Learn More About PSAM and the PSAM Purchasing Grant Here...
QUICK LINKS:
Provider Self Assessment and Mentoring Services (PSAM) FAQs
Provider Self-Assessment and Mentoring (PSAM) Purchasing Grant Program: Fact Sheet
Download the forms:
Application for Provider Self-Assessment and Mentoring (PSAM) Purchasing Grant Program
Provider Self-Assessment and Mentoring (PSAM) Purchasing Grant Program Long Order Form
Provider Self-Assessment and Mentoring (PSAM) Purchasing Grant Program Screen Print Order Form
Provider Self-Assessment and Mentoring (PSAM) PG Eligibility Inquiry Memo
Provider Self-Assessment and Mentoring Services (PSAM) Frequently Asked Questions
Download the resources:
Provider Self-Assessment and Mentoring Services (PSAM) Frequently Asked Questions (Adobe .pdf 416KB)
This project is funded under an agreement with the Tennessee Departments of Human Services; Health, Maternal and Child
Health Section; Education and Signal Centers, Inc.
- What is PSAM?
PSAM stands for Provider Self-Assessment and Mentoring. This is a provider driven service that the Child Care Resource and Referral (CCR&R) offers with funding from the Department of Human Services and with the support of Assessment, Licensing, Project TOPSTAR, UT-SWORPS and TECTA. - Who is eligible for PSAM Services?
Every DHS licensed child care provider. - How will providers be informed of PSAM Services?
After a provider has received their licensing packet, a CCR&R specialist will be calling to talk about the availability of PSAM services.
If a provider expresses interest in participating in PSAM, as part of a partnership effort, the CCR&R specialist will send an email to DHS licensing, DHS assessment, and UTSWORPS to notify each agency of a provider’s desire to participate. In addition, an appointment will be made with the director or family child care provider and a CCR&R specialist to answer any questions and to arrange for the signing of a PSAM services provider agreement. - What are the main components of PSAM services?
- In-depth training on the Environment Rating Scales and the self-assessment process
- Assistance in understanding the assessment results
- Opportunities to meet with peers for support and team building
- Training hours for Targeted Technical Assistance
- Individualized help on-site to improve program quality
- Purchasing Grants for participants who have at least one child enrolled in the child care certificate program and are in good standing with DHS
- When can a provider start PSAM?
Any DHS licensed child care provider can begin PSAM Services who has received their licensing packet containing their assessment results.
PSAM Services start when a provider agreement is signed by the provider and the CCR&R specialist. - Describe the self assessment process:
Center Self-Assessment for PSAM purposes involves the center director and the CCR&R specialist using the ITERS-R, ECERS-R, or SACERS to:- observe selected classroom(s)
- score items independently (the CCR&R specialist will score all scale items; the director will score to the extent of their comfort level and/or level of understanding of the scale)
- arrive at the appropriate score for each item together, based on the scale criteria
NOTE: The center director may get approval (within the Provider Agreement process) to designate another person provided he/she has the authorization to implement any substantive program changes to impact overall quality based on the PSAM process.
Family and Group home Self-Assessment for PSAM purposes involves a family or group child care provider and a CCR&R specialist using the FDCRS and additional documentation methods to:- Observe the program
- Score items (The CCR&R specialist will score all scale items; the provider will score agreed upon items using additional documentation methods, based on the best method for each item.)
- Arrive at the appropriate score for each item together, based on the scale criteria
- Journaling
- Video taping
- Audio taping
- FCC PSAM Observation/Documentation Self-Assessment Checklist
- Peer observation
- Parent feedback
- Collection of forms indicating practice (schedule, menus, etc.)
- How long will it take for a provider to be ready to do a self- assessment?
This process is provider-driven and depends on the experience and comfort level of the provider. However, the self-assessment should take place as close to mid-licensing year as possible. - What other support is available to the provider while learning to self-assess?
Support in the form of training, technical assistance, or mentoring may be available through Infant/Toddler Specialists, DHS licensing, TECTA, or TOPSTAR. - If a provider initially says they do not want PSAM services can they change their mind and later start PSAM services?
