Stay in the Loop with GSQ's Continuous Quality Improvement Newsletter

FEBRUARY 2025 EDITION

• GSQ Quality Connection
• LEO Minimum Wage and Earned Sick Time Changes Webinar
• Indicator Types: Shows Indicators
• On-Site Observation Tips
• Professional Development
• Like and Follow!

GSQ Quality Connection

If you missed the February Quality Connection, watch the recording for information on Quality Indicators and GSQ program search features updates!

Join us at the next Quality Connection on April 9 from 1-2 p.m.

LEO Minimum Wage and Earned Sick Time Changes Webinar

The Michigan Department of Labor and Economic Opportunity (LEO) is hosting a webinar to help you understand recent changes to Michigan’s wage and earned sick time laws. Join LEO Deputy Director of Labor Sean Egan to learn what these updates mean for you and get your questions answered. 

Thursday, Feb. 27 

Noon to 12:45 p.m.  

Indicator Types: Shows Indicators

When an indicator begins with the language "the program shows how…", programs must demonstrate both how they communicate the information and ways they implement it. This requires two pieces of evidence: the first piece should describe how the information is shared with families, and the second piece should show how the indicator is being implemented or carried out in the program.

As an example, consider uploading one piece of evidence from each column in the chart to provide the two required types of evidence for indicator FCP1: Program shows how it gives information to families about children's individual developmental progress.

For more information about this indicator, review the Quality Indicators Guidance Document and Quality Indicators FAQ. 

Approved Assessor Timeline

If your program receives an observation by an Approved Assessor, and would like to use those 2024-2025 school year scores for the Great Start to Quality process, use this timeline and process to learn how.

School-Age Webpage

As a program serving school-age children, you may have some specific questions about the GSQ process, On-Site Observation, and where to go for resources. The GSQ website has a School-Age webpage specifically for supporting programs with school-age children.

Winter Weather Reminder

As we still anticipate possible wintry weather in the weeks ahead, please reach out to your Assessors when your program closes unexpectedly! Assessors frequently travel a long distance for observations and likely will not know if your program is closed. Please let your Assessor know as soon as possible if your program closes due to winter weather or power outages.

Assessors can be contacted by email or text the night before or early in the morning, so they know not to begin their travel to closed programs. This is so helpful and appreciated. Thank you!

Questions? Email us: assessment@ecic4kids.org.

First Children's Finance: March Webinar

First Children’s Finance provides meaningful opportunities to learn more about running a successful child care business in Michigan, for FREE. Check out their March offering: 

Planning for the Future: Accounting and Financial Statements for Home-Based Child Care 

March 2

6:30-8:30 p.m.

Learn basic accounting terms and review commonly used financial statements. Break down sections of an income and expense statement, a cash flow statement, and a balance sheet. Analyze a case study to determine financial health of a child care business. Identify strategies of how to use financial statements to inform business decisions. 

2 MIRegistry training hours; Event ID: 164702

FY25 Professional Development Opportunities

Find opportunities for professional development in the coming year from Michigan Afterschool Partnership and Social-Emotional Learning opportunities from MDHHS-MiLEAP!

Post on the GSQ Job Board

Is your program looking for early educators? GSQ can support your program filling staff vacancies to better support children and families. Promote open positions on Great Start to Quality’s job board today!

Great Start to Quality's Family Pages

These social media pages give families resources like tips on finding care, financial assistance, early learning activities, and more. Providers and partners are encouraged to share the pages with the families in your communities.  

Support with public profiles and general information: greatstarttoquality@ecic4kids.org 

Participation with Great Start to Quality: your Resource Center

Connecting employees or connecting with your Validator: validation@ecic4kids.org

Connecting with your Assessor: assessement@ecic4kids.org

Questions about Approved Assessors: approvedassessor@ecic4kids.org 

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