Toward Integration: State Approaches to Head Start Partnering in Quality Rating and Improvement Systems
Quality Rating and Improvement Systems are rapidly evolving from a child care- focused approach to one that is seeking to embrace a multiplicity of early learning programs including Head Start. The Race to the Top-Early Learning Challenge (RTT-ELC) included a specific focus on using QRISs for all early learning programs and, more recently, in the issuance of revised performance standards for Head Start, the Office of Head Start made its strongest statement of support yet for integrating Head Start and QRISs. Integrating Head Start and QRISs is key to addressing the growing need for quality Early Care and Education (ECE) settings. This report looks at five states with different integration approaches - Arkansas, Montana, Oregon, Illinois and North Carolina – and explores the lessons learned from these diverse models.
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Empowering the Early Childhood Workforce with the Environment Rating Scales Using LearnERS
Archived Webinar March 20, 2023
The ECE workforce is facing a staffing crisis and needs support. During this webinar, a panel of experts from Arkansas, New Jersey, and Rhode Island shared how they use LearnERS to support and empower the ECE workforce.
About BUILD
Report February 1, 2023
The BUILD Initiative is a national effort that advances state work on behalf of young children (prenatal through five), their families, and communities. BUILD staff partner with early childhood state leaders focused on early learning, health and nutrition, mental health, child welfare, and family support and engagement to create the policies, infrastructure, and cross-sector connections necessary for quality and equity. BUILD provides consultation, planning, and tailored implementation assistance, learning opportunities, resources, and cross-state peer exchanges. These efforts help state leaders improve and expand access to quality and promote equitable outcomes for our youngest children.
Incorporating Montessori Programs in State Quality Improvement Systems Webinar Resources
Archived Meeting Resources January 31, 2023
States are making significant advancements in their quality improvement systems (QIS) as they look for solutions to widen the aperture and fully embrace a mixed-delivery system that will best serve children, families, and the early care and education workforce. To achieve this, QIS policies need to become more flexible and create different pathways to quality, including a variety of established, high-quality delivery models. In this session participants heard how Montessori programs are working with state leaders from Illinois, Michigan, and Washington to be part of the QIS.