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

April 2026 EDITION

  • GSQ Quality Connection
  • Michigan Infant Toddler Caregiver Certificate
  • Indicator Spotlight
  • Tip Tuesdays on Facebook
  • GSQ Job Board
  • Like and Follow!

What's New?

The latest news to help support your program

ICYMI: GSQ Quality Connection

The April GSQ Quality Connection included opportunities for GSQ updates and questions about the quality improvement process. We also discussed how GSQ can support you with Developing Program Policies. Check out the recording to learn more! 



Michigan Infant Toddler Caregiver Certificate

Are you a provider or educator working with infants and toddlers? You may qualify to be part of the Michigan Infant and Toddler Caregiver Certificate cohort! We are actively recruiting for our next cohort. This cohort begins in August 2026 and will end in December 2026. If you meet all requirements at the end of the cohort, you may be eligible for a $1,000 completion stipend!


To learn more and complete and Interest Form, please visit our website. If you have any questions, please reach out to the Infant Toddler Team at infanttoddler@ecic4kids.org.  

Validation

Indicator Spotlight

CIL1: Program provides families and staff a description on how they support children’s and schoolagers’ transition into the program, between programs or classrooms, and entering new schools.

  

Transitions are the moves children and schoolagers make into, between, and from schools. These times of change can be stressful and challenging periods for children and families as they worry about academic expectations, and about navigating new environments and relationships.   

  

This indicator requires that the program has a description of how children and schoolagers are supported through transitions. It is important to understand that this indicator is looking for the description to specifically address how children and schoolagers transition through each of the following:  

  

  • Into the program  
  • Between programs or classrooms   
  • Out of the program or entering new schools  

  

When we talk about a description for this indicator, we are looking for something that is written that the program has in place. This could be a policy, statement, a plan or something else. You may already be successfully implementing the high-quality pieces, and now it’s about simply putting what you do on paper.   

  

Once you create the policy, statement or plan, this indicator requires that the description needs to be shared with both staff and families. When a plan is shared, it helps everyone to know what the program is doing, and what is expected of the staff and families in order to support the children. The program can share the plan in the way that best meets their needs, but it could include having it in the family and staff handbook and sharing it during enrollment and/or staff orientation, having it posted on a bulletin board, or sharing it at a parent meeting or staff training.  

  

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


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

On-Site Observation Tips

Tip Tuesdays on Facebook

All program staff are invited and encouraged to follow Great Start to Quality’s Facebook page. The Assessment Team shares information every Tuesday called “Tip Tuesdays.” Information is shared about the On-Site observation tools, the On-Site Observation process, and more. Educators and providers following the page will find helpful information on CLASS dimensions and indicators as well as ERS items and indicators, and what implementation of the indicators may look like.


Tip Tuesdays are an excellent way to learn more about the observation tools and best practice in manageable pieces throughout the year. Check it out!

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!

Like and Follow!

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.  

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: approvedassessor@ecic4kids.org 

MiLEAP Logo

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





This newsletter was developed under a grant awarded by the Michigan Department of Lifelong Education, Advancement, and Potential using Child Care Development Funds (CCDF).

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The Early Childhood Investment Corporation is responsible for the day-to-day implementation of Great Start to Quality www.ecic4kids.org