Quality Improvement & Technical Assistance

On-Site Approaches to Quality Improvement in Quality Rating and Improvement Systems: Building on the Research on Coaching

This document contains an example of how States might demonstrate the resources and initiatives available to practitioners in CQI framework.

CQI Framework 10.30.12.docx

The "Good/Better/Best" document was developed from experience in managing the Keystone STARS program, analysis of current research, and insights/suggestions practitioners have shared. The "Good/Better/Best" document can assist practitioners in assessing program strengths as well as help identify next steps for improvement. Thoughtful assessment using a variety of sources of evidence can lead to the development of a meaningful continuous quality improvement (CQI) plan.

Report.pdf

Executive Summary

This manual from the National Association for the Education of Young Children (NAEYC) provides guiding principles and an overview of strategies for providing technical assistance, coaching/mentoring and facilitation for program improvement.  This information can be generalized for all quality improvement initiatives.  The focus of the manual is on working with the administrator/director as a primary engagement strategy.

Report.pdf

For anyone who is developing a QRIS, revising a QRIS or responsible for an existing QRIS, this paper by Anne Mitchell is a must read in thinking strategically and critically about what to think about in structuring different elements of a Quality Rating and Improvement System.

Considerations for QRIS Standards.pdf

This chart provides an analysis of states that are using or planning to use (or proposed to use in their RTT/ELC application) the CLASS as part of their quality rating and improvement system (QRIS). 

CLASSCHART.pdf

In April 2012, Louise Stoney, co-founder of the Alliance for Early Childhood Finance, served as a guest blogger for Sara Mead’s “Policy Notebook” blog that appears in Education Week.

LouiseStoneyBlogs.pdf

Written by noted consultant Louise Stoney, this brief explores the ideas and trends related to QRIS that state leaders included in their Race to the Top/Early Learning Challenge applications.  It is designed to provide not only useful background information for state policymakers, funders, and nonprofit leaders, but also to stimulate discussion within the field about opportunities to advance high-quality 

LouiseStoneyMemo.pdf

To gain more insight into different strategies for shaping and implementing QRIS, the Center for Law and Social Policy (CLASP) and the National Women’s Law Center (NWLC) interviewed 48 child care center directors from nine states (FL, IL, IA, KY, ME, NC, OK, PA, TN) about their experiences with QRIS.