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

FEBRUARY 2024 EDITION

  • GSQ Quality Connection
  • Save the Date! MASP and GSQ
  • Indicator Spotlight: Nutrition Descriptions
  • On-Site Observation Tips
  • Professional Development
  • Like and Follow!

What's New?

The latest news to help support your program

GSQ Quality Connection

Thanks to everyone who attended the February GSQ Quality Connection. If you missed it, or would like to review the content, check out the recording!


Join us for the next GSQ Quality Connection on Wednesday, April 10, from 1-2 p.m. ET.

Register Now

Save the Date! MASP and GSQ

The Michigan Afterschool Partnership (MASP) will hosting an opportunity for schoolage programs to learn more about GSQ and how it supports quality improvement. Mark your calendars for March 21st from 10-11 a.m. Watch our Facebook page for more information.

Indicator Spotlight

FCP5: Program provides families a description about nutrition and healthy food choices.


Providing families and children with nutritional education helps children learn healthy habits and maintain a healthy lifestyle. Proper nutrition supports learning and promotes better learning outcomes.  


When developing or locating nutrition education resources, consider each child’s and family’s traditional/cultural practices. Consistent nutritional practices can support children who may currently be experiencing food insecurity, children whose families are experiencing homelessness, children in the foster care system, and gives families confidence that their children have access to nutritional food while in the program.  


 High-quality evidence could include:  

  • Policy/Procedure of how nutrition information is shared with families  
  • Policy/Procedure on nutrition and healthy food choices  
  • Nutrition plan  
  • Participation in CACFP and how it supports living a healthy lifestyle  


This indicator requires that the program has a description about nutrition and healthy food choices. A program’s description must be written and shared with families. This could be a policy, statement, plan, or something else.  


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

Meet the Team

The Great Start to Quality team continues to grow! Each member of the Assessment and Validation teams has a background in Early Childhood Education, and is here to support your program through the Quality Improvement Process.


Wondering what Assessors and Validators do? Our guide below can help!

Validators

Assessors

Maintain reliability on the Great Start to Quality Indicators

Maintain reliability in GSQ observation tools through yearly or bi-yearly testing

Review evidence uploaded to the Self-Reflection

Communicate with programs about upcoming On-Site Observation by email

Review Quality Improvement Plans and Goals

Conduct On-Site Observations statewide using CLASS®, ERS, and SEL-PQA

Conduct Validation phone calls

Review observation notes and compile program scores

Write Validation Reports

Write On-Site Observation Reports and Coach Notes

Answer questions about evidence and indicators

Answer questions about On-Site Observation for Coaches


Conduct training and consultation for On-Site Observation process and tools

Meet the Validation Team
Meet the Assessment Team

On-Site Observation Tips

Cold and Flu Season

Cold and flu season is here! Take a moment to evaluate your handwashing procedures for the children and staff. Are children washing when they arrive in the program? After outside time or using the toilet? Are staff washing their hands after diaper changes or before food/bottle prep? Are these things being done on a consistent basis? Handwashing takes time, but it’s worth it to keep the children and staff healthy this cold and flu season! 


Questions? Email us: assessment@ecic4kids.org.

Professional Development

EmbraceRace: Drawing Differences

Drawing Differences is a series of art lessons about observing, celebrating and valuing diversity. EmbraceRace is just right for your 8-11-year-olds (though adaptable for young learners of any age!). 


To feel seen is to feel understood, valued, and accepted. When we create diversely and share portraits - of ourselves, our loved ones, our peers, of people we don't know but admire - we open a window into the diversity of our social worlds. Side by side, these portraits tell a story of differences and similarities all at once. It's a chance for us to look into the lives of others, and see the reflections of ourselves. 


Discuss, Discover, Draw! Guiding questions to explore with your kids:

  • What is the value of drawing different people together? 
  • How do we use art in a way that makes people feel seen? 
  • How does our art represent the diversity of human beings? 
Explore Videos & Lesson Materials

Training for OST Programs

Join the Michigan Afterschool Partnership (MASP) for their upcoming webinars!


STEM: The Supporting Branches to Education: Monday, March 11 at 10:30 a.m. ET. Learn more.

How to De-Escalate Your Space: Friday, March 15 at 10:00 a.m. ET. Learn more.

Visit the GSQ Job Board

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!

Visit the Job Board

Like and Follow!

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.  

Find us on Facebook
Find us on Instagram

Key Contacts

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: approvedassessors@ecic4kids.org 

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.

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