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

August 2025 EDITION

• CLASS Spotlight
• GSQ Quality Connection
• Indicator Spotlight: Social Emotional Health and Suspension/Expulsion Prevention
• On-Site Observation Tips
• MAC Leadership Summit
• Like and Follow!

CLASS 2nd Edition and CLASS Environment are Coming to Great Start to Quality 

CLASS 2nd Edition is the same CLASS tool currently used by GSQ for On-Site Observations, only enhanced to be more accessible and aligned to best practices for educator-child interactions. CLASS has combined years of research and feedback to create updated dimensions and clearer guidance for both observers and educators.

What does this mean for you and where can you access more information? GSQ will switch to CLASS 2nd Edition for Pre-K-3 on August 1, 2026, and for Infant, Toddler, and Family Child Care on August 1, 2027. The CLASS Observation process will stay the same, the only changes are some enhancements to language tweaking, more robust tools, and stronger guidance to support observers in supporting you with feedback from your observation. All of these updates are based on feedback from educators over several years. 

CLASS Environment will be added as part of the observation process. CLASS Environment is aligned with the CLASS dimensions and is a supplemental measure that looks at room arrangement, types of materials, and displays in settings. This is to support the observer in providing more accurate data on the use of interactions in the environment. It provides the “how” for educators with their environment and materials for deepening interactions with all children. It is not simply having materials in your setting but “how” the materials are used to strengthen interactions.

CLASS focuses on interactions and the enhancements of CLASS 2nd Edition and adding CLASS Environment will provide more support to educators with consistent and intentional interactions in their settings. We will be sharing more information and trainings to guide your learning about CLASS 2nd Edition and CLASS Environment. 

The GSQ CLASS webpage will have the most current information and resources to support you. 

GSQ Quality Connection

ICYMI-The Early Childhood Investment Corporation hosted the GSQ Quality Connection on August 13 and shared information on supports for early childhood educators to transition to CLASS 2nd Edition by August 2026.

Indicator Spotlight: IP2 & IP3

IP2: Program provides families and staff a description on how they address and observe social and emotional health and well-being of children and school-agers every day.

IP3: Program has a description for families and staff on their approach to preventing suspension and expulsion related to challenging behaviors, including how behaviors are observed and addressed.

We have heard recently that there is some confusion about the difference between the indicators IP2 and IP3. Since supporting children’s social and emotional health and well-being can help to prevent challenging behaviors, some have wondered if the same evidence could apply to both indicators. While there is a connection between the indicators, two separate descriptions are required to meet the intent of both indicators.



The description for IP2 should address how the staff go about addressing and observing the social and emotional health and well-being of children daily. It should describe the steps, strategies, or methods that staff use daily to support children’s social and emotional health and well-being.

The description for IP3 should address the program's overall approach to preventing suspension and expulsion related to challenging behaviors. It should describe how challenging behaviors are observed and addressed through working with families, sharing resources, providing services, or making referrals instead of suspending or expelling children. 

If you have questions, please contact validation@ecic4kids.org. 

For more information about this indicator, review the Quality Indicators Guidance Document and Quality Indicators FAQ. 

Provide Clear and Simple Expectations

Children need caregivers that support their positive behaviors, give clear behavior expectations, and help them to develop the skills they need to regulate their feelings and behavior. Caregivers should use simple and specific language so that children understand what is expected. Use positive phrasing, such as “We build with blocks” instead of “Don’t throw the blocks.” Let children know when they are doing what you want them to do, such as by saying, “Jason is sitting in his chair waiting for breakfast.” There will be less conflict and misbehavior when children know what is expected.

Update Your Program's Information

As part of the On-Site Observation process, programs are asked to fill out the On-Site Observation Questions form to share important details about their program. But we know things can change after the form is submitted.

Reminder:

If anything has changed since the form was completed, please have the program email the updates to assessment@ecic4kids.org. You can check Case Notes to find out when the form was sent. It’s especially important to update us if:

• The program didn’t have an Approved Assessor or a CLASS observation when they filled out the form, but now they do.
• There are changes that affect how the program runs or could impact scheduling (like the number of classrooms).



Having the latest and most accurate info helps the Assessment Team support programs in the best way possible.

Questions about On-Site Observation? Email us: assessment@ecic4kids.org.

MAC Leadership Conference

Join GSQ and other Out-of-School Time professionals at the 2025 MAC Leadership Summit. This year’s theme, Leading Forward: Empowering People, Purpose, and Possibility, will guide a full day of learning, networking, and collaboration.

October 3, 2025

Delta Hotels Kalamazoo Conference Center

2747 South 11th Street, Kalamazoo, MI 49009

8:00 AM – 4:00 PM



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 childhood 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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