Early Childhood Rating + Improvement System Pilot

Sherri Thomsen, United Way of Cass-ClayErica Kindem, Child Care Resource + Referral

Sherri J. ThomsenUnited Way of Cass-ClayPresident

PEOPLE → PEOPLENEEDS → RESOURCES

EXPERTS → ADVOCATES

INVESTMENT IN EDUCATION

100,000 books in the hands of children this year

• United Way will mail 100,000 books to the homes of local children this year

• 60% of our local children receive books

• RESULTS: Higher reading scores upon entering Kindergarten and lower risk for needing remedial reading instruction in school

NEARLY 1 IN 2 CHILDRENSTRUGGLE WITH THE TRANSITIONTO KINDERGARTEN

SOURCE: NDSU Extension Service

RESULTS:• PARENTS described a 74% positive growth in

their child’s school readiness• TEACHERS reported an 87% positive growth in children’s

school readiness • 91% of parents indicated it influenced

their relationship with their child

Removing barriers to quality care: United Way invests in child care scholarships

Annual investment: $167,00

1. Pre-K Readiness 2. Reading by 3rd Grade 3. Middle School Engagement4. Completion of High School 5. Transition to Post-Secondary

Education

QRIS provide a systematic, organized and cost-effective way to measure, improve and communicate the quality of early

education programs.

What is a Quality Rating & Improvement System (QRIS)?

“…By fostering a highly skilled and engaged workforce, we can build a stronger business community…

Workforce development is essential at all ages.”

-Craig Whitney, President/CEO, The Chamber

LIVE UITEDTM

90%of a child's brain

developmenthappens by age 5.

North Dakota ranks second in the nation in

families with dual income earners (2nd to South Dakota)

#2

50% of a child’s awake hours are spent in child care

RESULTS:• 100% of child care providers participating in pilot found it to

be necessary and beneficial to make positive changes in their programs

• Kids need it • Parents want it• Our communities count on it

Early Childhood Rating + Improvement System Pilot

Erica KindemChild Care Resource + Referral

Improve, support and celebrate the strengths of child care

Playbook Coach Game Time Funding Celebrate

Grant Received Fall 2009

Early education programs began their journey in January 2010 through October 31, 2011

10% of children enrolled in early education programs in Cass County (909 children)

78 on-site observations by trained observers using 4 scientific, research based national assessment tools

550+ parents completed survey of their child’s learning in early education (final results still being tabulated)

Provides baseline data regarding quality of early education in our community

QRIS Pilot in Cass County

STAR Ratings Achieved in the Pilot April 15, 2010- September 30, 2011

CHANGING COMPLEX COMMUNITY ISSUESCAN’T BE DONE ALONE

In Cass County,

1 in 5 children Are in a quality early child care setting

United Way & Early Childhood Education:

• Continue to invest in programs such as NDECRIS

• Continue to provide child care scholarships

• Focus on families most in need and remove barriers to receiving quality care

Children are… 1/3 of our population

BUT 100% of our future

Early Childhood Rating + Improvement System Pilot

Sherri Thomsen, United Way of Cass-ClayErica Kindem, Child Care Resource + Referral