ASCC: Arizona Self-Study Project

Arizona Self-Study Project

The Arizona Self-Study Project (ASSP) is an exciting statewide project for early care and education programs committed to improving the quality of care for Arizona's children. ASSP assists programs to integrate quality developmentally appropriate practices in a model that meets the needs of all children.

Through the ASSP, each early care and education program evaluates its strengths and areas needing improvement using self-study materials. Each program identifies areas of change and creates specific program goals based on the results of their self-evaluation. Assistance is provided to the programs that choose to pursue national accreditation.

The ASSP is funded by the Arizona Department of Economic Security Child Care Administration.

What ASSP Provides

Self-study materials

Training in the use of the self-study materials

On-site visits for guidance and support

Monthly phone consults

Access to resource and video lending library

Arrangements for and provision of training and technical assistance

Opportunities to network with other programs

Annual training meeting

Grants to assist programs pay for accreditation fees, classroom materials, minor facility changes and professional development may be available.

Responsibilities of ASSP Participants

Progress through the self-study using a timeline and action plan

Communicate progress, issues and technical assistance needs

Attend the Fall and Spring Training Meetings

Have on-site visits completed with the ASSP staff

Complete a year-end evaluation

Share the accreditation decision with ASSP staff

Comply with the Americans with Disabilities Act

Participant Eligibility

All early care and education programs that are licensed or certified by the Department of Health Services/Office of Child Care Licensure or the Arizona Department of Economic Security/Child Care Administration are eligible to participate if they have a DES subsidy contract and have children who get DES subsidies enrolled in the program.