Ratings and QSSB
QSSB is a workforce development program designed to strengthen the early learning landscape through individualized assessment, tailored supports, and professional growth and networking opportunities for programs serving children zero to five. Eligible programs are defined as private centers, family child care homes, state preschools, transitional kindergarten, license-exempt settings, and alternative settings. Each site type is assessed and coached according to state-defined standards in three core areas: child development and school readiness, teacher qualifications, and overall program and environment, as outlined in the Quality Counts California Continuum Framework.
In addition to assessment and coaching, state preschools in QSSB also receive a formal quality rating. The rating is on a scale of one (emerging quality) to five (highest quality), based on the Framework elements and standards. Quality standards are high, and reaching "highest quality" is often a long-term process.
With the support of a QSSB coach and the creation of tailored improvement plans, all participants are able to create and meet their goals and achieve even greater levels of quality!
Key Takeaways
California state preschools will receive a rating that is based on the Quality Continuum Framework. Ratings are scheduled every 3-5 years after a preschool's initial rating. Every participating early education environment receives an individualized quality improvement plan, coaching, access to professional development, incentives, and other resources.
QUALITY START PROVIDER RATINGS
HIGHEST QUALITY
Far exceeds quality standards
QUALITY
Meets quality standards
EMERGING QUALITY
Committed to quality improvement
QUALITY PLUS
Exceeds quality standards
RISING QUALITY
Approaching quality standards
NO RATING
Program is enrolled in Quality Start but does not yet have a public rating
Types of child care and preschool programs
Center-based: A center setting often involves the care of larger groups of children in a commercial building. They are either owned and operated privately or associated with a larger corporation. They can be a part of a community center, religious organization, or non-profit.
Family Child Care: This is care offered from the home of a licensed provider. Many serve families with traditional and non-traditional schedules. Children may be of the same group, preschool age for example, or in mixed-age groups.
License-Exempt and Alternative Settings: License-exempt child care includes family, friend, and neighbor providers who are not legally required to hold a license. Alternative programs include community-based and school readiness programs.
State-Preschool: State preschools are free or low-cost programs for families who meet state income and family size criteria. These programs receive state funding and typically serve children 3 to 4 in preschool or pre-kindergarten classrooms.
Finding Child Care
When finding the right child care or preschool program for your family's needs, it's important to keep in mind that ratings are just one of several factors to consider. Click here for more information and download a Keys to Quality checklist to help inform your decision-making process.
