the survey.
[SURVEY URL]
LOGIN ID: XXXXXX
PASSWORD: XXXXXX
All information you provide will be kept private to the extent permitted by law. No one from
your program will see your individual responses, and your name and your program’s name will
never be associated with or identified in study reports.
SCOPE is being conducted for the Office of Planning, Research, and Evaluation of the
Administration for Children and Families in the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services.
The SCOPE study project is being conducted by Mathematica Policy Research, an independent
research organization.
Your participation is voluntary. If you have any questions about the study or your rights as a
research volunteer in this study, please contact us either by e-mail (STUDY EMAIL) or phone
(toll free at XXX-XXX-XXXX). Thank you in advance for your help with this important
research.
Sincerely,
Tim Bruursema
SCOPE Survey Director

An agency may not conduct or sponsor, and a person is not required to respond to, a collection of information unless it displays a
currently valid OMB control number. The OMB number for the described information collection is 0970-0XXX and the expiration date
is XX/XX/XXXX.

C.20.3

This page has been left blank for double-sided copying.

COACH SURVEY EMAIL REMINDER

MATHEMATICA POLICY RESEARCH

Subject: SCOPE coaching study
Dear <>:
Thank you for taking part in the Study of Coaching Practices in Early Care and Education
Settings (SCOPE). We are excited about the study and hope you are too. Your help is vital to the
study’s success.
This is a reminder to please complete the 30-minute survey. You will receive a $20 Visa gift
card for completing the survey.
[SURVEY URL]
LOGIN ID: XXXXXX
PASSWORD: XXXXXX
All information you provide will be kept private to the extent permitted by law. No one from
your program will see your individual responses, and your name and your program’s name will
never be associated with or identified in study reports.
SCOPE is being conducted for the Office of Planning, Research, and Evaluation of the
Administration for Children and Families in the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services.
The SCOPE study project is being conducted by Mathematica Policy Research, an independent
research organization.
Your participation is voluntary. If you have any questions about the study or your rights as a
research volunteer in this study, please contact us either by e-mail (STUDY EMAIL) or phone
(toll free at XXX-XXX-XXXX).Thank you in advance for your help with this important
research.
Sincerely,
Tim Bruursema
SCOPE Survey Director
An agency may not conduct or sponsor, and a person is not required to respond to, a collection of information unless it displays a
currently valid OMB control number. The OMB number for the described information collection is 0970-0XXX and the expiration date
is XX/XX/XXXX.

C.21.3

This page has been left blank for double-sided copying.

TEACHER SURVEY EMAIL REMINDER

MATHEMATICA POLICY RESEARCH

Subject: SCOPE coaching study
Dear <>:
Thank you for taking part in the Study of Coaching Practices in Early Care and Education
Settings (SCOPE). We are excited about the study and hope you are too. Your help is vital to the
study’s success.
This is a reminder to please complete the 35-minute survey. You will receive a $20 Visa gift
card for completing the survey.
[SURVEY URL]
LOGIN ID: XXXXXX
PASSWORD: XXXXXX
All information you provide will be kept private to the extent permitted by law. No one from
your program will see your individual responses, and your name and your program’s name will
never be associated with or identified in study reports.
SCOPE is being conducted for the Office of Planning, Research, and Evaluation of the
Administration for Children and Families in the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services.
The SCOPE study project is being conducted by Mathematica Policy Research, an independent
research organization.
Your participation is voluntary. If you have any questions about the study or your rights as a
research volunteer in this study, please contact us either by e-mail (STUDY EMAIL) or phone
(toll free at XXX-XXX-XXXX).Thank you in advance for your help with this important
research.
Sincerely,
Tim Bruursema
SCOPE Survey Director

An agency may not conduct or sponsor, and a person is not required to respond to, a collection of information unless it displays a
currently valid OMB control number. The OMB number for the described information collection is 0970-0XXX and the expiration date
is XX/XX/XXXX.

C.22.3

This page has been left blank for double-sided copying.

