1 Alignment of Inclusive Pre-School Learning Environments and Quality Rating Improvement System 391 Grant Funding Board Presentation May 8, 2012

2 Purpose of Funding Inclusive Preschool Learning Environments funds are state funds (formerly known as Chapter 188/Phase I of CPC) designed to support inclusive preschool learning environments for preschool children with disabilities. All applicants must meet the standards/definition of Inclusive Preschool Learning Environments set forth below.

In FY12 95 grantees received $9M in IE state funds to support direct service activities. Renewal grants totally $9,019,276 are available to 97 public schools districts and lead agencies to support opportunities for preschoolers with disabilities in inclusive settings with children without disabilities. Funds support direct services and are typically used for educator salaries and children's transportation. Of the 97 grants issued, public school district received 67 of these grants. Currently 49 public schools programs participate in QRIS, 15 public school programs are currently receiving 391 funding. 3 Inclusive Preschool Learning Environments (Fund Code 391)

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Children supported and QRIS participation FY 11 Funding Supported 6002 children, 2209 with disabilities. FY programs self-reported they were engaged in QRIS. FY12 Funding Supported 5512 children, 3323 with disabilities. FY12 15 programs have QRIS applications submitted to final. 9 of these are public school programs. 5

Pre-K to 3 Alignment All programs must demonstrate pre-kindergarten to third grade alignment with the school district in which they are located.* In 2011 Professor Kristie Kauerz conducted a presentation that outlined the components of what pre-kindergarten to third grade alignment looks like: (1) instructional tools and practices; (2) data and assessment; (3) instructional environment (school and classroom); (4) engaged families; (5) administrators and leadership quality; (6) transitions and pathways; (7) teacher quality and capacity; and (8) mechanisms for cross-sector alignment. Kauerz, Kristie (2011). Sustaining Your Work: PreK-3 rd Implementation and Evaluation Framework; a presentation to ESE PK-3 grantees. Harvard University: Cambridge, MA. 6

Quality Rating and Improvement System Group and Center Based Standards For use by center-based and school-based programs, including non-licensable and license-exempt center-based programs (i.e. public school preschools, Montessori schools, or faith-based affiliated programs serving infants, toddlers, preschool-age children). Standard 1: Curriculum and Learning Standard 2: Safe, Healthy Indoor and Outdoor Environments Standard 3: Workforce Qualifications and Professional Development Standard 4: family and Community Engagement Standard 5: Leadership, Management and Administration 7

Supports Currently Provided Educators demonstrate completion of professional development in curriculum, screening tools and formative assessment – Readiness Centers will provide ongoing support starting in 2013 Environment Rating Scales – Verification of Scale provided by EEC CLASS Training currently offered through CASE Institute Regional Community of Practice Meetings offered three times annually Special Education Professional Development Opportunities Pre-school teachers may have BAs 8

Discussion Points Inclusive Pre-school Programs may be housed in school buildings not specifically designed for an Early Education and Care setting Inclusive Pre-School Programs operate on a school year schedule and completing the self-assessment process for level 2 Educators are required to be in the Professional Qualifications Registry (PQR) to participate in the QRIS Historically this funding has been gone to the same grantees as a renewal grant Connections between schools system and their communities Professional Development requirements as defined by licensing Consider adding ESE licensing to meet professional development standards for public school teachers Clarification regarding what is consider license exempt, do school programs need approval? Consider mapping ESE Program Quality Assurance Reviews to QRIS Standards. 9

FY Entitlement Grant Proposal Inclusive Classrooms Condition of Funding Grant period July 1, 2012 – June 30, 2013 As part of FY grant funding eligibility, programs will participating in QRIS. Grant funded programs should be participating in QRIS at a level 2 by June 30,