Quality Counts Agency Application

Transcription

1 WHAT IS A QUALITY RATING AND IMPROVEMENT SYSTEM (QRIS)? A Quality Rating and Information System is a method to assess, improve and communicate the level of quality in early care and education settings 1. The main goal of Quality Counts is to improve the quality of early care and education so that more children with high needs are attending quality programs. Quality Counts includes: A tiered rating system based on programs meeting specific standards with requirements that increase as programs rise through the tiers; Training and support for programs to assess and improve the quality of their program; and Information for parents to help make early learning program choices. The quality standards that Alameda County Quality Counts participants are assessed against are determined by the California Quality Continuum Framework that includes quality standards in three core areas: Core Areas I. Child Development and School Readiness II. Teachers and Teaching III. Program and Environment Elements Assessed Child Observation Developmental and Health Screenings Minimum Qualifications for Lead Teacher/Family Child Care Home (FCCH) Effective Teacher-Child Interactions: CLASS Assessments Ratios and Group Size (Centers Only) Program Environment Rating Scales (ECERS-R, ITERS-R, FCCERS-R Director Qualifications (Centers Only) WHAT ARE THE BENEFITS TO PARTICIPATING IN QUALITY COUNTS? Each participating agency receives a free assessment of every eligible site s program practices in each core area. This assessment includes Environmental Rating Scale (ERS) and Classroom Learning, Assessment and Scoring System (CLASS) assessments completed by an independent observer as well as a review/validation of information provided in a QRIS portfolio. This assessment informs the program s quality improvement efforts. After receiving an initial quality rating, participating agencies receive a Roadmap which lists the next steps required to maintain (for sites that receive a 5 rating) or increase their tier rating. Sites that have not yet been rated are considered Provisional Tier 1. 1 Mitchell, Anne W. Developing Quality Care Systems for Early Education. United Way Report, 2005 Quality Counts Application

2 Participating agencies may also receive one or more of the following benefits depending on site level needs and qualifications (rating): Quality Counts Benefit Quality Improvement Plan (QIP) An agency specific QIP details step-by-step strategies for staff to implement to achieve the site s quality goals. Quality Improvement Plans are informed by the Roadmap and developed with the technical assistance and support of a Quality Counts staff person for Tiers 1-3. QIPs are developed internally for Tiers 4 and 5. On-Site Coaching Support for the site supervisor, director, family child care owner and teaching staff to support the implementation of the individualized QIP (please note that availability of coaching is dependent upon staffing and financial resources). Quality Improvement Grant 1-3 Rating 4-5 Rating Per classroom grant to obtain quality-enhancing supplies, materials, and professional development activities that support the QIP (*available in only for Tiers 4 and 5). * Professional Development Training Allocation Previously known as the AB212 training allocation, these grant funds support professional development aligned to the QIP, roadmap or self-assessment. Quality Reward Unrestricted reward funds issued only to sites rated 4 or 5. Quality Counts Stipends For individual staff to pursue unit-bearing courses to increase their educational attainment and/or for staff to participate in professional development activities Biennial Re-Rating A re-rating based on the quality elements every two years to document quality improvements and provide information to use in communication with prospective families. Quality Counts Application

3 ELIGIBILITY To be eligible for participation in Quality Counts, an ECE site must: Be a Title V licensed child care facility center based, or a Licensed Family Child Care (FCC) Home that serves Title V preschool-aged children through an arrangement with a Title V contractor. Be a facility that currently does not have or in the past 12 months has not had any of the following actions with the California Department of Social Services Community Care Licensing Division: 1) A non-compliance conference 2) An administrative action taken or in the process of being taken 3) A probationary license Have a desire to make quality improvements consistent with the California Quality Continuum Framework and Professional Development Pathways (attached). PARTICIPATING AGENCY/PROGRAM REQUIREMENTS Administrative Oversight and Management Participating agencies/programs will: Designate a Project Manager(s) as the primary liaison between participating agency/program and Quality Counts staff. Ensure all site and agency level management staff are aware of Quality Counts requirements. Provide mid-year and end-of-year reports using the established procedure and in accordance with established timeline for reporting. Maintain accurate documentation of spending for Quality Counts Training Allocation and Quality Improvement Funds. Collect required data and enter online for enrolled staff and consultants. Attend four (4) project management meetings, dates listed below. # Meeting Purpose Date Time 1 Project Orientation Tuesday, September 15, :30am 4:00pm 2 Project Check-in Tuesday, January 5, :30am 12:30pm 3 Project Check-in Tuesday, March 15, :30am 12:30pm 4 Project Closing and Evaluation Tuesday, May 3, :30am 4:00pm Quality Counts Application

