INTERAGENCY MEETING WITH THE CHILD CARE CENTER COMMUNITY APRIL 29, 2015

About Program Standards Alignment In developing and implementing a program quality continuum for early care and education the state: – Aligned foundational regulations (DCYF and BEP) with Brightstars standards and RIDE CECE Standards. In some cases the regulations/standards are the same across all three parts of the continuum and in some cases they gradually increase until they reach best practice/high quality expectations (e.g. curriculum). – Improved measurement of the aligned regulations/standards to ensure common regulations/standards are measured in the same way and regulations/standards which increase are measured in ways which build upon each other and set the stage for the next level of measurement Now in process of moving to implementation of the aligned regulations/standards and measurements – Interagency alignment committee meets monthly to discuss implementation issues – Providing professional development support to front line staff from DCYF, BS, RIDE, CELP, LISC – Created a means to educate families about program quality and assist them in identifying high-quality programs for their children; – Guided the allocation of quality improvement resources in order to effectively help providers identify incremental quality improvement goals and implement strategies to achieve them;

Program Quality Continuum Technical Paper describes the program standards alignment process and rationale. The standards are aligned. What we are hearing is that there are implementation questions. The continuum creates quality levels that provide a clear point of entry for providers and a meaningful progression toward higher quality across a number of program indicators. Creating levels of standards also works to eliminate redundancy among the different sets of standards and creates a pathway of incremental steps from a basic level of quality to the gold standard. Using the continuum, providers know where they are on the quality scale and understand the next logical step in their progression toward higher quality.

Resources to support program quality improvement The state recognizes that to achieve high-quality, programs need high- quality materials and equipment to ensure the health and safety of children and to promote their growth and development across all the domains of early learning. Programs also need resources to support staff professional development, curriculum planning, child assessment, and family engagement. Program Quality Improvement Grants Facilities Grants Quality Awards BrightStars Quality Improvement Specialist Services Center for Early Learning Professionals Services Workforce Supports

Resources direct to programs Stipend to offset the cost to apply to BrightStars  Under RTT-ELC, $$ Awarded to date to XX child care centers Program Quality Improvement Grants  Under RTT-ELC, $$ Awarded to date to XX child care centers  Total Investment Facilities Grants  Under RTT-ELC, $$ Awarded to date to XX child care centers  Total Investment Quality Awards  Under RTT-ELC, $$ Awarded to date to XX child care centers  Total Investment

BrightStars Application Support To help programs improve program quality BrightStars offers: Application Support Groups Information Sessions On-site application support Total Investment in QRIS $

Center for Early Learning Professionals Technical Assistance Professional Development Information Line The Center implements the Program Quality Improvement Grants Center for Early Learning Professionals Investment $

Workforce Supports Workforce Knowledge and Competencies RIELDS Training CCRI Program Institute for Teaching and Learning T.E.A.C.H. RTT-ELC Workforce Investment $

Communication Program Standards Alignment work was advertised through the state agencies and the Early Learning Council. In addition to official agency communication, Exceed.ri.gov communicates RTT-ELC implementation activities, news and events. Exceed has snail mailed, ed all providers to inform all about the website and social media. Website designed for Programs, Professionals and Families – links to documents and partner organizations to increase knowledge base and promote opportunities. E-news twice a month, with special updates as necessary. Facebook and Twitter

DCYF Implementation Questions Raised Process to extend variance Group Size and Usable Floor Space Background Checks Multiple Inspections Immunizations children and staff Health Care Consultant Requirements

Process to Extend Current Variance 1. Submit request for variance extension to DCYF with re-licensing packet by May 31, Describe progress made from November 2014 to present toward meeting full compliance standards. 3. Explain intended progress toward full compliance during next licensing period. 4. DCYF will review each variance request in accordance with the Child Care Program Regulations for Licensure and respond to the requests in writing by June 15, 2015.

Measurement of Usable Floor Space Regulation: 45 square feet of usable floor space for infant/toddler activity rooms; 35 square feet of usable floor space for preschool activity rooms. Purpose: to promote growth and development of children in child care setting across all domains of early learning. Measurement: Measurement Guide describes all measurements dance.pdf dance.pdf

Background Checks Regulation: The program administrator is responsible for ensuring that a criminal record background check and a clearance of agency activity is conducted on all new staff prior to the assignment of child care duties, including consultants, whether full or part-time. Purpose: To ensure that children in child care programs are care for in a safe environment by staff who meet determined safety criteria DCYF Policy , Employment Background Checks: Facility Operators/Employees and Family Child Care Operators/Employees ( and; DCYF Policy , Criminal Record Background Check(s) ( and; DCYF Policy , Clearance of Agency Activity ( Measurement: Licensing staff review employee files to verify that background checks have been conducted in accordance with regulatory criteria. Note: Policy will be updated to reflect promulgated regulatory requirements.

Required Inspections Regulation (Renewal of License): Current inspection approval are submitted prior to renewal to verify that program remains in compliance with the appropriate sections of the state fire, building, health and sanitation codes. Purpose: To ensure that children are cared for in a safe and healthy environment conducive to the promotion of childhood development across all the domains of early learning. Measurement: Licensing Staff ensure that all inspection reports are provided as part of the relicensing process.

Immunization Records Regulation: Child care programs must adopt, at a minimum, policies and procedures consistent with the Rhode Island Rules and Regulations Pertaining to Immunization and Communicable Disease in Preschool, School, Colleges or Universities. These regulations are accessible on the Rhode Island Department of Health’s website: Purpose: To ensure that children are cared for in a safe and healthy environment conducive to the promotion of childhood development across all the domains of early learning. Measurement: Licensing Staff review staff and children’s on-site files for verification of compliance with the regulatory standard.

Health Care Consultant Regulation: The program may choose to hire a child care health consultant in lieu of a nurse in accordance with the American Academy of Pediatrics, Healthy Child Care America Purpose: To provide and alternative means, to the on site nurse requirement, of ensuring that the health needs of infants are met by child care center providers. Measurement: Licensing Staff review documentation of participations in certified health care consultant program in accordance with regulatory standards.

DHS Role In Program Quality Continuum Responsible for BrightStars Standards and Child Care Assistance Program (CCAP). DHS revised QRIS standards as part of the Program Standards Alignment Process.  Input and review from national experts; Public Feedback sessions held; APA was followed. Information on this process can be found at earlylearningri.org. Day to day implementation of BrightStars is managed by RIAEYC CCAP approved programs must participate in BrightStars in order to care for, and receive payments for services to, CCAP children.

DHS Implementation Questions Raised If a center is on a probationary license, can the program still receive CCAP payments?  Yes, CCAP-approved providers receive payments for any week in which they provide care to CCAP children.  As long as DCYF allows the program to remain open, and accept new enrollments, providers may continue to care and receive payment for CCAP children. Inadequate CCAP Rates cannot support quality  DHS developing proposal for tiered reimbursement  Important for providers to complete 2015 Market Rate Survey  Will include input from provider focus groups  Proposal will be shared with Governor and General Assembly

BrightStars Implementation Questions Raised DCYF explained that compliance with licensing requirements through the variance process constitutes full licensure. Please explain how a DCYF variance impacts a program’s BrightStars rating.

Questions?