Grow NJ Kids Rating at CREEHS

About the Center for Research and Evaluation on Education and Human Services (CREEHS)

The Center for Research and Evaluation on Education and Human Services (CREEHS) at Montclair State University is a research and evaluation center that provides independent and objective program evaluation, applied research, and program planning services to state and municipal agencies, school districts, colleges, and universities, community organizations, and foundations to assist them in meeting their program improvement and accountability needs in the areas of education, public health, and human services.

As the Rating Entity for Grow NJ Kids, CREEHS implements the quality ratings of early childhood education programs enrolled in Grow NJ Kids — including systematic and unbiased observations of classroom quality, evaluates Grow NJ Kids as an initiative, and meaningfully engages Grow NJ Kids stakeholders in the rating and evaluation process. Overall, our approach to this role emphasizes communication, collaboration, and a focus on equity.

New Grow NJ Kids Rating Webinar for Early Childhood Education Programs available!

A brief, under-20-minute webinar was created specifically for early childhood education programs participating in Grow NJ Kids. It provides a clear, accessible overview of what programs can expect as they prepare for rating, including guidance on organizing required documentation, submitting a rating request, and understanding each stage of the rating process. Designed to support busy program leaders and staff, the webinar offers practical information to help programs feel confident and informed as they move through their Grow NJ Kids journey.

Click here to view the Webinar.

Extension information – All program types

Extensions are given to programs who apply for a Grow NJ Kids rating, but whose documentation, training evidence, and/or Environment Rating Scale (ERS) observation scores do not meet the minimum requirements for a Star 3 rating

Programs that receive rating extensions will have six months to submit the necessary documentation or training evidence to meet Star 3, and/or to request new ERS observations for the age group for which the ERS scores did not meet Star Rating 3 thresholds.

When a program with an extension is ready for their new evidence or training records to be reviewed, or for new observation(s) to be conducted, the program must complete the Documentation Review/Observation Request Form and email GNJKRating@montclair.edu to notify GNJK Rating of the request. Programs with an extension due to ERS observation scores should also submit the Two-Month Observation Window Request Form to request a preferred two-month observation window.

Programs that don’t receive an ERS overall average of 2.5 will be asked to resubmit for rating when improvements have been made and the program is ready to complete the rating process.

GNJK Rating Extensions Tip Sheet