FCC PROVIDER SURVEY EMAIL REMINDER

MATHEMATICA POLICY RESEARCH

Subject: SCOPE coaching study
Dear <>:
Thank you for taking part in the Study of Coaching Practices in Early Care and Education
Settings (SCOPE). We are excited about the study and hope you are too. Your help is vital to the
study’s success.
This is a reminder to please complete the 35-minute survey. You will receive a $40 Visa gift
card for completing the survey.
[SURVEY URL]
LOGIN ID: XXXXXX
PASSWORD: XXXXXX
All information you provide will be kept private to the extent permitted by law. No one from
your program will see your individual responses, and your name and your program’s name will
never be associated with or identified in study reports.
SCOPE is being conducted for the Office of Planning, Research, and Evaluation of the
Administration for Children and Families in the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services.
The SCOPE study project is being conducted by Mathematica Policy Research, an independent
research organization.
Your participation is voluntary. If you have any questions about the study or your rights as a
research volunteer in this study, please contact us either by e-mail (STUDY EMAIL) or phone
(toll free at XXX-XXX-XXXX).Thank you in advance for your help with this important
research.
Sincerely,
Tim Bruursema
SCOPE Survey Director

An agency may not conduct or sponsor, and a person is not required to respond to, a collection of information unless it displays a
currently valid OMB control number. The OMB number for the described information collection is 0970-0XXX and the expiration date
is XX/XX/XXXX.

C.23.3

This page has been left blank for double-sided copying.

RESPONDENT VERIFICATION CALL SCRIPT

MATHEMATICA POLICY RESEARCH

OMB No.: XXXXXXXX
Expiration Date: XX/XX/XXXX
SCOPE VERIFICATION SCRIPT FOR TEACHERS AND COACHES
Instructions for caller:

Please use the following script below to recruit teachers and coaches.
In advance of the screening call, review information already gathered about the teacher or
coach. Use this to confirm their contact information.
I. Introduction

Hi, my name is __________. I am calling from Mathematica Policy Research/Child Trends
about a research project for the Administration for Children and Families (ACF) of the U.S.
Department of Health and Human Services. May I please speak with [TEACHER/COACH]?
[Your coach/center director FCC setting recommended that I contact you/I am contacting
you] to request your help. We are seeking [teachers/coaches who work in] early care and
education (ECE) centers and family child care homes for an important project, the Study of
Coaching Practices in Early Care and Education Settings (SCOPE). As you know, coaching is a
rapidly growing effort across early childhood settings, and early childhood leaders are
developing a great variety of coaching approaches. SCOPE will help the early childhood field
understand the different ways that coaches and teachers of preschool-age children work together
to improve classroom practices. You should have received a packet of information about the
study. Did you receive these materials?
[HAVE LETTER AVAILABLE TO PROVIDE INFORMATION IF PERSON IS NOT
FAMILIAR WITH THE STUDY]
If possible, I would like to review the purpose of the study and discuss your potential
participation.
[IF NOT A GOOD TIME, SCHEDULE A TIME TO CALL BACK. IF A GOOD TIME TO
TALK, CONTINUE WITH STUDY PURPOSE.]
II. Study Purpose

This study is called SCOPE, which is short for the Study of Coaching Practices in Early
Care and Education Settings. The study is being conducted by Mathematica Policy Research in
partnership with Child Trends and the Children’s Learning Institute at the University of Texas. It
is being conducted on behalf of the Administration for Children and Families in the U.S.
Department of Health and Human Services. Mathematica, Child Trends, and the University of
Texas all have experience with research in early care and education and coaching in particular.
As I mentioned, the goal of the study is to help the early childhood field understand the
different ways that coaching is being used to improve teachers’ and caregivers’ practices. When
we refer to coaching or coaches in this study, we mean individuals who regularly meet oneC.24.3