4 Quality Assessment and Rating of Sites Participating agencies/programs will: Be rated on the Quality Continuum Framework, which includes allowing the Quality Counts Rater to make a site visit to validate information or documents needed for certain elements of the Quality Continuum Framework. Meet with the Quality Counts Navigator and Site Supervisor(s) (if agency has multiple sites) to learn about each site s rating results based on Quality Continuum Framework. Create a Quality Counts Agency Plan. Plans will be developed based on an existing Quality Improvement Plan, an existing Quality Counts Roadmap, and the needs compiled from the staff assessment forms, site-specific goals, and overarching agency goals. (If participating agency is a single-site agency with an existing Quality Improvement Plan, this document will function as the Agency Plan.) Develop a Quality Improvement Plan (QIP) in collaboration with Quality Counts staff, or independently if needed, for each site. Participate in recommended quality improvement activities to accomplish QIP goals within a 2- year period (based on a site s rating). This may entail site staff meeting with a Quality Counts coach/consultant on a regular basis for a minimum of two hours per meeting. Frequency will be determined based on individual needs and may range from weekly to quarterly. Agree to allow independent assessors associated with Quality Counts to observe/assess selected classrooms/the FCC site. Grant Management: Quality Counts Training Allocation Participating agencies/programs will: Use Training Allocation funds to offer professional development hours, in alignment to Quality Counts Agency Plan, to participating staff. Participating QRIS rated sites will receive consultation from the Quality Navigator when necessary. Coordinate and/or facilitate sufficient training opportunities to enable all enrolled staff to attain 21-hours of professional development. Maintain accurate and detailed documentation of all spending in accordance with grant reporting protocol detailed in Quality Counts Agency Binder. If the expenditures exceed the funding amount allocated, agency is liable for overage expenses. If agency is fiscally managed, comply with payment request protocol as detailed in Quality Counts Agency Binder. Maintain accurate documentation of all hours earned by enrolled staff. Refer to Quality Counts Agency Binder for acceptable documentation. Quality Counts Application

5 Grant Management: Quality Improvement Funding Allocation Participating agencies/programs will: Use Quality Improvement Funds to cover materials, facilities, technology and/or leave time for participating classrooms. Maintain accurate and detailed documentation of all spending in accordance with grant reporting protocol detailed in Quality Counts Agency Binder. If the expenditures exceed the funding amount allocated, agency is liable for overage expenses. If agency is fiscally managed, comply with payment request protocol as detailed in Quality Counts Agency Binder. Quality Counts Conference Support coordination of the Quality Counts Conference March 5, 2016 at Chabot College, Hayward, CA. Additional Requirements Participating agencies/programs will: Sign a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU), assuring that each participating site will remain in operation for the two year duration of participation in QRIS. Agree to be rated every two years. Allow final ratings to be published. Provide First 5 Alameda County (F5AC) with self-reported race/ethnicity/language information for the site staff and children enrolled at the ECE site. Children s names will NOT be attached to this information; however, per state data entry requirements, teachers names will be used with said self-reported information. All teacher and child data will be maintained according to applicable confidentiality standards and are never shared as part of the site s rating Annually submit additional information on the educational level of staff, sites and children. Carry a minimum of $300,000 general liability insurance, with First 5 Alameda County and Alameda County listed as additional insured for the entire duration of the Block Grant Program term. Insurance must be purchased on an annual basis and submitted to First 5 Alameda County. Quality Counts Application

