The QCC County Program Profile provides county data from the Common Data File (CDF) and the Annual Progress Report (APR). For counties that are a part of a consortium, the QCC County Program Profile provides a combined view of the CDF and APR. Both qualitative and quantitative data are presented to provide a local view of early learning and care climate.

Quality Counts in Solano Early Care and Education, Solano County’s Quality Rating and Improvement System (QRIS), is funded by the California Department of Education through the California State Preschool Program, Quality Counts California and Preschool Development, and Migrant QRIS Block Grants and the First 5 California IMPACT Grant. Quality Counts is a combined system serving State Preschool Programs, family child care providers, and private/nonprofit center-based providers. Since July 2015, more than 70 sites have been enrolled and are currently receiving support to improve quality. Coaching focused on collaboratively developed Quality Improvement Plans (QIPs) aligned with the Quality Continuum Framework (QCF) and a robust system of professional development for all providers are the primary strategies for improving the quality of programs. Sites receive coaching support based on the site Self-Assessment Questionnaire, coach observations, collaboration with the site director and staff, and assessments like the Environment Rating Scale (ERS) and Classroom Assessment Scoring System (CLASS). In addition, QRIS staff are available to guide providers’ work and participation in continuous quality improvement. Participating CSPP sites rated as Tier 4 or Tier 5 are awarded local QRIS Block Grants ranging from $3,500 to $5,000. All sites receive a one-time $500 Participation Stipend and become eligible for up to $1,000 in quality enhancement reimbursement every other year. Solano County Office of Education, in collaboration with the California Preschool Instructional Network (CPIN), has scheduled a series of workshops on the California Preschool Curriculum Framework and Learning Foundations covering a variety of content areas. Additional workshops are being scheduled to guide teachers in improving the learning environments, administering student assessments, and utilizing the CLASS and ERS assessment tools to inform their practices.

• CDE Local Consortium Partnerships Grant (LCPG)
• CSPP/QCC-PDGR/Migrant QRIS Block Grants
• First 5 IMPACT

• First 5 County Commission
• Fairfield-Suisun Unified School District
• Solano Community College
• Brandman University
• Children’s Network and Local Child Care Planning Council
• Solano Family & Children’s Services
• Child Start, Inc.
• Child Development, Inc.

Quality Counts (QC) Solano has seen great success with recruitment of new providers, especially with many of the family child care (FCC) and private center participants being referred by the local resource and referral agency, Child Care Initiative Project (CCIP) coordinator, Solano Licensed FCC Association, and Child Start, Inc. At least one QC Solano staff member frequently attends meetings of these groups to introduce the program. Typically, recruitment takes place throughout the year. Once a provider submits an Application for Participation, onboarding is usually accomplished within two to four weeks. We have a well-defined process for enrolling programs in the QRIS and beginning coaching, technical assistance, and professional development support within six weeks.

Quality Counts (QC) Solano has leveraged funds from several sources and partnered with local and regional organizations to offer an extensive menu of high-quality professional learning opportunities. Workshops are selected based on our community of providers’ needs, specific requests, and hot topics and relevance to children served by Solano providers. All of the participating sites receive leveled coaching support based on several factors, including rating at 4 or higher, etc. Along with coaching on the tools included in the Rating Matrix, QC Solano has aligned its coaching with trainings that are offered with emphasis on assisting staff with implementation of the strategies and practices learned in the workshops.

In addition to local block grants for initial ratings and a reduced amount for re-ratings, Quality Counts Solano offers a one-time $500 participation award to sites after they enroll and complete specific requirements. After each site has developed the required quality improvement goals, each is eligible to receive up to $1,000 reimbursement for quality improvement expenditures. This is offered every other year. Instructional materials incentives are also provided to participants in alignment with the workshops they attend and the suggestions of their coaches.

Quality Counts Solano is honored to be able to support over 70 early learning programs in Solano County through onsite coaching, program goal development, incentives, and access to high-quality early learning professional development. Through these efforts and supports, State Preschool Programs, private centers, Head Start/Early Head Start programs, and family child care providers have participated in the rating process. The quality of these programs was recognized through QRIS ratings of 3 or higher. In preparation for rating, sites worked diligently with their early learning coaches to develop program goals aligned with the elements on the Rating Matrix. As evidence of success in the ratings process, programs have implemented the use of the ASQ system and the Desired Results Developmental Profile (DRDP). A Family Child Care Provider shared: It’s a wonderful feeling knowing that I can offer a program that makes a huge impact on families in my community. An Administrator shared: Our district is so grateful for the high-quality professional development provided by Quality Counts Solano. We would never be able to offer this level of training, especially like CSEFEL Teaching Pyramid with coaching support provided by Quality Counts. A Teacher shared: As an early childhood professional, I can honestly say that the workshops sponsored by the Solano County Office of Education and Quality Counts have taught me so much about welcoming and supporting all children in my classroom. My colleagues and I have transformed the learning environment in our classrooms impacting our own behaviors and attitudes and those of our children.