Northwest Early Learning Council
Equity and Diversity Quality Improvements Grant Application Spring 2017
DUE DATE: FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 10, 2017 5:00 PM PT Northwest Early Learning Council 5825 NE Ray Circle Hillsboro, OR 97124
For assistance related to the Equity and Diversity Quality Improvement Grant application, please contact: Eva Manderson NW Early Learning Hub’s Early Learning Program Specialist 503.815.4453
[email protected]
Background and Funding The Northwest Early Learning Hub is committed to supporting quality improvement work in all early learning programs and for all early learning professionals. In partnership with our Child Care Resource & Referral agencies, the Early Learning Hub has supported over 100 scholarships for Early Childhood providers to attend trainings and conferences in 2016. Northwest Early Learning Hub has also worked with partners including Clatsop Community College to ensure that college courses in essential Oregon Registry Core Knowledge Categories are being offered on a regular basis. Through Preschool Promise and work with Preschool Startup grantees, hub staff have supported the development of Professional Learning Communities and development of collaborative partnerships working to ensure all children in Clatsop, Columbia and Tillamook counties have access to high quality early learning environments and can be prepared to enter Kindergarten ready to learn. The total funding available is $20,000. The maximum amount per award for a 4 Star Spark/QRIS Investment is $1,000 and the maximum amount per award for a 5 Star Spark/QRIS Investment is $1,500. Funding is available to support quality improvements to standards LD 3, LD6, LD7, and FP3.
General Information Purpose of the Equity and Diversity Quality Improvement Grant The purpose of this grant is to support early care and education programs as they strive to develop positive partnerships and increase their responsiveness to the beliefs, practices, and cultural and linguistic needs of the children, families and communities whom they serve. The grants shall: Provide support for early childhood care and education programs to reach their 3, 4 or 5 star Spark/QRIS rating Provide support for early childhood care and education professionals to enhance the cultural relevance, diversity and inclusivity of their program Provide support for early childhood care and education professionals to increase the connections and partnerships with families Eligibility and Program Requirements All licensed, and C2Q eligible Early Childhood programs who are working on their 3, 4 or 5 star Spark/QRIS rating are eligible to apply for this grant. Programs should be ready to submit their completed portfolio no later than June 30, 2017 and obtain their star rating no later than December 31, 2017.
Use of Funds Use of funds may include the following: Personnel costs (including administrative support) Materials Others as approved Reporting and Evaluation Successful completion the grant project will be evident through demonstration of quality improvement which obtains the program an overall 3 star rating or higher and a 4 or 5 star rating minimum on the standard(s) that the program targeted for improvement when obtaining this grant. The quality of the given standard will be readily observable in the provider’s program. See reporting timeline below. Any reporting formats or requirements will be provided to grant recipients a minimum of 30 days prior to reporting deadline. Timeline and Important Dates Completion Dates
Activities
January 11, 3017
Application available online and distributed through CCR&Rs and Early Childhood Advisory groups.
January 30, 2017
Deadline to RSVP and submit questions for technical assistance webinar RSVP to Eva Manderson at
[email protected]
February 2, 2017
Technical Assistance Webinar, 1:00-2:00pm Webinar information will be sent out to those who RSVP by 1/30/17
February 10, 2017
Applications due to Northwest Early Learning Council
February 24, 2017
Funding awards announced
March - May
Quality Improvements made by programs
June 30, 2017
Initial Report – including confirmation of portfolio submission, short narrative of activities, expense report with supportive documentation, and statement of project impact
December 31, 2017
Final Report – Proof of Spark/QRIS star rating and statement of project impact over the last 6 months
Application Narrative To receive funding to support Quality Improvements in the areas of LD3, LD6, LD7, and FP3, please provide concise responses to the questions below. Please provide specific examples as appropriate when responding to the questions. Limit your narrative to a maximum of 1000 words. A. Identified area for Quality Improvement What is your current rating on the QRIS? What area of your program would you like to involve in a quality improvement plan? Why is this area important? What improvements would you make? B. Quality Improvement Plan What is your plan for making these improvements? What is the associated time line for these improvements? C. Budget What will these improvements cost? Will there be any matching of resources for this quality improvement plan? If so, please describe? D. Cultural Sensitivity and Relevance How do you attract and engage an ethnically diverse population in your program? How do you celebrate ethnical diversity in your program? E. Inclusion How do you create a program that is inclusive of children of all developmental levels? How is this shared with visitors, interested families and newcomers to your program? F. Sustainability What is your plan for sustaining the improvements made through this plan? Are there further improvements that you would like to make in this area after you complete this plan? Will new plans or sustainability require further funding or resources? If so, how will you obtain them?
Application Submission Instructions Please provide the following by email to Eva Manderson at
[email protected] by February 10, 2017. Cover Page – Appendix A Application Narrative Budget Worksheet – Appendix B