Kindergarten Classroom Environment Checklist (KCEC) Study
The KCEC is designed to measure the quality of the environment in Kindergarten classrooms and can be used by teachers or other school staff to identify strengths and areas of improvement.
CLI Faculty:
Michael P. Mesa, PhDParticipating Sites:
The Children’s Learning Institute
Results:
The Kindergarten Classroom Environment Checklist (KCEC) was developed by CLI to address the need for a kindergarten-specific observational tool aligned with early learning standards. Offered at no cost on CLI Engage, the KCEC includes domains such as Instructional Materials, Classroom Layout, and Teacher-Child Interactions, designed for quick and reliable observation.
The pilot study collected data through CLI Engage and virtual focus groups to refine the design and implementation of the tool. Educators reported that the KCEC was easy to use, provided valuable information, and was suitable for teachers, coaches, and school leaders. Findings from the study informed revisions to the checklist and will guide future professional development resources to support statewide use.