6 PROJECT REPORTING AND ENROLLMENT TIMELINE Documentation Submit To Due Date Quality Counts Agency Application and Site Level Applications First 5 July 31, 2015 Quality Improvement Funds Application First 5 July 31, 2015 Quality Counts Staff Agreements for all enrolled staff First 5 September 6, 2015 Quality Counts Training Allocation Award Letter signed and CalSAC returned September 30, 2015 Quality Counts Fiscal Management Contract signed and CalSAC returned to CalSAC (if applicable) September 30, 2015 CDE Long Forms for all enrolled staff entered online Online December 2015 Signed and dated 2015 W9 tax forms for all enrolled staff CalSAC submitted to CalSAC February 2015 Agency Mid Year Report Due report of spending to date for CalSAC Quality Counts Training Allocation and Quality Improvement February 5, 2016 Funds Agency Final Report Due complete report of spending for CalSAC Quality Counts Training Allocation and Quality Improvement May 27, 2015 Funds HOW TO APPLY The completed application packet and all supplemental information and documents must be ed to Lara.Santos-Fernandez@first5alameda.org OR hand-delivered by 5:00 PM on 07/31/2015 to: First 5 Alameda County ATTN: Sonia Gonzalez-Garcia 1115 Atlantic Avenue Alameda, CA If you need assistance in completing this application or have any questions, please contact Mary Anne Doan, QRIS Administrator, at (510) or Maryanne.Doan@First5Alameda.org. Please note that First 5 Alameda County and the Alameda County ECE Program reserve the right to approve applicants for participation in Quality Counts and may limit the number of participants or discontinue services due to availability of funding and/or staffing capacity. Applicants will be Notified of their Award Status by 08/31/2015. Applicants who are not approved may contact Mary Anne Doan, QRIS Admnistrator, at (510) to discuss the reasons for denial. Applicants may re-apply subject to available funding. Quality Counts Application

7 AGENCY CONTACT INFORMATION Please complete the following agency level information. Agency Contact Information Agency Name: Address: City: Zip: Executive Director/CEO Name: Address: Phone: Project Manager Name: Address: Phone: Cell Phone: Fax: Additional Project Manager Information (if applicable) Project Manager Name: Address: Phone: Cell Phone: Project Manager Name: Address: Phone: Cell Phone: Project Manager Name: Address: Phone: Cell Phone: Quality Counts Application

8 SUMMARY INFORMATION Site Summary Total # of Sites at Agency: Total # of Sites in each Sub Category: Classroom Summary Total # of Classrooms at Agency: Staff Summary Infant/Toddler: Birth to five only: Preschool: School-Age Care only: School-Age Care: Total # of Staff at Agency/Program (Includes all Teachers, Teacher Aides, Floaters, Directors and Site Supervisors regardless of age group they work with): Total # of Staff at Agency/Program ELIGIBLE for Quality Counts (if you only serve preschoolers, this number will be the same as above): Mixed: Total # of Staff at Program/Agency who have completed a Quality Counts Participant Agreement Form: ECE: SAC: ADDITIONAL AGENCY INFORMATION How will you ensure that you and your staff will be able to participate in QRIS (i.e. have time for weekly meetings with the coaches or consultants, have the ability to make changes in your program, etc.)? Participation in QRIS may include participating in weekly coaching, implementing ASQ screenings, and/or teachers enrolling in college courses, attending trainings in the community or participating in online trainings. Quality Counts Application

9 Do you anticipate any barriers to participating in any of the above-mentioned activities? Enrolled agencies/programs are responsible for sharing with all staff the following information: The intent of QRIS and Quality Counts Elements included in the QRIS The site supervisor, director or owner s expectations for participation Enrolling agencies/programs are responsible for ensuring all staff clearly understand participating in Quality Counts means: 1. They may have assessors/observers in their classroom(s). 2. They will be rated on the ERS and CLASS if their classroom is selected. 3. Their transcripts and other documents may be submitted to the QRIS Rater if they are a lead teacher. 4. They may be asked to participate in coaching meetings and/or further pursue training and education opportunities to advance their education level after the program is rated. Have you provided the above information to all staff at your agency? Yes No How did the staff respond? Describe your agency s current staff meeting structure. How will this structure facilitate the necessary on-going communication and meetings that will be a part of the QRIS activities? Does your agency provide feedback to staff on a regular basis? Yes No Quality Counts Application

10 If yes, please describe the process and frequency of feedback (e.g. regularly scheduled meetings, unscheduled/as needed meetings, bi-annual performance review, etc.) Does staff have the opportunity to provide their supervisor and/administration with input? Yes No If yes, please describe the process and frequency of input (e.g. regularly during meetings, suggestion box, annual survey) Quality Counts Application

11 AGENCY TOP 6 TRAINING GOALS Please indicate the top six (6) training topics for your agency and staff select two (2) training topics under each QRIS priority area. For School-Age Care (SAC) programs, write in your top 3 professional development priorities. Child and School Readiness: Classroom Assessment and Scoring System (CLASS) Ages and Stages Questionnaire (ASQ)/ASQ Social Emotional (ASQ-SE) Center on the Social Emotional Foundations for Learning (CSEFEL) Program Assessment Rating Scale (PARS) Program for Infant and Toddler Care (PITC) Other: Teachers and Teaching: CLASS Coaching and Learning Communities Making the Most of CLASSroom Interactions (MMCI) Advanced CLASS Coaching by Focus Area (math, science, arts, etc.) The Developing and Seasoned ECE Professional - a learning series on quality Foundation and Frameworks Administration and Leadership Coaching in English Language Learners (ELL) Coaching in Desired Results Developmental Profile (DRDP) Coaching in Environmental Rating Scales (ERS) Other: Program and Environments: Environmental Rating Scales Health and Safety Greening Preschools Other: School-Age Care (SAC) Professional Development Priorities: Quality Counts Application

