Stay in the Loop with GSQ's Continuous Quality Improvement Newsletter | |
- What's New?
- Indicator Spotlight: Family Handbooks/Contracts
- On-Site Observation Tips
- Providers' Corner
- Like and Follow!
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What's New?
The latest news to help support your program
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Huge Policy Win for Families! | |
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MiLEAP has announced changes that will extend financial child care assistance to more Michigan families. Effective February 25, 2024, Michigan has removed the requirement to work with the Office of Child Support to qualify for child care subsidy, soon to be renamed child care scholarship.
Providers can learn more about the policy change and how to communicate it to families in our Child Care Subsidy (Scholarship) Expansion Outreach Toolkit.
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Licensed child care providers and partners: Join us on April 10 for our bi-monthly Quality Connection webinar, where the ECIC GSQ team will share updates and answer your questions about the quality improvement process! This session is focused on schoolage quality.
Wednesday, April 10, 1-2 p.m. ET
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Your program’s profile is available for all users searching care through the GSQ website. You have access to a direct link to your program's profile to use in emails or on your website. Now you also have access to a QR Code to use in the same way. QR codes are extremely helpful when creating flyers and other marketing materials to promote your program. Just login to your profile to access it! | |
Self-Reflection Tips and Tricks | |
- When uploading evidence, use the comment box to help the Validator know where in the document to find the information about that specific indicator, how you share the document with families and/or staff, or use it to label the evidence with classroom names.
- When determining if you are currently meeting the intent of an indicator in the self-reflection, make sure that your evidence addresses all bullet points listed.
- As you think about completing the process and earning a Quality Level, start training in MiRegistry related to the Professional Development Quality Indicators and complete the membership process. Key points to keep in mind regarding PD and Qualifications and what Validators will be looking for:
- Validators only review the Self-Reflection PD Report and the Staff Qualification Report located in the Self-Reflection. As this report locks at the time of the Self-Reflection is submitted for Validation, the reports should be reviewed right before submitting the Self-Reflection.
- Only review the Self-Reflection PD Report located in the Self-Reflection. Reports located in the Reports tab of the Organization Profile pull in all training and are continuously updated. You should not review these as you prepare for the Validation, as the data may be different than what is reviewed by the Validator.
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FCP2: Program has a family handbook or contract.
The family handbook or contract must include, at a minimum, the following:
- The program’s mission statement, philosophy, or program values
- How the program encourages family involvement
- How the program incorporates and represents diverse backgrounds of children, schoolagers, families, community, and/or the world
- How the program accommodates and supports children, schoolagers, families, and staff with disabilities
A family handbook and/or contract is the foundation of family and staff communication. A good handbook/contract should lay out all the information parents need to understand what keeps your program running smoothly. Handbooks and contracts should promote:
- Transparency: When families know and understand the program policies and procedures, they know what to expect from the program and what is expected of them.
- Inclusion: When children and families feel they are a part of and represented in the program, they see themselves in the program and how the program represents the community they are in.
- Family involvement: Families can feel welcomed and supported in the program when they feel their voice matters and they are a part of their child’s education.
When writing or updating your handbook, it’s important that families can read and understand the language. This shows families that you care about meeting their needs and shows your desire to be equitable toward all families. Keep in mind the following:
- Are the words you are using easily understood by families? Could you lower the reading level or add more visuals such as charts or graphics to make it more easily understood?
- Do the families you are serving speak a language other than English? Have you translated the handbook into that language?
- Do the policies and procedures include how you support or engage families and staff?
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When a program chooses the ERS tools, remember that ERS tools measure health and safety requirements above and beyond licensing requirements. This means there will be feedback on hand-washing procedures, table-washing procedures, diapering and toileting procedures, etc. ERS requirements can be found on The Environment Rating Scales Institute website on each tool’s page (ITERS-3, ECERS-3, FCCERS-3) under ‘Supplementary Materials.’ | |
Preschool CLASS: Outside Time | |
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As you prepare for your On-Site Observation, remember that outside time is observed, except for programs that are observed using the Preschool CLASS tool. The Preschool CLASS tool does not allow an Assessor to observe “recess” or unstructured outdoor time. Assessors will use a preschool classroom's daily schedule to determine the best two-hour block of time to complete the observation.
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The EmbraceRace podcast brings you conversations with leading researchers and practitioners to share the latest and best advice on how to help kids navigate race. This season, they counter long-standing myths about race and kids and talk about How Kids ACTUALLY Learn About Race.
Find episodes here and follow EmbraceRace.
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Upcoming Webinars with MASP | | |
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Quality educators can make a positive impact on the lives of young children. Find quality job opportunities to advance your career at Great Start to Quality’s new job board today! | |
Great Start to Quality's New 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. | | |
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If you are thinking about how to maintain or continue making quality improvements, or if you're ready to learn more and need help, contact your local Great Start to Quality Resource Center by calling 877-614-7328 or visit www.greatstarttoquality.org
Funding from the Office of Great Start within the Michigan Department of Education supports the implementation of Great Start.
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Follow Us on Social Media! | |
The Early Childhood Investment Corporation is responsible for the day-to-day implementation of Great Start to Quality www.ecic4kids.org | |
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