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

JANUARY 2024 EDITION

• New Openings feature in the GSQ Public Search
• MiAEYC Annual Conference Registration
• GSQ Quality Connection
• Indicator Types: Description Indicators
• On-Site Observation Tips
• Professional Development
• Like and Follow!

New Openings Feature in the GSQ Public Search

Families and others searching for child care have asked for an easier way to quickly see which programs have openings. You will now see, on the program’s profile, an “Openings” icon when programs have openings indicated in the Update Data > Program Data by Age > Current Openings table under the FT and PT Openings columns. The date when the openings were updated also shows so that families know how current the information is. You are encouraged to update the information as often as you are able to ensure families have accurate information when searching for care.

Program openings are also available in the search filters when searching for care. 

If you need support with updating the program’s information, please contact your local Great Start to Quality Resource Center at 1.877.614.7328 or by email at greatstarttoquality@ecic4kids.org.

MiAEYC Annual Early Childhood Conference: Registration Open

Registration is open for the annual MiAEYC Early Childhood Conference at the Amway Grand Plaza Hotel and DeVos Place in Grand Rapids, Michigan on April 13 -15. Early Bird Rates end on February 2, 2025 and Online Registration closes March 30, 2025. Look for members from the Great Start to Quality team at our table in the exhibit booth to answer any of your questions. For more information on this conference and to register, click here. 

GSQ Quality Connection

Join us on Wednesday, February 12, from 6-7 p.m. as we share revisions to the Quality indicator Guidance Document and other tips and updates. Interested reviewing previous Quality Connections? Check out the Quality Connections playlist on our GSQ YouTube Channel.

Indicator Types: Description Indicators

Many indicators in the Self-Reflection ask for a description of something and how the description is shared. It's important to know that programs must look at the description and how it is shared as two separate things. Programs must show evidence of both pieces to meet the intent of the indicator. 

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

Self-Assessments: Great tools for all program types!

Did you know Great Start to Quality has Self-Assessment tools for programs to use for quality improvement? Whether your program is coming through the GSQ quality improvement process or just want to do some self-reflection, these are great tools for educators and administrators to use to self-assess quality practices. Early childhood programs can use the ERS Self-Assessment, while the SEL PQA Self-Assessment is appropriate for school-age programs. These Self-Assessments are available in English, Arabic, Spanish and Swahili. These tools can be found on the Enhancing Quality Page of the GSQ Website.

Questions? Email us: assessment@ecic4kids.org.

Michigan Afterschool Collaborative (MAC) Annual Conference

Register Today! The MAC Annual Conference & Leadership Summit will take place Thursday, February 27 & Friday, February 28 in Novi, Michigan. Learn more and register.

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!

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!

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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