All Other Early Care And Education Programs

Quality Counts participants are rated on a 5 star scale by independent observers who complete rigorous training and reliability testing so that assessments are reliable and valid. Your program can earn stars for practices that are above licensing requirements in three areas:

Child development and school readiness
Teachers and teaching
Program and environment

Click here for more detail on the star rating system

What are the benefits to participating in Quality Counts?

Quality Counts participants work with a Quality Counts Coach to develop an individualized Quality Improvement Plan (QIP) to reach quality goals. Quality support may include:

Priority access to professional development opportunities. Providers who complete 21 hours of approved professional development qualify for a $350 stipend. Trainings include:

Center on the Social Emotional Foundations of Early Learning (CSEFEL)
Desired Results Developmental Profile (DRDP)
Classroom Assessment Scoring System (CLASS)
Ages and Stages Questionnaire (ASQ-3 and ASQ-SE2)
Environmental Rating Scales (ECERS-R, ITERS-R, FCERS-R)
Trauma Informed Care

Coaching may also be available in the following areas:

Program environment and structure, health and safety, learning opportunities for children (ERS)
Teacher child interactions and promoting children’s social and emotional development (CLASS and CSEFEL)
Universal developmental and social emotional screening using the Ages and Stages Questionnaire (ASQ)
Desired Results Developmental Profile (DRDP)

You’ll receive these additional benefits at the time of rating:

An ERS assessment
A CLASS assessment
Two versions of a rating report: one for sites to use for quality improvement guidance, and one to help families understand the site’s practices.
Two versions of a rating report: one for sites to use for quality improvement guidance, and one to help families understand the site’s practices.
- Family Child Care Providers only: Invitation to a Professional Learning Community with other QC Family Child Care providers
- Center directors and administrators only: Invitation to a Professional Learning Community with other QC directors and administrators
- Marketing materials such as window stickers and banners to advertise your participation in Quality Counts and your commitment to quality

What financial incentives do programs in Quality Counts receive?

Quality Improvement (QI) Grant (Annual)

TBD based on available resources.

Professional Development Stipend (annual)

$350 – Each individual participant who completes 21 hours of approved professional development

Re-Rating Reward (every 2 years)

AND:

$250 reward (for maintaining rating tier)
$500 for every tier increase

Quality Improvement (QI) Grant (Annual)

TBD based on available resources.

Professional Development Stipend (annual)

$350 – Each classroom staff who complete 21 hours of approved professional development

Re-Rating Reward (every 2 years)

AND:

$250 reward to maintain tier rating
$500 for every tier increase

Quality Improvement (QI) Grant (Annual)

TBD based on available resources.

Professional Development Stipend (annual)

$350 – Each classroom staff who complete 21 hours of approved professional development

Re-Rating Reward (every 2 years)

AND:

$250 reward to maintain tier rating
$500 for every tier increase

Quality Improvement (QI) Grant (Annual)	Professional Development Stipend (annual)	Re-Rating Reward (every 2 years)
TBD based on available resources.	$350 – Each individual participant who completes 21 hours of approved professional development	AND: $250 reward (for maintaining rating tier) $500 for every tier increase
	$350 – Each classroom staff who complete 21 hours of approved professional development	AND: $250 reward to maintain tier rating $500 for every tier increase
	$350 – Each classroom staff who complete 21 hours of approved professional development	AND: $250 reward to maintain tier rating $500 for every tier increase

Quality Improvement (QI) Grant (Annual)

Professional Development Stipend (annual)

Re-Rating Reward (every 2 years)

TBD based on available resources.

$350 – Each individual participant who completes 21 hours of approved professional development

AND:

$250 reward (for maintaining rating tier)
$500 for every tier increase

$350 – Each classroom staff who complete 21 hours of approved professional development

AND:

$250 reward to maintain tier rating
$500 for every tier increase

$350 – Each classroom staff who complete 21 hours of approved professional development

AND:

$250 reward to maintain tier rating
$500 for every tier increase

* Grant, reward and stipend levels may change and are subject to availability of funding.

How long can I participate in Quality Counts?

On an ongoing basis! As you move up the star rating, the kinds of services you are eligible for may change.

How do I apply?

The application period is closed. Please check back for future updates and sign up for the First 5 Alameda County FYI newsletter.