12 AGENCY PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT GOALS MIN 2, MAX 4 (ONE GOAL PER PAGE) Description of Goal: Goal 1 Date to complete this PD Training(s) with staff: What specific skills or knowledge in this topic area are needed? Measuring Your Success: How will you evaluate progress? What changes will you notice in your agency/staff when this goal or aspects of it have been achieved? Action Steps: Identify actions to take in order to achieve this goal. (e.g. finalize training budget, collect participant , etc.). Dates/ Deadlines (tentative) Barriers: List possible barriers and obstacles to achieving goals. Solutions: Brainstorm ways to overcome barriers. Quality Counts Application

13 AGENCY PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT GOALS MIN 2, MAX 4 (ONE GOAL PER PAGE) Description of Goal: Goal 2 Date to complete this PD Training(s) with staff: What specific skills or knowledge in this topic area are needed? Measuring Your Success: How will you evaluate progress? What changes will you notice in your agency/staff when this goal or aspects of it have been achieved? Action Steps: Identify actions to take in order to achieve this goal. (e.g. finalize training budget, collect participant , etc.). Dates/ Deadlines (tentative) Barriers: List possible barriers and obstacles to achieving goals. Solutions: Brainstorm ways to overcome barriers. Quality Counts Application

14 AGENCY PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT GOALS MIN 2, MAX 4 (ONE GOAL PER PAGE) Description of Goal: Goal 3 Date to complete this PD Training(s) with staff: What specific skills or knowledge in this topic area are needed? Measuring Your Success: How will you evaluate progress? What changes will you notice in your agency/staff when this goal or aspects of it have been achieved? Action Steps: Identify actions to take in order to achieve this goal. (e.g. finalize training budget, collect participant , etc.). Dates/ Deadlines (tentative) Barriers: List possible barriers and obstacles to achieving goals. Solutions: Brainstorm ways to overcome barriers. Quality Counts Application

15 AGENCY PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT GOALS MIN 2, MAX 4 (ONE GOAL PER PAGE) Description of Goal: Goal 4 Date to complete this PD Training(s) with staff: What specific skills or knowledge in this topic area are needed? Measuring Your Success: How will you evaluate progress? What changes will you notice in your agency/staff when this goal or aspects of it have been achieved? Action Steps: Identify actions to take in order to achieve this goal. (e.g. finalize training budget, collect participant , etc.). Dates/ Deadlines (tentative) Barriers: List possible barriers and obstacles to achieving goals. Solutions: Brainstorm ways to overcome barriers. Quality Counts Application

16 SITE LEVEL APPLICATION Please complete the Quality Counts Site Enrollment Application for EACH participating site. This form is available online: QUALITY IMPROVEMENT FUNDS APPLICATION The Quality Improvement Grant for Quality Counts sites can be used for expenses in the following four categories: 1) Materials 2) Facility repairs or enhancements 3) Technology and electronics 4) Professional development and release time Please complete the Quality Improvement Funds Application for Quality Counts Classrooms. This form is available online: Below are some ideas for use of funds. Please note this list is not exhaustive and a more detailed list is located within the QIF Application. You may consult with Quality Counts staff for additional ideas. Category Materials Space and Furnishings Personal Care Routines Language and Literacy Not Allowed: Books with cartoon characters (Power Rangers, Disney characters, etc.) Activities (Indoor) Not Allowed: Consumable materials (glue, paint, paper, crayons, markers) Activities (Outdoor) Health and Safety Meals and Snacks Facility Indoor Repairs/Enhancements Outdoor Technology and Electronics Staff Professional Development Expenses Ideas Tablets (to utilize DRDP Tech, ASQ Online), Computers, Music player Upgrade to internet system Digital camera/video recorder for documentation of children s work Not allowed: Televisions Registration costs for staff to attend trainings/workshops Higher education coursework Release time for staff to attend Professional Development activity Quality Counts Application

