The Star Gazette
In this Edition:
  • CLASS Will Replace PQA in 2022
  • CLASS Overview for Providers - When are you available?
  • Star Rating Valid Through Dates
  • Summer Break
  • Adding QIP Action Items
Are you still open? Are you closed? 
Has your program been open during the during the pandemic? Did you previously complete the simple questionnaire? If so, you might have noticed a banner was placed on your program’s profile letting families know you were open and enrolling children. Not sure? Keep reading!  
 
As Michigan is re-opening, and with over 85% of programs responding to let us know they were open, we’re shifting gears to make finding care easier for families.   
 
In June, Great Start to Quality will begin to now collect only closed statuses of child care providers so that families searching for care know which programs are not currently open or enrolling children. Be sure to complete the simple questionnaire on your Great Start to Quality profileto share if your program is currently closed. If your program is open, no action is needed!  
 
Go to www.greatstarttoquality.org to fill out or update your profile. Need help? Call your local Great Start to Quality Resource Center: 1-877-614-7328. 
CLASS Will Replace PQA in 2022
As part of revisions to the Great Start to Quality rating process, the Classroom Assessment Scoring System (CLASS) will replace the Program Quality Assessment (PQA) tools for on-site observations.

Why CLASS?
CLASS is a nationally recognized tool for measuring adult-child interactions. Children in classrooms with higher CLASS scores have been proven to have better social-emotional, cognitive, and academic outcomes. CLASS is used across the country in Head Start programs, Quality Rating and Improvement Systems like Great Start to Quality, and in all child care program types serving a variety of age groups. Learn more about why CLASS is a great tool for program quality improvement.

See more about why the Michigan Department of Education-Office of Great Start is making the shift to CLASS for Great Start to Quality. Stay informed about trainings and implementation by visiting our website.
CLASS Overview for Providers - When are you available?
GSQ and CLASS Introduction Overview Webinar for Providers and Programs – Date Coordination
As Great Start to Quality continues to plan for CLASS implementation for on-site observations for 4 and 5 Star ratings, we are planning to offer an introductory webinar to provide an overview on how CLASS will be used in Great Start to Quality. This one-hour webinar will be recorded and will be offered a few times to help reach as many providers as possible. There will be time for questions with the Great Start to Quality team who will conduct the trainings and observations. In order to offer this webinar during times convenient for providers and programs, we have a short survey to support date selection. Please complete the survey below to share your availability. Once dates are confirmed, we will send out additional communications and a registration link.
Please continue to access our webpage, CLASS will Replace PQA” for the most current information regarding this process and timeline. We continue to welcome any of your questions at assessment@ecic4kids.org.
Star Rating Valid Through Dates
As you may have noticed, the way we display rating periods in STARS changed recently. In the Organization's Case Status, Case Details, and Case History in STARS, you are used to seeing the rating expiration date. We have clarified the display to tell you how long the rating will be valid or when the rating expired. When you have an unexpired rating, STARS will show you that your rating is “Valid Through” a certain date (see below).
In the example above, the rating will be valid through 1/24/2022. On 1/25/2022, the rating will have expired. On 1/25/2022, the rating will change to say “Rating Expired on 1/25/2022”. 

Remember, in order to maintain your program’s current rating, while a new rating process takes place, the program must submit the Self-Assessment Survey on or before the Valid Through date. Otherwise, the current rating will expire.
Summer Break
Summer Break is fast approaching, and it is important to remember: 
  • Programs should be open and available immediately following the submission of the Application to confirm all organization contact and classroom information is correct.
  • Programs should be open and available immediately following submission of their Self-Assessment Survey until the entire process is complete; this could take up to 90 days.
  • If programs are selected for validation and/or eligible for the assessment process, they should expect to be contacted and to be prepared to complete the process, regardless of the time of year.
  • It is best not to submit the Application, Self-Assessment Survey, or begin the assessment process right before closing, staff vacations, program celebrations, or other events that might affect the ability to complete the process. 

Should a situation arise where the Validation or Assessment teams cannot contact the program, or the program does not have the availability, the program or provider will be opted out of the process. As soon as the program is able to complete the process, they can apply for a new rating case and get back on track.

For more information regarding Applications, Validation, or timelines, please reach out to Melissa Mosley.
Adding QIP Action Items
When you add a new action item to your QIP in STARS, you have the option to either add just a general overview of the action item or to add the overview plus all of the details.
Here is how to add a new action item quickly, with only information about a general overview of the task:

  • Select the Case Overview button to find the Organization’s QIP in STARS, then select the blue Add Item button.
  • Enter the general information about the action item and select the blue Save button.
Here is how to add an action item with all of the details:
  • In the QIP in STARS, click on the blue Add Item button. A note – this is the same first step as above.
  • Enter the general information about the action item and select the white Save & Open button.
  • This takes you to the Action Item Manager. Here you can add all of the details about the action item, including who it is assigned to, its due date, and any documentation or notes needed. 
By using the Save & Open feature, you can save time adding all of the details for your action items.
Great Start to Quality on Facebook
Great Start to Quality is on Facebook! Like and follow our page to get the latest updates for you and resources to share with your colleagues and families. 
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If you are thinking about how to maintain or continue making quality improvements, or if you’re ready to learn more and need help, contact your local Great Start to Quality Resource Center by calling 1-877-614-7328 or visit www.greatstarttoquality.org.
Funding from the Office of Great Start within the Michigan Department of Education supports the implementation of Great Start.