We are excited to announce additional QSRC opportunities in Riverside County! Due to changes in focus within Quality Counts California (QCC), the service delivery model of Quality Start Riverside County (QSRC) is evolving. While QSRC support will continue to be provided to over 500 early learning programs that are currently enrolled, QSRC is now available to all early learning professionals without enrollment. The quality supports include opportunities to participate in
- early learning trainings
- communities of practice
- technical assistance on quality improvements.
For more information, please email QualityStart@rivco.org or RandR@rcoe.us. Thank you for your commitment to quality and all you do to support the children and families in Riverside County!
HOW DOES QUALITY START RIVERSIDE COUNTY SUPPORT QUALITY?
Quality Start is based on the California QRIS matrix, which sets common standards for early learning programs. All participating programs receive quality improvement supports based on this matrix. Programs that participate in QRIS are rated using the matrix. These ratings help programs set quality improvement goals around key areas. Here are the seven areas of quality that Quality Start supports:
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CHILD OBSERVATION
How a program uses assessments to better understand the learning needs of its children and then plans appropriate learning experiences.
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HEALTH AND CHILD DEVELOPMENT
Whether the program ensures that all children receive annual health and developmental screenings, and provides referrals for follow up if necessary.
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TEACHER TRAINING AND EDUCATION
The teacher or family child care provider’s formal education in a field related to early learning, as well as ongoing professional development activities. The highest rating is awarded for bachelor’s degrees and higher.
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POSITIVE TEACHER-CHILD INTERACTIONS
The teacher or provider’s emotional support, instructional support, and classroom organization. Rated programs receive the CLASS assessment. The CLASS assessment is conducted by a trained, independent assessor.
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NUMBER OF CHILDREN PER TEACHER
The ratio of adults to children, as well as the total number of children in the classroom. Family child care programs don’t receive this rating.
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ENVIRONMENT
Looks at the health and safety, materials, classroom, and class schedule. Rated programs are assessed using the Environmental Rating Scale (ERS) assessment. The ERS assessment is conducted by a trained, independent assessor.
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DIRECTOR TRAINING AND EDUCATION
The program director’s formal education in a field related to early learning, as well as ongoing professional development activities. The highest rating is awarded for master’s degrees and higher. Family child care programs don’t receive this rating.
“It’s an amazing opportunity”
“It’s an amazing opportunity to have encouragement and support while increasing the quality of our program. It’s awesome that no matter where the provider is on the scale there’s an opportunity to participate and to grow…. Everyone who desires to do better and be better can participate. I am thrilled.”
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