Early Childhood Rating + Improvement System Pilot

1. Early Childhood Rating + Improvement System Pilot Sherri Thomsen, United Way of Cass-Clay Erica Kindem, Child Care Resource + Referral

2. Sherri J. Thomsen • United Way of Cass-Clay • President

3. PEOPLE → PEOPLE NEEDS → RESOURCES EXPERTS → ADVOCATES

4. INVESTMENT IN EDUCATION

5. 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

6. NEARLY 1 IN 2 CHILDREN STRUGGLE WITH THE TRANSITION TO KINDERGARTEN SOURCE: NDSU Extension Service

7. 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

8. Removing barriers to quality care: United Way invests in child care scholarships Annual investment: $167,00

9. Pre-K Readiness Reading by 3rd Grade Middle School Engagement Completion of High School Transition to Post-Secondary Education

10. What is a Quality Rating & Improvement System (QRIS)? • QRIS provide a systematic, organized and cost-effective way to measure, improve and communicate the quality of early education programs.

12. “…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

13. 90% of a child's brain developmenthappens by age 5.

14. #2 North Dakota ranks second in the nation in families with dual income earners (2nd to South Dakota)

15. 50% of a child’s awake hours are spent in child care

16. 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

17. Early Childhood Rating + Improvement System Pilot Erica Kindem Child Care Resource + Referral

19. Improve, support and celebrate the strengths of child care Playbook Coach Game Time Funding Celebrate

22. QRIS Pilot in Cass County • 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

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

26. CHANGING COMPLEX COMMUNITY ISSUES CAN’T BE DONE ALONE

27. In Cass County, • 1 in 5 children • Are in a quality early child care setting

28. 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

29. Children are… 1/3 of our population • BUT 100% of our future

30. Early Childhood Rating + Improvement System Pilot Sherri Thomsen, United Way of Cass-Clay Erica Kindem, Child Care Resource + Referral