Stay in the Loop with GSQ's Continuous Quality Improvement Newsletter

MARCH 2024 EDITION

• CLASS® 2nd Edition
• GSQ Quality Connection
• National Accreditation
• On-Site Observation Tips
• Like and Follow!

CLASS® 2nd Edition

Great Start to Quality (GSQ) and Great Start Readiness Program (GSRP) are excited to share the plan to use CLASS® 2nd Edition for all Pre-K CLASS® observations beginning August 1, 2026. While this is some time out, we wanted to share a bit about the shift to CLASS® 2nd Edition, the benefits for both educators and CLASS® Observers, and our efforts to provide clear communication on the timeline. 

CLASS® 2nd Edition is the same tool and proven system, enhanced to better support diverse settings and reduce the impact of bias on observations. The observation and scoring process, along with the domains and dimensions, are all the same.  

CLASS® 2nd Edition supports every child in having access to life-changing interactions. This tool promotes more effective interactions for every child with two guiding principles: 

• Honor individual and cultural variation of being. 
• Individualize interactions to support EVERY child. 

What’s next? GSQ will provide training and resources to support educators with the transition. The GSQ CLASS® webpage will have updates and resources to support in the shift as well. Continue to look for updates in The LOOP regarding CLASS® 2nd Edition. 

GSQ Quality Connection

Licensed child care providers are invited to GSQ's bi-monthly Quality Connection webinar!

Join us at the next Quality Connection on April 9 from 1-2 p.m. where we will share information on the quality improvement process.

National Accreditation

Calling all nationally accredited programs!

Have you added or updated your program's accreditation in the Organization Profile? It's important to have this information updated, as verified accreditations are populated on the public search tool when families are looking for care.  

Steps to updating current accreditations:  

1. Login into the program’s Organization Profile  
2. Select the Program Info tab  
3. Select the Accreditation subtab  
4. Select the +Accreditation button  
5. Choose NAEYC, NAFCC, NAC, or Other from the Accreditation dropdown  
6. Complete the ID Number field  
7. Enter Effective and Expiration Dates  
8. Upload documentation of the Accreditation  
9. Save  

Have questions? We're here to help! Reach out to the Validation Team any time at validation@ecic4kids.org for additional support and guidance.

On-Site Observation Summary Reports: What are they and how do I access them?

The Summary Report after an On-Site Observation is an essential tool for continuous quality improvement. It offers the scores from the On-Site Observation, Michigan averages and highlights both strengths and areas for growth. The areas of growth give specific, objective information from the observation tool which programs can use to work with their coach on setting goals to improve quality and child outcomes. 

Within 30 days of the last observation, the program summary report(s) are available on the program’s Classrooms Tab in MiRegistry. The Quality Improvement Coach will reach out to discuss the results of the observations with you. The video below shows how to access these results.

Questions? Email us: assessment@ecic4kids.org.

FY25 Professional Development Opportunities

Find opportunities for professional development in the coming year from Michigan Afterschool Partnership and Social-Emotional Learning opportunities from MDHHS-MiLEAP!

Post on the GSQ Job Board

Is your program looking for early educators? GSQ can support your program filling staff vacancies to better support children and families. Promote open positions on Great Start to Quality’s job board today!

Great Start to Quality's Family Pages

These social media pages give families resources like tips on finding care, financial assistance, early learning activities, and more. Providers and partners are encouraged to share the pages with the families in your communities.  

Support with public profiles and general information: greatstarttoquality@ecic4kids.org 

Participation with Great Start to Quality: your Resource Center

Connecting employees or connecting with your Validator: validation@ecic4kids.org

Connecting with your Assessor: assessement@ecic4kids.org

Questions about Approved Assessors: approvedassessor@ecic4kids.org 

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