Preschool PQA-R
HighScope is replacing Preschool PQA with Preschool PQA-R for use as a global observation measure.
HighScope’s current preschool program quality assessment, known as the PQA, has been updated and revised for the 2019 school year. The revised version provides a comprehensive assessment of preschool classroom quality that offers useful information to inform program improvements, guide teacher training, and increase student outcomes. The new PQA-R includes items for family engagement, literacy, math, and more. It also includes a materials checklist to help collect information about classroom materials. The PQA-R is shorter and easier to use than the former PQA and is available for preschool classrooms.
The Preschool PQA-R provides:
- A comprehensive assessment of preschool classroom quality to inform program improvements
- Guidance for teacher training and increased student outcomes
- Items for family engagement, literacy, math, and more
- A materials checklist to help collect information about classroom materials
Why is it changing?
The PQA-R reflects new science about learning with new observation and checklist sections. The PQA-R is an evaluation tool that assesses basic quality of any program and is compatible with most curricula.
What will the new PQA-R do?
Preschool PQA-R will assess physical aspects, learning opportunities, and adult-child interactions in programs and classrooms. It will provide a valid and reliable assessment for use in diverse early childhood education environments.
When is the change happening?
The PQA-R replaced the Preschool PQA in June 2019. A HighScope Preschool Curriculum Fidelity Tool is under development and will be available at a later date.
Not a preschool? The Infant-Toddler PQA and Family Child Care PQA will remain the same.
Professional Learning
To help your program successfully transition to using HighScope’s Program Quality Assessment, we offer guided support, both in person and online.
Explore our professional learning options
Proven valid and reliable.
PQA is a reliable, scientifically validated assessment that reflects research-based, field-tested best practices in early childhood education. The PQA can be used with any performance standards, including the Head Start Program Performance Standards, and as a basis for program accreditation, reporting, monitoring, and professional learning.
Have questions?
Contact the PQA team!
800.587.5639 Ext 234