17 SUBMISSION OF APPLICATION PACKET The completed application packet and all supplemental information and documents must be ed to or hand-delivered by 5:00 PM on 07/31/2015 to: First 5 Alameda County ATTN: Sonia Gonzalez-Garcia 1115 Atlantic Avenue Alameda, CA Complete Quality Counts applications must include: Application Component Digital Version Complete Quality Counts Agency Application Basic Information Agency Goals Improvement Grant Request Copy of Insurance Quality Counts Site Information Packet(s) one per site Basic Information Site Self-Assessment Licensing Clearance Form Copy of All Site Licenses Quality Counts Staff Information Packets Basic Information Staff Agreements (one for each enrolled staff) Additional resources: Resource Digital Version Complete Memorandum of Understanding (Sample only. An individual MOU will be given to your Agency for signature after we have received your application.) Quality Continuum Framework NOTE: This will be used until December NOTE: The updated matrix will be used after December Professional Development Pathways FINAL_CQI_Pathways_- _CoreTools_Resources_w_hyperlinks_ pdf Quality Counts Portfolio _FINAL_with_Current_Matrix_Used_ pdf Quality Counts Application

18 PLEASE READ AND USE THE FOLLOWING CSPP QUALITY COUNTS FAQ SHEET AS A REFERENCE AND KEEP A COPY OF THIS DOCUMENT IN YOUR SITE AT ALL TIMES. CSPP QUALITY COUNTS FAQ SHEET What is Quality Counts? Quality Counts is a new program that rates, supports and rewards early childhood and education programs by integrating two important quality efforts in Alameda County: the professional development support program AB212 and the Quality Rating Improvement System (QRIS). AB212 is funding for state subsidized (Title V) programs and is aimed at building a skilled and stable early care and education workforce. The Quality Rating Improvement System (QRIS) is intended to improve the quality of early care and education (ECE) for children. Sites that participate in Quality Counts receive a rating of their site and detailed assessment information about their site s progress against quality standards. The incentives and support available to a program for quality improvement will vary depending upon the rating and type of program. What is the Quality Rating Improvement System? The Quality Rating Improvement System (QRIS) is intended to improve the quality of early care and education for children by measuring the current quality of ECE programs. California s QRIS uses a Quality Framework Hybrid Matrix 2, built on research-based standards, to rate programs along seven quality elements. These include child observation, developmental and health screenings, qualifications for lead teacher and director, teacher-child interactions, program environment, and group size and ratio. Programs receive a Tier rating of 1-5, with Tiers 4 and 5 indicating a High Quality Program, and Tiers 1, 2, or 3 indicating an Emerging Quality Program. Who is eligible for Quality Counts? All California State Preschool Programs (CSPP) are eligible to participate in Quality Counts. If additional funding is secured, more ECE programs may be eligible in future years. What are the benefits to CSPPs participating in Quality Counts? Every CSPP site that participates gets a free review of its program and a Quality Counts rating, including: An Environmental Rating Scale (ERS) assessment of selected classrooms A Classroom Learning, Assessment and Scoring System (CLASS) assessment of selected classrooms A review of program progress in areas such as child observation, developmental and health screenings, lead teacher and director qualifications, and ratio and group size A Quality Counts Roadmap which lists the steps required to maintain (for Tier 5) or improve (for Tiers 1-4) their rating 2 NOTE: This matrix will be used until December 2016.The updated matrix will be used after December CSPP Block Grant FAQ

