What it Means
Programs in this Quality Level use the Quality Indicators to reflect on program practices and compile evidence of the indicators the program currently meets. Programs also use the indicators to help determine areas of improvement and create goals in the program’s Quality Improvement Plan. Programs must apply to access the Quality Indicators specific to their program offerings.
Why it’s Important
Quality improvement is a continuous process. The Quality Indicators were developed by experts and child care providers in Michigan based on research and best practice in the field of early care and education. Taking time to examine one’s program helps to highlight strengths and areas on which the program can make adjustments and improvements.
How to Apply
The application can be found in the Quality Improvement tab of the program’s Organization Profile in MiRegistry. The application confirms program and classroom information which creates a Self-Reflection with Quality Indicators specific to the program.
Eligibility
The program must have at least one child enrolled and currently attending the program.
Process
Review the information in the four (4) application sections: General Information, Licensing and Affiliations, Enrollment, and Staffing.
It is important to know if the program is a GSRP, Head Start or Early Head Start, serves schoolagers only, or if the program is NAEYC or NAFCC accredited.
Is the GSRP affiliation not showing in the Organization Profile on the Status tab? Please email the license number and program name to Validation@ecic4kids.org. The affiliation can be confirmed with the Michigan Department of Education-Office of Great Start and updated in the program’s profile.
Once all sections of the application are confirmed, select the Submit Application button (located at the bottom of the page).
Please contact your local Great Start to Quality Resource Center online or by calling 1-877-614-7328 if you need assistance.
How to Complete the Self-Reflection
Review each Quality Indicator carefully. Select the option that reflects current program practices.
Selection options now include:
- Currently meeting
- Not meeting at this time
- Not meeting at this time – Create a goal in the Quality Improvement Plan
- Not aligned to program philosophy
Upload documents to support Quality Indicators for which Currently meeting is selected. Once selections are made for every Quality Indicator and all evidence is uploaded, the program can submit the Self-Reflection.
Quality Indicators
Great Start to Quality uses 40 indicators to measure the overall quality that programs provide across five categories in the Self-Reflection.
Categories in the Self-Reflection:
- Family and Community Partnerships (FCP)
- Inclusive Practices (ICP)
- Curriculum, Instruction, and Learning Environment (Intentional Teaching Practices) (CIL)
- Professional Development (PD)
- Staff Qualifications (SQ)
Great Start to Quality is Michigan’s Quality Recognition and Improvement System (QRIS) that supports programs, while also helping families find and choose quality programs that meet their children’s needs.
The quality indicators are aligned with:
- Michigan’s Early Childhood Standards of Quality (ECSQ)
- National Association for the Education of Young Children (NAEYC)
- National Association for Family Child Care (NAFCC)
- National Accreditation Commission (NAC)
- Program for Infant Toddler Care (PITC)
- Classroom Assessment Scoring System® (CLASS)
- Environment Rating Scales (ERS)
Self-Assessment as Part of Self-Reflection
As part of the Self-Reflection there is an indicator to encourage programs to conduct a self-assessment using Environment Rating Scales or the Social Emotional Learning Program Quality Assessment. This is a great way to support quality improvement and prepare for On-Site Observation. A Quality Improvement Coach may review the results with the program to establish goals for improvement.
Quality Indicator Guidance Documents
The document is for planning and reflection purposes only and can help when completing the Self-Reflection. The document lists all the Quality Indicators, shares why they are measures of quality in early care and education programs, and lists examples of evidence of high-quality practices. It is intended to be a working document to use throughout the quality improvement process, however it is is not required.
Quality Indicator FAQ Documents
Have a question about the Quality Indicators? Find the answers in the FAQs.
Resources
As you plan for annual staff professional development, search for training in MiRegistry, and prepare for the submission of the Self-Reflection, use this quick reference tool. It can help you determine the professional development Quality Indicator topics in the Self-Reflection for each staff position.