Qualistar | Brochure

A HISTORY OF INNOVATION Qualistar has been the voice for quality in early childhood education for two decades.

The concept of a quality rating for early childhood education programs was developed in the early 2000s in response to the growing need to assess, improve, and communicate the level of quality in such programs. In those early years, the Qualistar Rating® was among the first in the nation, setting an example for now more than 40 states across the US that have a statewide rating system.

Today, early childhood education programs participating in Colorado’s rating system, Colorado Shines, have agreed to meet standards that exceed the state’s licensing requirements, and are committed to improving

the quality of care provided to children. We are proud to have been part of the drive toward increased quality, and we are dedicated to supporting those programs that want to improve, as well as those who have not yet started the conversation.

As we look to our future, and that of early childhood education in our state, we are encouraged by the passion and commitment of those who serve our youngest children.

We’ll continue to partner with others to develop and deliver services, and we’ll remain vigilant in our efforts to advocate on behalf of quality across Colorado.

ELEVATING PEOPLE & PLACES

For us, quality is non-negotiable 3607 Martin Luther King Jr. Blvd.

Denver, CO 80205 303-339-6800 Qualistar.org

What would communities across Colorado be like if every child started school ready to succeed?

If every early childhood program had access to sufficient training and resources to provide meaningful interactions between teachers and young children?

At Qualistar, these are the questions we ask ourselves every day.

Our mission is to elevate the quality of early childhood education in Colorado by improving everyday practice of professionals, and by building safe, supportive environments.

We strive to achieve our mission by collaborating with state and local entities to effectively develop and deliver what is needed most, where it is most needed.

We regularly scan the early childhood landscape, identifying gaps in quality to drive development of systems and solutions for quality improvements. And we leverage our voice in the field to continuously define, protect, and promote quality in early childhood education.

QUALITY IS ESSENTIAL TO A SOLID FOUNDATION If we expect our young children to be ready to read, socially and emotionally prepared for school, and healthy and engaged in the classroom, we must focus energy and effort toward ensuring these early experiences are of the highest quality.

Quality early childhood education programs, with positive impacts on young children’s development, provide a combination of these features: 

Highly-skilled teachers Warm, responsive interactions between teachers and children  Language-rich environments  Age-appropriate curricula  Stimulating materials offered in a safe physical setting  Small class sizes and high teacher-to-child ratios 

Today, not enough early childhood education programs across Colorado are rated high-quality.

Many are not engaged in the quality rating system at all. It is critical that we drive awareness and understanding of the importance of quality and provide supports for elevating it across the state.

FOCUSED ON PEOPLE & PLACES The early childhood landscape is complex, with different state and local agencies each playing their part to ensure the longterm success of our children. All of us working in this important field share the vision of seeing Colorado’s children happy, healthy, and thriving.

Qualistar’s efforts are focused on elevating quality through the people and places directly involved in the practice of early childhood education. We approach quality improvement with a comprehensive and multidimensional perspective—conducting assessments, delivering trainings, offering grants and scholarships, and providing technical assistance—all aimed at raising the bar at the point of delivery.

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TRAINING

ASSESSMENT

GRANTS

SCHOLARSHIPS

At Qualistar, we believe those delivering the everyday experiences in the classroom and on the playground deserve high-quality training, development, and support. We adhere to the highest standards when it comes to the quality of our trainings. Each trainer offers hands-on, engaging activities and content, which participants can implement immediately in their programs.

Qualistar offers a variety of early childhood assessments designed to help providers along their quality improvement journey. Not only do assessments provide a baseline measurement of quality, they can also gauge ongoing progress. Our assessments can even help boost a provider’s Colorado Shines scores, and may increase access to quality improvement funding.

In addition to well-trained professionals, children need well-designed and well-maintained spaces to promote active learning. That is why Qualistar promotes development of high-quality environments, both indoors and outdoors, through our capital improvement grants.

Early childhood teachers who have postsecondary experience have been shown to have a better understanding of child development and to be more responsive to the educational and academic needs of young children.

Using our proprietary “Explore, Practice, Plan” model, we offer professional development tailored to adult learning styles.

Assessments available through Qualistar:  Classroom Assessment Scoring System (CLASS®)  Environment Rating Scale (ERS®)  Program Administration Scale (PAS)  Family Child Care Quality Certificate  School Age Rating  Certified Playground Safety Inspection

Our trainings are focused in three main areas:  Teaching Practices  Program Planning & Development  Health, Safety, & Nutrition

Research has shown a correlation between school design and both student achievement and teacher retention. Highquality learning environments also convey a sense of value while creating a setting where children are able to thrive.

A well-designed facility can:  Enhance child development and quality  Encourage family involvement  Provide a positive workplace in a field challenged by high turnover

T.E.A.C.H. Early Childhood® Colorado, offered by Qualistar, awards college scholarships to early childhood professionals. T.E.A.C.H. Early Childhood®, which is affiliated with the national Teacher Education and Compensation Helps initiative, pays for 90 percent of college tuition and fees for courses that meet licensing requirements towards a credential, associate, or bachelor’s degree. Scholarships also cover costs such as books and travel.

 HEALTHY CHILD CARE COLORADO Healthy Child Care Colorado, part of a nationwide initiative to ensure early childhood programs and health professionals adhere to the highest health, safety, and wellness standards, is a key component of Qualistar’s efforts to build safe, supportive environments.

Healthy Child Care Colorado promotes best practices in four priority areas:  Obesity prevention  Social and emotional well-being  Oral health  Injury prevention The initiative also serves as a statewide hub for Child Care Health Consultants by offering ongoing support and training.

 Qualistar.org