Revised Instrument FAQs
Annual Reporting FAQs
Have a question that is not listed above or need more clarity? Please email your regional office.
Answers:
Revised Instrument FAQs
I need an extension, how do I submit a request?
A formal request must:
- be submitted in writing
- include reason/rationale for request
- indicate length of extension requested
- be submitted at least 6 months prior to term expiration
Please submit your request to your regional office who will forward the request to the appropriate review commission.
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I am renewing but the new tool is not available, what should I do?
The new tool is available and can be purchased at
Purposeful Design Publications. However, you may need some additional time to review and comply with the revised standards and indicators. If you feel that you need an extension in order to appropriately address the revised requirements, you may want to request an extension.
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I am early education program connected to an accredited K-12 school, how do I get on the same term cycle?
ACSI is committed to assisting your program to transfer to the new protocol and enjoy the seamless accreditation process. To support programs endeavoring to align their term with a K-12 school, a term alignment process has been developed. Please contact your regional office representative for further instructions.
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How soon can I begin using the new manual?
You can begin using the new tool immediately. It is available for purchase at
Purposeful Design Publications.
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I’m an early education program and I’m not ready to move to the new instrument, can I still use the 2000 Preschool Accreditation Manual?
Spring 2009 is the last time a commission can read a report from the 2000 Preschool Accreditation Manual. Please contact your regional office for consultation.
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I’m an early education program with a kindergarten attached. What instrument do I use?
The new instrument, REACH, has been revised with every school configuration and unit in mind and the indicators are labeled for program applicability. You will use the new instrument and address all indicators that are (C) comprehensive and (EE) early education. You can purchase the revised materials at
Purposeful Design Publications.
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Annual Reporting FAQs
I have supporting documents that were not created in microsoft word or only possess a hard copy. How do I submit them electronically?
- If including supporting documentation that can be scanned:
- Limit to 2 pages per recommendation
- Indicate the recommendation it supports
- Scan and send via email with your report as a .jpg or .pdf
***Please do not scan into Microsoft Word***
- If including supporting documentation that cannot be scanned:
- Limit to 2 pages per recommendation
- Indicate the recommendation it supports
- Fax to regional office
RE: [Insert Program’s Name] Annual Report Supporting Documentation
If including supporting documentation that cannot be scanned or faxed:
- Limit to 2 pages per recommendation
- Indicate the recommendation it supports
- Mail to regional office
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What must be completed through annual reporting to submit a renewal application?
All progress on major recommendations must be reviewed and approved by your Regional Accreditation Commission in order for your program/school to submit your renewal application.
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Is it required to supply supporting documentation for any or all of the recommendations?
No additional supporting documentation is required for any or, especially, all of the recommendations your program has to address.However, if the commission reviews your response and finds it lacking clarity, they may request supporting documentation to be submitted, at which time you would be notified to send the materials.
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Is it required to supply supporting documentation for the early education staffing form?
No, it is not required and ACSI prefers to not receive any supporting documentation to accompany this section. Please only submit the form as requested.
If the commission reviews it and needs additional information, you will be contacted at that time to provide the clarifying materials.
2008 Instrument Protocol: Once you have received a team visit based upon the requirements in this instrument, you will need to provide an update for any staff member who does not meet the educational requirements as listed in the indicators in section 4 of the accreditation manual. The EE deficiency form titled early education professional development report will need to be completed and submitted with each annual report.
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As an early education program, I have done previous annual reports electronically. What are the differences I need to be aware of with the new annual reporting forms compared to the old annual reporting forms?
These are the new annual report forms you will be submitting:
- Annual Report form Appendix C
- Continuous School Improvement Progress Report
- Early Education Staffing Form
- Financial Checklist Appendix J
This chart explains how the new annual report forms relate to the old ones.
| New Form |
Note for EE Only |
Replaces |
| Annual Report form Appendix C |
1. Only include EE student #’s
4A This section can be left blank, as EE programs are submitting the EE Staffing form.
4B (note the last two questions are N/A)
4C (N/A) |
Annual Report
Cover Sheet |
| Continuous School Improvement Progress Report |
Delete “School Improvement Plan” section.
If all major recommendations were completed and approved after last submission, indicate this with a note to that effect.
Option: Provide updates to any further action on the major recommendations that has occurred since your last report.
Or
Provide a few paragraphs of what has been happening in their program. |
Annual Report Recommendations |
| Early Education Staffing Form |
Submitted as response to 4A on Annual Report form Appendix C |
Staffing Information |
| Financial Checklist Appendix J |
Submitted as response to 5 on Annual Report form Appendix C |
Financial Procedures Checklist |
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Where do the infant/toddler standards—response to sandards go in the self-study? Does this become its own separate section?
Yes...it becomes a separate section—the section will include the program's rubric self-ratings and the narrative questions required in the other sections (areas of strength, plan for improvements, etc.)