A provider can later change his or her mind and start PSAM services. However, if a provider does not sign a provider agreement and begin PSAM services within two months from the time of the initial CCR&R phone call then the provider will not be eligible to apply for a PSAM Purchasing Grant until the following licensing year. In addition, the ability to get the most out of PSAM services, including doing a mid-licensing year assessment, will be compromised. In order to get the most out of PSAM services, providers should start PSAM services as soon as possible after receiving their licensing packet containing their Assessment Results Report. - What kind of tasks will be completed during the first PSAM meetings?
- A provider agreement will be discussed and signed
- The program’s Assessment Results Report will be reviewed
- Program priorities will be set
- A plan of action will be determined
- A timeline will be established
- If an owner or director oversees more than one DHS licensed agency, can each agency still take part in PSAM services?
Yes. If an owner or director oversees multiple sites, they would need to enter into a separate agreement for each site they desire to participate. The owner, director or an appropriate designee at each site, who has the ability to implement recommendations, will need to be available to work with the CCR&R Specialist to complete PSAM services. - Are there any specialized trainings for a provider who is receiving PSAM services?
Any of the trainings on the TN-CCPT calendar will be helpful. However, there are certain trainings that will highlight skills needed to foster program improvement. Topics of interest may include observation, self-assessment, scale knowledge, scoring, and PSAM Basics and Center-Based or Family Child Care Self-Assessment. - How long does it take a provider to complete the PSAM services requirements?
Completing all PSAM service components will typically require five (5) or more visits with the CCR&R specialist. The length of time and frequency of each visit will vary by provider and depend on a number of factors including the schedule of the CCR&R specialist and the schedule of each provider. - How will the CCR&R specialists help providers that are interested in applying for PSAM Purchasing Grants?
If a provider that is actively participating in PSAM services is interested in applying for a PSAM Purchasing Grant the CCR&R specialist has the following responsibilities:- Verify that the provider has at least one child enrolled who is receiving services through the Child Care Certificate program;
- Confirm that the provider is in good standing with DHS Child Care Programs (Licensing, Child Care Certificate, Child and Adult Care Food Program);
- Determine with the provider what products are needed related to the ERS assessment results;
- Give guidance as needed in completing the purchasing grant application;
- Review the provider product choices;
- Help the provider incorporate purchased materials into the program.
- How will providers that complete PSAM services be recognized?
After completing the components of the PSAM provider agreement and, if applicable, completing the requirements surrounding a PSAM Purchasing Grant, the director or family child care provider will be recognized with a PSAM lapel pin, a “Certificate of Completion”, and recognition on the CCR&R and TN Star Quality websites.
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Provider Self-Assessment and Mentoring (PSAM) Purchasing Grant Program - FAQs
Download the resources:
Provider Self-Assessment and Mentoring (PSAM) Purchasing Grant Program - FAQs (Adobe .pdf 24KB)
- What is the Provider Self-Assessment and Mentoring (PSAM) Purchasing Grant Program?
The PSAM Purchasing Grant Program is a program that will let qualified child care agencies obtain certain kinds of materials, equipment and/or furnishings to help them meet some of the requirements of the Environment Rating Scales and improve the quality of their programs. - Which child care agencies qualify for this program?
To qualify for the PSAM Purchasing Grant Program a child care agency must:- Be a Tennessee Department of Human Services licensed and approved facility that has been licensed for at least one year, has signed a PSAM Provider Agreement, and is actively participating in PSAM services, AND
- Have at least one child enrolled who is receiving services through the Child Care Certificate Program, AND
- Be in good standing with DHS Programs
(Licensing, Child Care Certificate, Child and Adult Care Food Program)
- To be in good standing with DHS Licensing, there must not be any litigation procedures currently being taken against the child care agency, including:
- probation
- denial, suspension, or revocation of license
- civil penalties
- To be in good standing with DHS Licensing, there must not be any litigation procedures currently being taken against the child care agency, including:
- How does an agency apply for a PSAM Purchasing Grant?
To apply for a PSAM Purchasing Grant, the agency and the Child Care Resource & Referral (CCR&R) Specialist will complete an application and order form for items the agency needs based on the agency’s program assessment and program improvement plan. - When can an agency apply?
A child care agency can apply for the PSAM Purchasing Grant when the annual assessment has been completed and results have been received, the operating license has been renewed for the coming year, the PSAM Provider Agreement has been signed, and the agency is working with the CCR&R Specialist to determine needs as identified in the most recent assessment. - How often can an agency apply?
Qualified child care agencies may apply one time during each licensing renewal year. - How much money is available in the purchasing grants?