RESPONDENT VERIFICATION CALL SCRIPT

MATHEMATICA POLICY RESEARCH

on-one with teachers or providers or with their teaching team to provide feedback and
guidance to help them improve their teaching. Coaching may also be called other names like
mentoring or consultation. To meet the goals of our study, we need to learn about the unique way
coaching is carried out [by you as a coach/for you as a teacher.]
Coaching can also happen for a lot of different reasons. For SCOPE, we are focusing on
coaching to improve the knowledge and practice of teachers and caregivers of preschool age
children.
[IF THE RESPONDENT PREVIOUSLY SAID HE/SHE IS NOT FAMILIAR WITH THE
STUDY: In the letter and fact sheet we sent you, we described the different activities of the study
and how we will thank you for participating. Would it be helpful to review that information
together?]
[CONFIRM THE CONTACT INFORMATION WE HAVE FOR RESPONDENT IS
CORRECT].
Thank you for confirming your contact information. You will receive an email from us
sometime in [FALL DATA COLLECTION DATE] with a link to the survey. You will receive a
[CENTER DIRECTOR/COACH/TEACHER: $20 Visa gift card] [FCC PROVIDER: $40 Visa
gift card] for completing the survey.
All information from this study and the contact information you provide will be kept private
to the extent permitted by law. We will not present information about center directors, coaches,
family child care providers, teachers or classrooms that anyone could connect to specific
individuals, classes, family child care programs, or centers. In this way, the privacy of staff will
be carefully guarded. An agency may not conduct or sponsor, and a person is not required to
respond to, a collection of information unless it displays a currently valid OMB control number.
The OMB number for this information collection is 0970-XXXX and the expiration date is
XX/XX/XXXX.
We look forward to your participation in the study. If you have any questions please contact
me at [PROVIDE STUDY EMAIL AND PHONE NUMBER].

C.24.4

SURVEY REMINDER CALL SCRIPT

MATHEMATICA POLICY RESEARCH

OMB No.: XXXXXXXX
Expiration Date: XX/XX/XXXX
SCOPE REMINDER CALL SCRIPT FOR TEACHERS, COACHES, FCC
PROVIDERS AND CENTER DIRECTORS
Instructions for caller:

Please use the following script below to remind teachers, coaches, FCC providers and center
directors to complete the survey.
In advance of the screening call, collect respondent contact information and survey login
information to provide to the respondent.
You can also leave a brief message if the respondent doesn’t answer.
I. Introduction

Hi, my name is __________. I am calling from Mathematica Policy Research for the Study
of Coaching Practices in Early Care and Education Settings (SCOPE) being conducted for the
Administration for Children and Families (ACF) of the U.S. Department of Health and Human
Services. May I please speak with [TEACHER/COACH/FCC PROVIDER/CENTER
DIRECTOR]?
I wanted to thank you for taking part in the SCOPE study and this is just a reminder to
please complete the [CENTER DIRECTOR/COACH: 30-minute survey] [TEACHER/FCC
PROVIDER: 35-minute survey.] You should have received an email recently with a link to the
survey and your login information.
[IF THEY SAY THEY DIDN’T RECEIVE AN EMAIL VERIFY THEIR EMAIL
ADDRESS. OFFER TO RESEND EMAIL ONCE THE EMAIL ADDRESS IS CONFIRMED]
As a reminder, you will receive a [CENTER DIRECTOR/COACH/TEACHER: $20 Visa
gift card] [FCC PROVIDER: $40 Visa gift card] for completing the survey. Let me provide you
with the survey web address and your login information.
[PROVIDE THEM WITH THE URL, LOGIN ID AND PASSWORD]
We are excited about the study and hope you are too. Your help is vital to the study’s
success.
As a reminder, all information from this study will be kept private to the extent permitted by
law. We will not present information about center directors, coaches, family child care providers,
teachers or classrooms that anyone could connect to specific individuals, classes, family child
care programs, or centers. In this way, the privacy of staff will be carefully guarded. An agency
may not conduct or sponsor, and a person is not required to respond to, a collection of
information unless it displays a currently valid OMB control number. The OMB number for this
information collection is 0970-XXXX and the expiration date is XX/XX/XXXX.

C.25.3

SURVEY REMINDER CALL SCRIPT

MATHEMATICA POLICY RESEARCH

Do you have any questions about the study or accessing the survey?
[RESPOND TO ANY QUESTIONS ABOUT THE STUDY OR SURVEY AND THANK
THEM FOR THEIR TIME.]

