Post on 29-Dec-2015
www.first5kids.org
Race to the Top Early Learning Challenge GrantSanta Clara Universal Preschool Meeting
August 8, 2013
Nicole O. Tanner, PhD.
VIVA Strategy + Communications
www.first5kids.org 2
The Problem
• Nearly 60% of US early learning centers are found to be of “inadequate or minimal quality”
• Only 13% of California’s low income children are in high quality early learning programs
• No consistent requirements for quality and minimal oversight
www.first5kids.org 3
Why Quality Matters
Increased productivity of
current workforce
Stimulus effect on the economy
Reduction in special education and remediation
costs
More children entering
kindergarten ready to succeed
Tax savings/return on
investment
Healthy brain development and
early learning
Academic achievement
Higher qualified workforce
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Elements of Quality
Qualified teachers
Curriculum aligned with standards
Positive learning
environment
Parents engaged in
their children’s learning
www.first5kids.org 5
Quality Rating & Improvement Systems (QRIS)
• A tier rating system based on programs meeting specific standards with requirements that increase as programs move up.
• Training and support for programs to
assess and improve the quality of their program.
• Information for parents to help make early learning program choices.
www.first5kids.org 7
Early Learning Challenge Grant
• Federal Grant Program(Dept of Ed & Dept of Health & Human Services)
2011 2012 2013
9 States 5 States TBD
$500 Million $133 Million $300 Million
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Early Learning Challenge Grant Focus
• Increase the number of young children in high quality early learning programs
• Focus on children who are in greatest need, including children from low-income families, children with special needs, and English Language Learners
• Design and implement integrated systems
www.first5kids.org 9
Race to the Top –ELC in California
• CA Received $52.6 million
• Jan 2012-Dec 2015
• 75% of funds to 17 Local Consortium*
• 16 counties with 1.9 million children under 5
• Focus on local QRISs
*2 in Los Angeles
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How it works
• CDE is CA Lead
• Local Partnerships (Consortium)
• Common Quality Continuum Framework (5 Level/Tier System)
• Local design, with statewide and regional coordination
www.first5kids.org 12
RTT in Santa Clara County
First 5 Santa Clara County was awarded $2.7M of funding spanning four fiscal years to:
• Design and launch an Early Care Quality Rating System in Santa Clara County with emphasis on “high needs” children
• Work with other Bay Area Counties to build a coordinated system
• Serve as a mentor to non RTT Bay Area Counties
www.first5kids.org 14
The Focus of RTT in Santa Clara County
• Develop a model for a Santa Clara County QRIS
• Pilot the QRIS with local programs:– Assessment– Quality Improvement Plans– Professional Development– Coaching and Mentoring
• Identify opportunities to expand the QRIS
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Uniquely Santa Clara County
Leadership & Vision
Early Learning Master Plan, SJ2020, Universal Preschool
Commitment & Investment in Quality
Child Signature, CARES, EDUCARE
Silicon Valley
Center of Innovation
Resource Opportunities
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The Opportunity
Use QRIS as a Framework for Systems Change
Lead the Way in Making Quality a Priority for all Children
Align the QRIS with Preschool Expansion
Mobilize investments in quality AND quality
www.first5kids.org 18
Contacts
Nicole O. Tanner, Ph.D.
RTT Consultant to First 5
650.832.1205
nicole@viva-strategy.com
Jolene Smith
Chief Executive Officer
First 5 Santa Clara County
408.260.3701
jolene@first5kids.org