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Over several years, Santa Clara County has been developing its approach to improving the quality of early childhood education in the county, based on the California’s Quality Rating and Improvement System (QRIS). Santa Clara County has established a robust assessment system that provides a clear and effective process for rating early childhood education sites. Santa Clara County is now focusing on strategies to improve quality at sites that have been rated by this process. By creating a systemic approach to quality improvement, areas that need additional support are prioritized.
QUALITY IMPROVEMENT PLANNING COMMUNITIES OF PRACTICE (QIP COP)
Each month early educators at sites rated through Quality Matters meet to focus on an element of California’s QRIS matrix (PDF). There are speakers and opportunities for early educators to discuss promising practices that their sites are using. Meetings include group discussions and one-on-one technical assistance to support sites in developing plans for quality improvement.
PLANNING WITH PARTNERS
Through participation in the Communities of Practice, partners can share expertise and learn from each other. This shared work can strengthen capacity across the county for improving learning opportunities for young children.
IPINWHEEL
iPinwheel is the online system where administrators at sites rated through Quailty Matters enter information, including quality improvement plans. Partners are working together to use the system for quality improvement planning, documentation and management.
Are you a Quality Matters administrator interested in sharing best practices at a Community of Practice meeting? Please contact WestEd at santaclaraqris@wested.org.
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