Our Approach to Quality Standards
Standards Development Status
The CareCorePlus quality standards framework is currently being finalized with input from our expanding advisory board and industry stakeholders. The information on this page represents our foundational approach and core competency domains, with specific metrics and detailed criteria to be published following the complete assembly of our advisory board.
We invite industry professionals to contribute to this development process by contacting us with suggestions or to participate in our standards review process.
At CareCorePlus, we believe that quality care begins with quality training. Our standards framework is built on the principle that effective training programs share certain fundamental characteristics regardless of the specific care discipline they address. By establishing clear, comprehensive standards that span multiple care roles, we create pathways for career advancement and promote consistent quality across the care spectrum.
Our standards are developed through a rigorous, evidence-based process that combines:
Research Foundation
Comprehensive analysis of existing standards, regulations, and best practices across all 50 states, identifying common elements and unique requirements.
Stakeholder Input
Direct consultation with providers, regulatory bodies, care recipients, and industry experts to ensure standards address real-world needs and challenges.
Outcome Validation
Analysis of the correlation between specific training elements and measurable care outcomes, workforce retention, and staff competency.
Unlike traditional standards that focus solely on content requirements, our framework addresses the full spectrum of training program elements that contribute to effectiveness—from instructional design and assessment methods to implementation supports and ongoing evaluation.
Core Principles
Our quality standards are built on seven foundational principles that guide our approach to evaluating and certifying training programs:
1. Person-Centered Focus
All care training must ultimately maintain the dignity, autonomy, and individual preferences of care recipients at its core. Standards evaluate how effectively training embeds person-centered approaches throughout all content.
2. Competency-Based Evaluation
Training effectiveness is measured by the demonstrable skills and knowledge learners acquire, not simply by content coverage or hours of instruction. Standards emphasize outcome-focused design that ensures real-world capability.
3. Evidence-Based Practices
Quality training incorporates approaches and techniques validated by research and demonstrated outcomes. Standards assess the alignment of content with current evidence-based practices in both care delivery and adult learning.
4. Practical Application
Effective training bridges theory and practice through meaningful opportunities to apply knowledge in realistic scenarios. Standards evaluate how training facilitates skill development through practical application.
5. Accessibility & Inclusivity
Quality training programs accommodate diverse learning styles, backgrounds, and needs. Standards assess how effectively training materials engage all learners and promote inclusive care practices.
6. Ethical Framework
Care training must embed ethical decision-making and professional boundaries throughout all content. Standards evaluate how effectively programs prepare learners to navigate complex ethical situations.
7. Continuous Improvement
Quality training programs evolve based on feedback, outcomes, and emerging practices. Standards assess how programs incorporate evaluation and improvement mechanisms into their design.
Core Competency Domains
Our standards framework evaluates training programs across six essential competency domains that apply across all care roles, with role-specific competencies within each domain:
Person-Centered Support
Competencies related to upholding dignity, respecting autonomy, and tailoring support to individual preferences, needs, and goals.
Key Elements Include:
- •Person-centered planning methodologies
- •Individual preference assessment
- •Dignity-enhancing support techniques
- •Autonomy promotion approaches
Health & Wellness
Competencies related to supporting physical and mental health, recognizing health changes, and facilitating access to healthcare services.
Key Elements Include:
- •Health monitoring and documentation
- •Medication support protocols
- •Nutrition and hydration support
- •Mental health awareness and support
Safety & Wellbeing
Competencies related to ensuring safety, recognizing and responding to abuse or neglect, emergency preparedness, and promoting overall wellbeing.
Key Elements Include:
- •Risk assessment and management
- •Abuse and neglect recognition
- •Crisis prevention and de-escalation
- •Emergency response protocols
Community Inclusion
Competencies related to supporting meaningful community participation, social connections, and access to community resources.
Key Elements Include:
- •Social skills development support
- •Community mapping and resource identification
- •Transportation and mobility support
- •Natural supports development
Communication & Relationships
Competencies related to effective communication, relationship-building, conflict resolution, and supporting communication needs.
Key Elements Include:
- •Active listening techniques
- •Augmentative communication support
- •Conflict resolution strategies
- •Documentation and reporting skills
Professional Development
Competencies related to professional boundaries, ethical practice, self-reflection, and ongoing skill development.
