1. www.first5kids.org Race to the Top Early Learning Challenge Grant Santa Clara Universal Preschool Meeting August 8, 2013 Nicole O. Tanner, PhD. VIVA Strategy + Communications

2. www.first5kids.org The Problem Nearly 60% of US early learning centers are found to be of “inadequate or minimal quality” Only 13% of California’s low income children are in high quality early learning programs No consistent requirements for quality and minimal oversight 2

3. www.first5kids.org Why Quality Matters 3

4. www.first5kids.org Elements of Quality 4

5. www.first5kids.org Quality Rating & Improvement Systems (QRIS) A tier rating system based on programs meeting specific standards with requirements that increase as programs move up. Training and support for programs to assess and improve the quality of their program. Information for parents to help make early learning program choices. 5

6. www.first5kids.org 6

7. Early Learning Challenge Grant Federal Grant Program (Dept of Ed & Dept of Health & Human Services) 7 201120122013 9 States5 StatesTBD $500 Million$133 Million$300 Million

8. www.first5kids.org Early Learning Challenge Grant Focus Increase the number of young children in high quality early learning programs Focus on children who are in greatest need, including children from low-income families, children with special needs, and English Language Learners Design and implement integrated systems 8

9. www.first5kids.org Race to the Top –ELC in California CA Received $52.6 million Jan 2012-Dec 2015 75% of funds to 17 Local Consortium* 16 counties with 1.9 million children under 5 Focus on local QRISs *2 in Los Angeles 9

10. www.first5kids.org How it works CDE is CA Lead Local Partnerships (Consortium) Common Quality Continuum Framework (5 Level/Tier System) Local design, with statewide and regional coordination 10

11. www.first5kids.org 11

12. www.first5kids.org RTT in Santa Clara County First 5 Santa Clara County was awarded $2.7M of funding spanning four fiscal years to: Design and launch an Early Care Quality Rating System in Santa Clara County with emphasis on “high needs” children Work with other Bay Area Counties to build a coordinated system Serve as a mentor to non RTT Bay Area Counties 12

13. www.first5kids.org 13

14. www.first5kids.org The Focus of RTT in Santa Clara County Develop a model for a Santa Clara County QRIS Pilot the QRIS with local programs: –Assessment –Quality Improvement Plans –Professional Development –Coaching and Mentoring Identify opportunities to expand the QRIS 14

15. www.first5kids.org Uniquely Santa Clara County 15

16. www.first5kids.org The Opportunity 16

17. www.first5kids.org Questions 17

18. www.first5kids.org Contacts Nicole O. Tanner, Ph.D. RTT Consultant to First 5 650.832.1205 nicole@viva-strategy.com Jolene Smith Chief Executive Officer First 5 Santa Clara County 408.260.3701 jolene@first5kids.org 18