CLASS Tool Use in Early Childhood Special Education Classrooms: Toddler Request for VQB5 Observations

Description:

To address the unique needs of learners with disabilities, Early Childhood Special Education (ECSE) preschool classrooms may be allowed to use the Toddler CLASS based on the children’s developmental age and IEP goals. School divisions must request use of the Toddler CLASS tool using the following form. For classrooms in which most children are three or four years of age, the presence of disabilities or specific disabilities does not qualify the classroom for use of the Toddler CLASS. The decision is based on the abilities of the majority of students in the classroom, with most of the children with IEPs having significant cognitive disabilities (50% or more).

Please review the full guidance on Toddler CLASS use in ECSE Classrooms provided by your Ready Region prior to completing this form. A Site Leader or an Early Childhood Special Education Coordinator and at least one other team member who knows the children must collaborate to provide the required information. Programs must submit the form to VDOE by October 1 to request the use of the Toddler CLASS tool and are subject to annual verification and requests for documentation. The fall observation window opened on August 15; therefore, divisions are encouraged to submit requests as early as possible.

ECSE classrooms that were previously approved to use the toddler CLASS tool in 2023-2024 may qualify for an expedited approval process and were contacted by VDOE in August 2024.

If you have any questions, please contact VDOE at VQB5@doe.virginia.gov .