Www.first5kids.org Race to the Top Early Learning Challenge Grant Santa Clara Universal Preschool...

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


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


Elements of Quality

Qualified teachers

Curriculum aligned with standards

Positive learning

environment

Parents engaged in

their children’s learning


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.


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


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


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


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


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


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


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


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


Questions


Contacts

Nicole O. Tanner, Ph.D.

RTT Consultant to First 5

650.832.1205

[email protected]

Jolene Smith

Chief Executive Officer

First 5 Santa Clara County

408.260.3701

[email protected]

mailto:[email protected]

mailto:[email protected]

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