Washington State is among many other states that have a Quality Recognition System (QRS). The Quality Recognition System (QRS) is a systemic approach to assess, improve, and communicate the level of quality in early learning, school-age care and other education programs. Early Achievers is designed to support all programs no matter if you are just starting out in child care or if you’ve been providing high quality care for years.
Early Achievers participants receive support and training from BrightSpark in preparation to receive a quality recognition level. The level is based on a set of standards that have been shown to promote school readiness in children. The four quality standard areas are:
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Child Outcomes
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Curriculum & Learning Environment & Supports
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Professional Development
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Family Engagement & Support
What make Early Achievers different?
We know that when children have access to high-quality experiences from birth through age 5, they are more likely to be successful in school and later in life.
Early Achievers participants can be licensed family child care homes, licensed child care centers, or outdoor nature based programs as well as Head Start or ECEAP and certified tribal or military facilities. The program is a statewide system administered by the Department of Children, Youth, and Families. BrightSpark is the contracted agency in King and Pierce Counties that partners with participating licensed family child care homes and child care centers to provide onsite coaching, also know as relationship based professional development, and training.
It's a great time to be in Early Achievers!
Early Achievers is fully funded program which was written into state law with the passage of the Early Start Act of 2015. Early Achievers as a quality recognition system, continues to improve, which allows child care providers to highlight their strengths.
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More free supports and incentives
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Grant money available. (Act now, funding is limited)
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Increased Working Connections Child Care subsidy reimbursement rates
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Early Achievers ratings displayed on Child Care Check for parents to search
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STARS training
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Personalized coaching
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Financial Awards
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Scholarships
Interested in joining Early Achievers?
Use the buttons below for more details or to enroll today!
“I’ve been working in child care for a long time, but my technical assistance specialist has taught me things I didn’t know.”
-Nima, Family Child Care Owner in Kent
“The Early Achievers program brings a lot of excitement to look forward to. I have been very impressed.”
-Tali, Center Director in South King County
This newsletter highlights benefits of the program, as well as provide you with helpful tips and resources along your continous quality improvement journey. The newsletter is available in Somali, Spanish and English.