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

February 2026 EDITION

• Find Who Can Help
• Provider Feedback Group
• GSQ Quality Connection
• MiRegistry Tips
• Indicator Spotlight
• On-Site Observation Tips
• GSQ Job Board
• Like and Follow!

Wondering Who Can Help?

Great Start to Quality has created a new document to help you understand the different individuals you will connect with throughout the process and how to find their contact information! 

Provider Feedback Group

As you know, Great Start to Quality is all about Quality Improvement. But you might not know that this is not just for child care providers, it is for us too! We regularly work to improve, refine, and enhance the process based on your valuable feedback! To better support these efforts, we are hoping to start a provider feedback group!  

What will the group do?  

Share their feedback and suggestions about all things Great Start to Quality. This may include, but is not limited to, feedback about the overall process, guidance documents, the people you worked with throughout the process, the website, the system, and any other feedback you want to share.  

What is the time commitment?  

A one-hour meeting approximately four times per year, beginning in April 2026.  

Who can you reach out to if you are interested?  

You can contact Nicole Kretzschmer via email at nkretzschmer@ecic4kids.org or via text at 517-816-4353 to express your interest. Please share your name, license number, and contact information in your message. 

ICYMI: GSQ Quality Connection

ICYMI: The February GSQ Quality Connection included opportunities for ongoing provider feedback, system tips, and a chance to meet one of the GSQ Validators. Check out the recording to learn more!

MiRegistry Tips

Search for Training in MiRegistry

Looking for professional development? Check out this short video that walks through a step-by-step overview of how to search for events in MiRegistry that meet Great Start to Quality Professional Development Indicators.   

Indicator Spotlight

FCP1: Program shows how it gives information to families about children’s individual developmental progress.   

Relationships between staff and families are an essential piece of high-quality care and education. When staff consider families to be a partner in the work, strong home and school bonds are created, supporting long-term development and success. Strong relationships between staff and families help build connections, develop knowledge, and create collaboration between home and school. When thinking about ways to share information with families, consider implementing the following: 



• Take child development records and notes on the children   
• Share information about the child’s development during conferences   
• Communicate and collaborate with families about their child’s development (through any format, such as through an app, face to face, during a conference, etc.)   
• Engage families in goal setting   

This indicator requires that you upload two (2) or more different pieces of evidence showing high-quality practices. Some common examples of high-quality evidence a program might upload could include:   

Upload one (1) of the following pieces of evidence showing high-quality practice: 

• Policy on completing conferences with families  
• Procedure for ongoing communication and collaboration with families on individual child development  
• Statement on how the program communicates and collaborates with families on their child’s development  

AND  

Upload one (1) of the following supporting documents showing implementation: 

• Completed child development records and notes  
• Completed conference form with notes shared about the child’s development  
• Written communication with families on the child’s development   

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

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

GSRP and Head Start CLASS Scores for 2025-2026

GSRP and Head Start programs currently participating in the GSQ process that have a CLASS observation conducted by an ECS or other CLASS-reliable observer are eligible to have those CLASS scores entered directly into the GSQ system as an Approved Assessor for the On-Site Observation portion of the process. 

Programs must coordinate with both the Approved Assessor and Great Start to Quality once the Validation is complete.  To be eligible to use 2025-2026 school year scores, the Approved Assessor must be assigned by May 30, 2026 and scores must be input in MiRegistry by June 15, 2026. 

Additional information about Approved Assessors and eligibility requirements is available on the Approved Assessor page of the GSQ website. Questions regarding this process or timeline may be directed to approvedassessor@ecic4kids.org. 

Creating Space for Shared Emotions

To help children share their feelings and learn to work through them, it is important to create a safe space where children feel comfortable talking. You can do this by using regular routines, fun activities, and simple tools. 

• Teach Feeling Words: Help children learn the names of different feelings, like "happy," "sad," or "mad." Use pictures of faces or a mirror so they can see what the different emotions might look like. 
• Use Play and Art: Let children show how they feel through puppets, toys, or pretend play. Artistic activities like painting, singing, or dancing also give them a way to express themselves without needing many words. 
• Teach Calming Skills: Show children how to work through their feelings. This can be taking slow, deep breaths—like "blowing out a candle"—or doing active things like jumping or dancing to let out energy. 
• Consider Creating a "Calm Space": Set up an area with pillows, books, family photos an;d soft toys. This is a quiet spot where a child can go to feel better when they are upset or overwhelmed. 
• Ask for Help: Encourage children to use their words when they need support. Teach them it is okay to say, "I need help" or "I need a hug". 
• Keep a Routine: Have a steady daily schedule. Even with flexibility, children know what to expect next, they feel more secure and find it easier to manage their emotions. 

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

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!

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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