Any agency that is eligible for a PSAM Purchasing Grant may order up to $2000 in materials, equipment, and/or furnishings regardless of the size of the facility or the number of children served. - Will the agency receive a check to purchase the items?
No, Signal Centers Purchasing Grant Program staff will order the materials, equipment, and furnishings requested and have them shipped directly from the vendor to the child care agency. - How does an agency decide what to purchase?
A CCR&R Specialist will work with the Director/Provider to review the agency’s Report Card and assessment results along with their program improvement goals and together decide what to order to improve the quality of their program. - What can an agency order from the PSAM Grant Program?
PSAM Purchasing Grants can be used to purchase items needed based on the agency’s most recent assessment results. Following are examples of products that can be ordered through the PSAM Purchasing Grant Program:- blocks and block accessories
- books and pictures
- soft pillows, toys, and area rugs
- art and craft materials (but not consumables)
- dramatic or dress up play materials and dolls
- fine motor materials
- math and number materials
- music and movement materials
- nature and science materials
- sensory play materials
- furnishings for play, learning, relaxation, comfort, and routine care including tables, chairs, shelves, cribs
- portable outdoor play equipment (but not stationary playground equipment or resilient surfacing)
PSAM Purchasing Grants cannot be used for:- capital improvements like building additions
- kitchen or office equipment
- computers, TVs, VCRs, DVD players, or cameras
- improvements to meet basic licensing requirements, including fire, environmental, or ADA standards
- How will the application be processed?
When the application and order forms are received, purchasing grant program staff at DHS and the University of Tennessee College of Social Work Office of Research and Public Service (UT-SWORPS) will review and process the purchasing requests.
The reviewers will consider:- the size and type of the agency
- the type and amount of materials
- whether these items would help the agency meet the requirements of the Environment Rating Scales
- What if the purchasing grant program staff has questions about the order?
If a reviewer has questions about any of the items in the order, the purchasing grant program staff will contact the CCR&R Specialist to discuss the item and why it was requested as part of the order. If necessary, the CCR&R Specialist will contact the agency to decide how to address the reviewer’s concerns. - Does an agency have to participate in the STAR-Quality Program or have stars to be eligible for the PSAM Purchasing Grant Program?
No, any child care agency that meets the eligibility requirements for the PSAM Purchasing Grant Program can apply. An agency does not have to be in the Star-Quality Program or have stars in order to apply. - What will happen if some items on the PSAM Purchasing Grant order are not available at the time they are ordered?
All reasonable efforts will be made to purchase the items that have been requested. However, in the event items are not available, those items will not be ordered. - What are the responsibilities of the agency once the items are received?
Any agency that receives materials, equipment and/or furnishings purchased by the PSAM Purchasing Grant Program must also:- agree to use all merchandise purchased with a PSAM Purchasing Grant in the child care agency listed in the application
- agree to keep all packing slips from all orders and mail these to Signal Centers
- agree to continue to participate in PSAM with CCR&R
Provider Self-Assessment and Mentoring (PSAM) Purchasing Grant Program: Fact Sheet
Download the resources:
Provider Self-Assessment and Mentoring (PSAM) Purchasing Grant Program: Fact Sheet (Adobe .pdf 20KB)
Provider Self-Assessment and Mentoring - PSAM - Purchasing Grants are available to make improvements in the quality of your program based on your recent assessment results and your program improvement goals.
- Eligibility – Any DHS licensed Child Care facility that has been licensed for at least one
year and:
- Has signed a PSAM Provider Agreement and is participating in PSAM services, and
- Has at least one child enrolled who is receiving services through the Child Care Certificate Program, and
- Is in good standing with DHS Licensing, Child Care Certificate, and Child and Adult Care Food Programs
- To be in good standing with DHS Licensing, there must not be any litigation procedures currently being taken against the child care agency, including:
- probation
- denial, suspension, or revocation of license
- civil penalties
- Grants can be used to purchase items needed based on your most recent assessment
including:
- Materials – for example: books, blocks, arts and crafts, toys
- Furnishings – for example: tables, chairs, shelves, cribs
- Equipment – for example: portable toys for outdoors
- The PSAM Purchasing Grant can not be used for:
- Capital improvements like building additions
- Kitchen or office equipment
- Computers, TVs, VCRs, DVD players, or cameras
- Improvements to meet basic licensing requirements, including fire, environmental, or ADA standards
Providers may order up to $2000 in materials, furnishings, and/or equipment.