19 What is the CSPP Quality Rating and Improvement System (CSPP-QRIS) Block Grant? The CSPP-QRIS Block Grant is an allocation of $50 million of State Proposition 98 funds for the support of a local early learning Quality Rating Improvement System (QRIS) that will increase the number of low-income children in high-quality California State Preschool Programs (CSPP). The QRIS uses a Quality Framework Hybrid Matrix to rate preschool sites and give them a Tier rating of 1-5. The Block Grant is intended to rate and reward CSPP sites that receive a High Quality Rating (Tier 4 or 5) and to rate and support CSPP sites that receive an Emerging Quality Rating (Tier 1, 2, or 3) in efforts to improve quality. In Alameda County, the program to rate, support and reward programs using the QRIS and AB212 is called Quality Counts. Why should my site apply to participate this year? In 2015, fewer California counties are participating in the QRIS Block Grant, so more funds are available to Alameda County. In future years, more counties will participate and Alameda County s allocations will decrease. This means that quality rewards and quality improvement grants will be higher in 2015 than they will be in future years. In 2015 only, CSPP programs may receive both quality rewards and quality improvement grants. After 2015, CSPP programs will be eligible to receive either a Quality Reward (Tiers 4 and 5) or a Quality Improvement Grant (Tiers 1, 2 and 3). What kind of grants and rewards can CSPP programs in Quality Counts receive? Possible grants, rewards and resources are based on a site s QRIS rating. A site with a rating of High Quality (Tier 4 or 5) will receive: An annual Quality Reward based on enrollment of children receiving a CSPP subsidy. Quality Rewards for sites whose ratings are completed by November 2015 are estimated at: o Tier 4 -- A $200 base reward plus an additional $480 for each full day CSPP enrolled child. o Tier 5 A $200 base reward plus an additional $528 for each full day CSPP enrolled child. For children enrolled in part-day CSPP programs the Quality Reward calculation will be adjusted to.6172 of the full day rate. An annual $350/teacher professional development stipend for teachers who complete 21 hours of qualifying professional development. A one-time only Quality Improvement Grant for each CSPP classroom to be used for materials, facilities, professional development or technology. An annual training allocation for professional development aligned to the site s quality goals. A site with a rating of Emerging Quality (Tier 1, 2, or 3), will receive: An annual Quality Improvement Grant. o This grant can be used for materials, facilities, professional development, or technology o Sites will receive an equal amount (to be determined) for each classroom where CSPP children are enrolled. An annual $350/teacher professional development stipend for teachers who complete 21 hours of qualifying professional development. An annual training allocation for professional development aligned to the site s quality goals. CSPP Block Grant FAQ

20 Will the Quality Reward amount be the same every year? No. As more counties participate, Alameda County will receive a smaller share of the state funding. As more sites receive High Quality ratings, our available funding will have to be distributed among more programs. We anticipate that when all counties are participating and all sites are high quality, the reward amounts will stabilize at approximately $200 per full-time enrolled CSPP child. If my site is rated Emerging Quality (Tier 1, 2 or 3) what kind of coaching and technical assistance could I receive? All Emerging Quality sites will receive: A QRIS Road Map indicating the rating for each element of the Quality Framework and what is required to move to the next Tier. Support to develop an individualized Quality Improvement Plan (QIP) detailing step-by-step strategies to achieve the site s quality goals. Depending on the details of the QIP, sites may be eligible to receive a variety of coaching and specialty consultation. Training for professional development that aligns with the QIP. Professional development stipends for individual staff who complete 21 hours of qualifying professional development. A coach to support the program s quality improvement strategies, and to provide guidance in areas of health and safety, environments and materials, and program structure. If needed, specialty consultation that might include mental health consultation, CLASS coaching, business and fiscal support, training in the CSEFEL (Center on the Social and Emotional Foundations for Early Learning) model, or technical assistance and training to implement universal developmental and social emotional screening using the Ages and Stage Questionnaire (ASQ). When will my site be rated again? Every site participating in the CSPP Quality Counts program will be re-rated every two years. How long can I participate in Quality Counts? The main goal of Quality Counts is to support all participating sites to reach high quality. If, after re-rating, an Emerging Quality site receives a Tier rating of 2 or 3, but continues to make improvements, it can continue to receive Quality Counts services and supports during the next two year rating cycle. Sites with Tier ratings of 4 or 5 will continue to receive assessments, ratings and Quality Rewards on an ongoing basis as long as funding is available. What if my rating changes? If your rating moves from Emerging Quality (Tier 1, 2 or 3) to High Quality (Tier 4 or 5) you will be eligible to receive the supports associated with High Quality sites (see previous section). If your rating moves from High Quality (Tier 4 or 5) to Emerging Quality (Tier 1, 2 or 3), you will be eligible to receive the supports associated with Emerging Quality sites (see previous section). My site participated in the RTT Pilot Program. Can I apply for the CSPP Quality Counts Block Grant? Yes, as long as your site has a CSPP contract and serves CSPP children. CSPP Block Grant FAQ

21 How do we apply? The application, along with instructions on how to download and submit the application, is available on the First 5 Alameda County, the County ECE Program, and CalSAC s websites. Your single Quality Counts application will be for both QRIS and AB212. What is the application deadline? CSPP sites must submit applications by Friday, July 31, Applicants will be notified of their award status by mid-september. Where can I get more information and/or help with the application? For all other questions, please contact Mary Anne Doan, QRIS Administrator, at (510) or Maryanne.Doan@first5alameda.org or LaWanda Wesley, Quality Improvement Navigator, at (510) or Lawanda.wesley@acgov.org. CSPP Block Grant FAQ