Documents posted at: QRIS 2015 Program Quality Improvement Grant Grantee Technical Assistance and Support Meetings June 2015 Wendy Valentine, M.Ed. Senior Director, CI and Early Education Partnerships Project Manager, QRIS Program Quality Improvement Grants United Way of Mass Bay and Merrimack Valley

EEC and United Way The Department of Early Education and Care (EEC) and United Way of Massachusetts Bay and Merrimack Valley and have partnered together on the 2015 QRIS Program Quality Improvement Grant

Goals QRIS Program Quality Improvement Grant is intended to offer funding to support programs to advance towards a higher level on the QRIS system Support programs/educators to engage in a process of continuous quality improvement Enhance outcomes for all children in Massachusetts, especially those populations most at risk

Funding Funds Type: Race to the Top – Early Learning Challenge Grant (RTTT-ELCG) Funds Source: Federal Fund use for this initiative must be aligned directly with the purchase resources that will allow an educator/program to advance on the QRIS system All funds from this grant must be expended, and products/services received by grantees, by October 30, 2015

Phase One Continuous Quality Improvement Planning Continuous Quality Improvement Plan Ongoing Development with a Technical Assistance Provider (TAP) Continuous Quality Improvement Plan Submitted and Approved by TAP Request for Reimbursement SubmittedOutcomes Reporting on Phase One

Phase Two Continuous Quality Improvement Plan Implementation Durable Goods Selected by Grantee Approved by TAP and United Way Durable Goods Shipped by Vendor and Received by Program/Provider Continuous Quality Improvement Plan Implemented Outcomes Reporting on Phase Two

Program Planning Reimbursement All Program Planning funds awarded to a program/educator will be paid on a reimbursement basis The program/educator must expend fund on program planning (staff time and consultants), and then submit evidence of their out-of-pocket expenses for reimbursement Educators/programs are encouraged to request reimbursement in a timely manner as soon as funds are fully expended Only one request for reimbursement may be submitted

Durable Goods Funding A program/educator that serves 20 children or less will be eligible for goods valued at up to $3,000 A program that serves children will be eligible for goods valued at up to $5,000 A program that serves 100 children or more will be eligible for goods valued at up to $7,000 The number used to determine eligibility is the number of currently enrolled children as of February 15, 2015, not the licensed capacity

Timeline List of Grant Recipients Posted Continuous Quality Improvement Plans Submitted to TAP (revisions on plans may continue until ) All Phase One Program Planning funding must be expended Phase One - Final Outcomes and Measures Form due (must be completed online) Phase One – Reimbursement Form due (must be mailed) July-October 2015Phase Two – Continuous Quality Improvement Plan Implementation; Durable Goods Portal Available All goods and services purchased by grantees with grant funds must be received and accepted by this date Phase Two - Final Outcomes and Measures Form due (must be completed online)

2015 Grant Logistics Phase One – CQIP Completion and Submission – TAP Support – Reimbursement Process – 1 st Outcomes and Measures Phase Two – Online Durable Goods Portal – 2 nd Outcomes and Measures Communication / Q&A

Questions and Answers

Continuous Quality Improvement Plan (CQIP) Exploring the CQIP

Sections of the CQIP 1. Program Information 2. Steps for Completing the Form 3. Environment Rating Scales 4. QRIS Required Documentation, Workforce Qualifications and Professional Development 5. Required QRIS Measurement Tools 6. Additional Action Steps

Program Information ©Children’s Trust 2014

Steps for Completing the Form ©Children’s Trust 2014

Environment Rating Scale ©Children’s Trust 2014

QRIS Required Documentation, Workforce Qualifications and Professional Development ©Children’s Trust 2014

Required QRIS Measurement Tools ©Children’s Trust 2014

Additional Action Steps

Sign the Completed Plan ©Children’s Trust 2014

Sample CQIPs Implement Reflect Develop

Example: Furnishings for Relaxation and Comfort ECERS, ITERS and FCCERS require “Cozy Areas” For SACERS a considerable amount of softness is also required o Need a substantial amount of softness/combination of soft items o Cozy areas need to be protected o Cannot be used for active play—should not include active play materials EX: FCCERS: 3. Provision for relaxation and comfort

FCCERS Score: 1 “No softness provided for children at play”

Sample Action Step ©Children’s Trust 2014

Sample Action Step ©Children’s Trust 2014

Sample Action Step ©Children’s Trust 2014

Resources Key Contacts Documents posted at: QRIS Grant –questions about the grant may be directed to EEC QRIS Program Manager – access the Program Manager at technical questions about the on-line QRIS application and self- assessment may be directed to your EEC Regional QRIS Contact (listed below)

Regional QRIS contacts – Part 1 REGIONSTAFFPHONE/ REGIONAL OFFICE LOCATION & PHONE NUMBER Region 1 Western QRIS Program Quality Specialist Amanda Thayer (413) Department of Early Education and Care 1441 Main Street Suite 230 Springfield, MA Phone (413) Education & Provider Support Liaison Kimm Quinlan Preschool Enrichment Team, Inc. (413) x159 QRIS Health Advisor Edwin Moralez (413) Region 2 Central QRIS Program Quality Specialist Amy Whitehead-Pleaux (508) Amy.Whitehead- Department of Early Education and Care 10 Austin Street Worcester, MA Phone (508) Education & Provider Support Liaison Joanne Gravell Family Services of Central Massachusetts (508) x211 QRIS Health Advisor Lila Coverstone (508)

Regional QRIS contacts – Part 2 REGIONSTAFFPHONE/ REGIONAL OFFICE LOCATION & PHONE NUMBER Region 3 Northeast QRIS Program Quality Specialist Jody Dominquez (978) Department of Early Education and Care 360 Merrimack Street Building 9, 3 rd Floor Lawrence, MA (978) Education & Provider Support Liaison Kathy Gallo North Shore Community College. (781) x6249 QRIS Health Advisor Maureen Waitt (978) Region 5 Southeast QRIS Program Quality Specialist Anne Hemmer (508) Department of Early Education and Care 1 Washington Street Suite 20 Taunton, MA Education & Provider Support Liaison Elizabeth A. Reddy Child Development and Education, Inc. (508) QRIS Health Advisor Betty Blackham (508)

Regional QRIS contacts – Part 3 REGIONSTAFFPHONE/ REGIONAL OFFICE LOCATION & PHONE NUMBER Region 6 Metro Boston QRIS Program Quality Specialist Cheryl McLellan (617) Department of Early Education and Care 1250 Hancock Street Suite 120-S Quincy, MA Phone (617) Education & Provider Support Liaison Donna Jasak ABCD (617) QRIS Health Advisors Betty Blackham Maureen Waitt Lila Coverstone (508) (978) (508) Coordinate Family & Community Engagement To find your grantee, please access: Childcare Resource & Referral To find your CCR&R agency, please see: Quality Improvement Grant Technical Assistance Providers See or

Questions? Thank you for participating in this Applicant Technical Assistance and Support Meeting Documents posted at: