Early Educators, Child-Care Homes & Centers In Solano Co. Encouraged To Sign Up For Rating Program

SOLANO COUNTY, CA – The Solano Quality Early Learning Consortium is currently accepting applications for participation in the Solano Quality Rating and Improvement System, a program used throughout California and the United States to improve quality of early care and education programs through on-site coaching and technical assistance, professional development, observation and resources.

The Solano QRIS enables providers to assess, improve the level of quality in their programs, as well as offer program incentives and ongoing support.

Along with coaching, training and resources, each site enrolling in QRIS will receive a $500 participation incentive and may qualify for quality improvement reimbursements. Early care and education sites will be selected for formal assessment and rating and then become eligible for additional block grants of $3,500 to $5,000.

All licensed and license-exempt providers in Solano County serving children ages 0-5 years, including family child care homes, private and state-funded centers, state preschool programs, Head Start/Early Head Start, and migrant child development programs, are eligible to apply.

The Solano QRIS was launched in May by the Solano County Office of Education, in collaboration with First 5 Solano and other community partners, and is funded by the California Department of Education State Preschool QRIS Block Grants, the Infant/Toddler QRIS Block Grant, and the First 5 Improve and Maximize Programs so All Children Thrive (IMPACT) Grant, and is managed by the Solano Quality Early Learning Consortium.

Through participation in Solano QRIS, early learning providers ensure better outcomes for children, families, and the community.

According to Lisette Estrella-Henderson, Associate Superintendent of Student Programs and Educational
Services, “For years, we have known that waiting until kindergarten is too late to begin extending educational
opportunities to all children, especially children with high needs. By increasing the number of children, including infants and toddlers, in high-quality programs over time, research indicates these efforts will result in a significant reduction in the achievement gap.”

Studies confirm that readiness and achievement disparities can be documented long before children enter kindergarten. Research has also shown how to design high-quality early education programs that will enable all children to build a solid foundation for school success and lifelong learning.

Ratings are based on elements such as environment, teacher-child interaction, physical and emotional health, and nutrition and safety.

For an application or additional information, contact Lisa Eckhoff at Solano County Office of Education, 707-399-4407, leckhoff@SolanoCOE.net.

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