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

JULY 2025 EDITION

  • Urgent News Regarding I-Billing
  • GSQ Quality Connection
  • Indicator Spotlight: Business Sustainability Plans
  • On-Site Observation Tips
  • Like and Follow!

What's New?

The latest news to help support your program

Urgent News Regarding I-Billing

Effective August 1st, 2025, I-Billing access will only be available through a MiLogin for Citizens account on MiLogin. Providers who already have MiLogin accounts should add I-Billing to their existing accounts to prepare for this date. If you do not already have a MiLogin account, you will need to create one to continue to access I-Billing. For help creating a MiLogin account, or adding I-Billing to an existing account, please visit Provider Billing Guidance. 

GSQ Quality Connection

Licensed providers are invited to join GSQ for the next bimonthly Quality Connection webinar!


Join us on August 13, 2025 at 1 p.m.

Indicator Spotlight: AM4

AM4: Program has a Business Sustainability Plan. 


Have you ever wondered what a Business Sustainability Plan is? A Business Sustainability Plan is a written plan showing the various ways the program plans to sustain or grow its business. It could include the program’s plans, goals, steps, or strategies related to things like budget planning, cost reduction strategies, financial reporting, maintaining program services, marketing, and/or staff recruitment and retention.  


This means that historical information, such as an organizational review, financial audit, or budget tracking document, would not meet the intent of the indicator. This is because they show what the program has done previously, not what their plan or intentions are to sustain or grow the business going forward.  


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

On-Site Observation Tips

Integrating CLASS into Daily Practice

Plan for Meaningful Interactions, Not Just Activities 

Lesson plans are important, but how you connect with children during those activities matters just as much as the planned activity itself. Be intentional about your interactions both during structured lessons and in everyday, unplanned moments. High-quality interactions help support children's development and are a key focus of the CLASS tool. 


Use Scaffolding to Support Learning 

Scaffolding means giving just enough help to guide children while encouraging them to think and act on their own. It’s a powerful way to promote learning and independence. CLASS highlights scaffolding as an important strategy for supporting children’s cognitive growth. 


Reflect on All Daily Moments 

CLASS looks at the quality of interactions throughout the entire day. Whether you’re leading an activity, transitioning between routines, or observing play, each moment is a chance to model strong, supportive interactions that make a lasting impact. 

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

Professional Development

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!

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 

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).

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