The CCR&R Specialist working with you on your PSAM improvement goals will explain when you can apply and how to complete the application and order forms.
Agencies may only apply for one purchasing grant during their licensing renewal year.
Applications and purchasing requests will be reviewed by purchasing grant program staff at UT SWORPS. Purchasing grant program staff at Signal Centers will order the merchandise and have it shipped directly to your agency.
This project is funded under an agreement with the Tennessee Department of Human Services and the
University of Tennessee College of Social Work Office of Research and Public Service.
PROVIDER SELF-ASSESSMENT AND MENTORING SERVICES TESTIMONALS
To whom it may concern,
I feel the PSAM process has benefited our childcare center greatly. It helps me as Director to better understand the 3 Star process. I can in turn, better relate my knowledge to the staff on room arrangement and crucial elements the program is looking for. The grant associated with the PSAM process is such a great bonus for the children. It allows us to purchase toys/equipment in order to bring our center up to a higher learning level.
Our PSAM leader, Loretta Hayes, is very easy to work with. If there is an area that needs adjusting in order to rate a better score, she is very helpful in making us aware of this. She is not judgmental, but helpful.
All of these things combined make our daycare one I can be proud of. These things combined also, allow the children in our center a great start in their early lives!
Rhonda Mellons, Director
Allandale's Early Learning Center
905 University Blvd
Kingsport, TN 37660
423-245-8087
Loretta,
You did a wonderful job helping me decide the best way to spend our PSAM money. Thank you so much!! I just wish it hadn't taken so long, they just now sent out my order the day before yesterday.
Karen Hinson, Director
Johnson City Kidz Clubhouse
408 West Market Street
Johnson City, TN 37601
Loretta,
I just wanted to let you know how much Susan L. and I appreciate yours
and Kerri's time training us in the PSAM program. I feel that in the
last few months we have both learned so much about the ITERS and ways we
can improve our center as a whole and, in effect, our star rating
scores. We are so grateful for the grant money which will provide our
classrooms with much needed new materials, and my staff and I would like
to say "thank you" for all the PSAM program has done for us. I would
recommend the PSAM program to any director because not only will it
provide centers with useful new equipment and materials but it will most
importantly provide much needed training that can be shared with all
staff members.
Thanks again for all of your help. It was a great experience and I
look forward to doing it again next year!
Susan Phillips
Program Coordinator
Sonshine Child Development Center
To whom it may concern,
We just wanted to say thank you sooooo much for the opportunity to
participate in the PSAM project. We have learned so much, and it will help
us in our endeavor to have a quality childcare center. We really enjoyed
learning the part where we could take the ITERS book and actually learn to
score our rooms and the teachers we have placed in these rooms. Loretta
Hayes was a wonderful instructor and helped us understand the rating scale,
so this could be possible. We feel this was an extra plus in helping us
maintain our 3 Star rating. It gave us a 'bird's eye view' in to what the
assessors are really looking at when they rate our center. It gave us the
ability to help prepare those classrooms and teachers to provide quality
childcare.
The grant was an added bonus! Thank you soooo much for the materials we
were able to purchase using the grant money. These materials are already
being enjoyed by the children. As we were preparing to put the new things
out for the children, one little boy was so excited. He told his mother all
about the new boxes we got, and kept going to them to see what was in them.
He had to go to spend time at his Dad's and kept calling and asking her each
day if the new things were out. He wanted to come home already, so he could
come and play with them. One little girl told her mommy that it was
Christmas. They are enjoying them immensely. This grant made it possible
for us to use our assessment and provide things we needed to help possibly
raise our score for next year.
If PSAM is offered again, I hope to be able to repeat the process for the
Pre-K area of our center. Again, this was greatly appreciated.
Rhonda Mellons, Director
Gina Estep, Assistant Director
Allandale's Early Learning Center, Kingsport, TN
To whom it may concern,
I want to thank Loretta Hayes for all of the hard work she put into the PSAM training. The training is very helpful and I have a clear understanding of all of the materials provided. I as well as all of the children are very excited and appreciative of the new equipment provided by the PSAM grant.
Loretta was instrumental in helping make the best choices for the materials. Thanks again for everything!
Cindy Bacon
Parkway Preschool