Key Elements Include:
- •Ethical decision-making frameworks
- •Professional boundary maintenance
- •Self-care and stress management
- •Reflective practice techniques
Role-Specific Competencies
In addition to these core domains, our standards include role-specific competencies for each certification category:
- •DSP Training: Focuses on direct support skills, daily living assistance, and promoting independence
- •QIDP Curricula: Emphasizes assessment, service planning, supervision, and regulatory compliance
- •Assisted Living: Concentrates on resident services, environmental safety, and aging-specific support needs
- •Adult Day Programs: Highlights activity planning, group facilitation, and specialized programming
Detailed competency lists for each role will be published following the finalization of our standards development process.
Program Evaluation Dimensions
Beyond competency content, our standards evaluate training programs across six critical dimensions that impact training effectiveness:
1. Instructional Design Quality
We evaluate the pedagogical approach and instructional design elements that support effective adult learning and knowledge retention.
Quality Indicators:
- •Clear, measurable learning objectives
- •Appropriate teaching methodologies for adult learners
- •Logical content sequencing and knowledge scaffolding
- •Multimodal learning opportunities (visual, auditory, kinesthetic)
2. Assessment Methods
We assess how programs evaluate learner knowledge and skill acquisition, ensuring appropriate assessment strategies.
Quality Indicators:
- •Valid and reliable assessment instruments
- •Balance of knowledge and skill evaluation
- •Appropriate performance-based assessments
- •Clear remediation processes for failed assessments
3. Practical Application
We evaluate how the training program helps learners apply knowledge in real-world care situations and practice critical skills.
Quality Indicators:
- •Realistic case studies and scenarios
- •Structured skill practice opportunities
- •Application-focused activities and exercises
- •Connection between theory and practice
4. Instructor Qualifications
We assess the qualifications, preparation, and support provided to trainers who will deliver the program.
Quality Indicators:
- •Clear instructor qualification requirements
- •Comprehensive instructor guides and resources
- •Train-the-trainer methodologies
- •Instructor evaluation and development processes
5. Program Implementation
We examine how the program is implemented, including scheduling, delivery methods, and completion requirements.
Quality Indicators:
- •Clear implementation guidelines and timelines
- •Appropriate program length and pacing
- •Multiple delivery modality options
- •Defined completion criteria and documentation
6. Continuous Improvement
We evaluate mechanisms for ongoing program evaluation, feedback collection, and iterative improvement.
Quality Indicators:
- •Structured evaluation mechanisms
- •Participant feedback systems
- •Content update processes and schedules
- •Outcome measurement and analysis
Standards Development Process
Our quality standards are being developed through a structured, collaborative process designed to ensure they are comprehensive, relevant, and effective:
Research & Analysis
Phase 1 (Completed)
Comprehensive review of existing standards, regulations, and best practices across states and care disciplines to identify common elements and unique requirements.
Development of draft competency frameworks and quality indicators based on research findings and internal expertise.
Framework Development
Phase 2 (Completed)
Advisory Board Input
Phase 3 (In Progress)
Review and refinement of draft standards by our expanding advisory board, composed of industry experts, providers, and advocates from various care disciplines.
Limited release of draft standards to selected industry stakeholders for feedback and validation, followed by adjustments based on input received.
Stakeholder Validation
Phase 4 (Upcoming)
Standards Finalization
Phase 5 (Upcoming)
Complete finalization of standards, including detailed metrics, specific criteria, and evaluation methodologies for each competency domain and program dimension.
Publication of complete standards, ongoing review and updates based on emerging best practices, research findings, and certification outcomes.
Publication & Maintenance
Phase 6 (Upcoming)
Contribute to Standards Development
Join the Standards Development Process
We believe that the most effective standards are developed collaboratively, drawing on diverse expertise and perspectives from across the care industry. We invite qualified professionals to contribute to our standards development process in several ways:
Advisory Board Participation
We're seeking experienced professionals from provider organizations, regulatory bodies, and advocacy groups to join our advisory board and provide ongoing input on standards development.
Apply for advisory board consideration →Standards Review Panel
Join our review panel to provide feedback on draft standards and help validate competency frameworks for specific care disciplines.
Volunteer for the review panel →Submit Best Practices
Share exemplary training practices from your organization to inform our standards development and potentially be featured in our resources section.
Submit best practices →Feedback Submission
Provide general feedback on our standards framework or specific comments on the competency domains outlined on this page.
Submit feedback →Help Shape the Future of Care Training
Join us in developing comprehensive quality standards that elevate care training across the industry. Whether you're ready to apply for certification or want to contribute to our standards development, we welcome your involvement.