C.25.4

SCOPE STATE COACHING INFORMANT EMAIL

MATHEMATICA POLICY RESEARCH

Dear [INSERT NAME]:
I am writing to request your assistance for an important study, the Study of Coaching Practices in
Early Care and Education Settings (SCOPE). SCOPE is being conducted for the Office of Planning,
Research, and Evaluation of the Administration for Children and Families in the U.S. Department of
Health and Human Services, and it will help the early childhood field understand the different ways that
coaching is being implemented to improve teachers’ and caregivers’ practices with children. SCOPE is
being conducted by Mathematica Policy Research in partnership with Child Trends and the Children’s
Learning Institute at the University of Texas. There are multiple components of the study, which runs
from 2016 through 2020
As part of SCOPE, we will be gathering information from coaches, center directors, teachers, and
family child care (FCC) providers from seven states about their experiences with coaching. In SCOPE,
we aim to learn about coaching focused on improving the practice of teachers and FCC providers who
care for preschool-age children. The study will include Head Start programs as well as centers and FCC
homes that serve children with Child Care and Development Fund (CCDF) subsidies.
Right now, we are making decisions about which states to include in the study, and we think [NAME
OF STATE] would be a great state to include in this study because of the coaching that is taking place in
the state. To help us plan for the study, we would like to speak with you about the coaching that is [taking
place/that your organization provides]. We would like to schedule a call with you to discuss this further,
and to tell you more about the study. Here are several possible times in the next two weeks that I am
available for a call:

•

TIME 1

•

TIME 2

•

TIME 3

•

TIME 4

Please feel free to respond to this email, or to call me directly at XXX-XXX-XXX. If I don’t hear
from you in the next couple of days, I will check-in again. I have attached (1) a flyer about our study that
will be shared with coaches, center directors, teachers, and FCC providers, (2) a fact sheet that describes
the data collection we are planning in more detail, and (3) a letter from ACF about the study.
Sincerely,
[NAME]

An agency may not conduct or sponsor, and a person is not required to respond to, a collection of information unless it displays a
currently valid OMB control number. The OMB number for the described information collection is 0970-0XXX and the expiration date
is XX/XX/XXXX.

C.26.3

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APPENDIX D
MATHEMATICA CONFIDENTIALITY PLEDGE

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CONFIDENTIALITY PLEDGE

I understand that the names, and any other identifying facts or information, of individuals, businesses,
organizations, and families participating in projects conducted by Mathematica, Inc. or its subsidiaries are
confidential information. I agree that I will not reveal such confidential information, regardless of how or where I
acquired it, to any person unless such person has been authorized by the cognizant Mathematica Project Director or
the Mathematica Project Manager to have access to the information.
I further understand that the unauthorized access to, use, or disclosure of any confidential information is a
breach of the terms of my employment, or my consultant agreement with Mathematica and may subject me to court
action by any interested party or to other sanctions by Mathematica. I acknowledge that this agreement shall
continue to bind me even after the project(s) is (are) completed and/or even though my employment or my
consultant agreement with Mathematica has terminated.
In addition, in the course of my employment I may have access to personal information, electronic and
otherwise, about fellow employees. I agree that I will treat that information as having the highest confidentiality,
and not communicate it to fellow employees or others outside Mathematica. Final determination of whether or not
there is a business purpose requiring that I access a fellow employees’ records will be made in consultation with
the Director of Human Resources. Failure to uphold this standard is a breach of trust and may subject me to
disciplinary action, including termination of employment.
Other than in the course of my authorized employment or my consultant agreement, I further agree that I will
not use, nor facilitate the use by any third party, in any way any information deemed confidential by the terms of
any contract or other written agreement between Mathematica and any other organization, except by written
authorization by both parties. It is my understanding that Mathematica and the contracting organization(s) have the
exclusive right to all information acquired or developed under such a contract or other written agreement. I
acknowledge that I acquire no right, title, or interest in and to any data or information to which I have access by
reason of my employment or my consultant agreement and that I may not remove such data from my assigned work
location without prior authorization.
I agree to promptly notify the cognizant Mathematica Project Director or Project Manager, the Survey
Operations Center Manager or Supervisor for survey work, and the Mathematica Security Officer of any
unauthorized disclosure, use, or alteration of confidential information that I observe.
Nothing herein shall be construed to prevent divulgence of information to any court or governmental agency,
provided such divulgence is required by law. However, if I am subpoenaed, or if I have reason to believe that I
may be called upon to make such divulgence, I agree to notify the President of Mathematica promptly in writing
and, upon his request, to cooperate in all lawful efforts to resist such divulgence.

Name:

Signature:
Date:

Revised April 2013

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