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

AUGUST 2024 EDITION

• Texting Feature to Update Your Program Information
• GSQ Quality Connection
• Indicator Spotlight: Program Staff Qualifications
• What Does My On-Site Observation “Window” Mean? When Will My Assessor Come?
• Professional Development
• Like and Follow!

Texting Feature to Update Your Program Information

Families rely on Great Start to Quality (GSQ) to find current information about your program when they search for child care. Keeping your program information up to date is important, and we want to make it as easy as possible. 

In the coming weeks, GSQ will text each program that has a cell phone number listed for texting in their profile. It will ask if the program offers Full-Time care, Part-Time care, or both. And that’s it. 

If you wish to receive this and future texts to update your information, login to make sure you have a valid cell phone number on file and check the box to give GSQ permission to send these notifications. 

GSQ Quality Connection

It was great to see so many of you during the August GSQ Quality Connection! We agreed that we are all very busy this time of year and your engagement and dialogue is so appreciated. In case you missed it, the session was recorded to review any time. 

Indicator Spotlight

What program types can meet the intent of Foundational Level Two Career Pathway?  

SQ2: Program Staff Qualifications  

50% of Lead, Assistant, and Schoolage staff have at least a:  

• Foundational Level Two Career Pathway in MiRegistry. (Family Child Care and Centers 5 to 12 only)  
• Professional Level One Career Pathway in MiRegistry.  
• Professional Level Two Career Pathway in MiRegistry. 
• Professional Level Three Career Pathway in MiRegistry.  

100% of Lead, Assistant, and Schoolage staff have at least a: 

• Foundational Level Two Career Pathway in MiRegistry. (Family Child Care and Centers 5 to 12 only)  
• Professional Level One Career Pathway in MiRegistry.  
• Professional Level Two Career Pathway in MiRegistry. 
• Professional Level Three Career Pathway in MiRegistry. 

When determining what qualifications your program meets, remember that Family Child Care and Centers 5 to 12 Only are the only program types that can select Foundational Level Two Career Pathway in MiRegistry.  

The following are some key points what Validators will be looking for to verify the program is meeting the intent of the indicator.  

• The Validator will only review the Self-Reflection Qualification Report located in the Self-Reflection. This report locks at the time of the Self-Reflection submission showing the staff’s Career Pathway Level.  
• To meet the intent of the indicator, all staff must be linked in the Employees tab with the correct Position Titles, Valid Membership Status, and verified Employment Status. 

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

What Does My On-Site Observation “Window” Mean? When Will My Assessor Come?

“Why a “window”? Great Start to Quality On-Site Observations have traditionally been unannounced. This is a typical process for many quality improvement systems or accrediting bodies for child care programs. Great Start to Quality assigns programs a four-week window during which their observation(s) will be completed so programs can anticipate the timeframe in which the Assessor will visit, but not the specific date.  

During that four-week window, a program may choose five block out dates. Block out dates may mean that the program is closed, there is a field trip, there is a special event, a lead teacher is on vacation, etc. However, the Assessor may visit on any of the days during the window that are not block out dates. If there is an unexpected need for an additional block out date, programs should contact their Assessor as soon as possible. Assessors use the information provided on the scheduling form to decide on the arrival time, so if there have been any changes to a program’s daily schedule, please notify your Assessor prior to the Observation window.

Questions? Email us: assessment@ecic4kids.org.

Register for ACSES Framework Introductory Series

The ACSES Framework Introductory Series builds early childhood educators’ understanding of equitable classroom learning and offers practical strategies to support young Black and Brown learners.

Join ACSES and Start Early's August-December 2024 introductory series: Creating Equitable Classrooms with ACSES. This six-part series introduces a practical, action-oriented framework for creating more equitable early childhood classrooms. Earn CEUs or count sessions towards your CDA. Register now!

MiLEAP Business Series for Home-Based Providers

Are you a home-based child care provider looking for best practices on managing a financially-strong business? This series is for you! Five two-hour courses are in this series. Cost for each source is $5.00.

Home-based Providers: Envelopes, Receipts, and Paperwork

Home-based Providers: Setting and Collecting Fees

Home-based Providers: Are you Running on Empty?

Home-based Providers: Checking Your Financial Health

Home-based Providers: Budgeting

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!

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.  

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 

Follow Us on Social Media!