What's Next for Great Start to Quality
December 2021
Change is Good
In the last edition, several new features being added to Great Start to Quality were shared. In the next several newsletters we will share more detail about each feature and how you can prepare for the launch of the new system in fall 2022.
A New Model - A New Way of Thinking
Quality Improvement is a process; a journey that is continuous. The current focus on ratings providers "checking the box" in order to achieve a higher rating, rather than focusing as much as they could on true quality improvements.

Over the years providers have shared how the connection between star ratings and other rating systems (Yelp, Google, etc.) gives families an inaccurate context for measuring program quality.

With provider and stakeholder feedback, the Great Start to Quality Advisory Committee has developed a new model to better support program reflection and quality improvement. In this new model, there will also be indicators for self-reflection that will not be scored, but instead used to inform quality improvement. These updated indicators will be shared in future editions of this newsletter.
There are no ratings but rather four levels of quality:


Maintaining Health and Safety
Maintains a licensing status of Original, Regular or 1st Provisional

Reflecting on Quality
Completes and submits a Self-Reflection of the Quality Indicators

Enhancing Quality
Creates one Action Item in the Quality Improvement Plan and assigns to person and with a due date
May choose to receive free coaching from a Great Start to Quality Resource Center or specific program coaching

Demonstrating Quality
Completes Action Item(s)
Meets threshold scores for program assessment
The Process
The process of quality improvement never ends. There is always new research and learnings in the field of Early Care and Education and in the new process, programs are encouraged and supported to continue to reflect on their practices, in line with the program's philosophy. This can assist programs in making goals for improvement to ensure the best quality care for the children and families they serve.

Find more details about the process on our website.
Familiar is Good
While many improvements to Great Start to Quality are taking place, there are also many parts of the process that will stay the same. Check out what is changing and what will stay the same.
What’s Next
In the next edition, we will share the new threshold scores for the CLASS tools.
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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 1-877-614-7328 or visit www.greatstarttoquality.org.
Funding from the Office of Great Start within the Michigan Department of Education supports the implementation of Great Start.