The QCC County Program Profile provides county data from the Common Data File (CDF) and the Annual Progress Report (APR). For counties that are a part of a consortium, the QCC County Program Profile provides a combined view of the CDF and APR. Both qualitative and quantitative data are presented to provide a local view of early learning and care climate.

Quality Matters Monterey County is part of a statewide initiative—Quality Counts California—which has been building capacity and partnerships since 2016. This collaborative effort is designed to support licensed family child care home (FCC) educators and preschools in providing high-quality early learning experiences for children from birth through age 5. We envision a county where every child thrives through access to nurturing, developmentally rich early learning environments. Guided by values of joy, culture, relationships, voice, and lived experience, we intentionally create spaces of trust and hope. Our work is rooted in the social, cultural, and linguistic contexts of our community. We take the time to build authentic relationships and lasting partnerships, engaging in continuous reflection and inquiry. We respond to emerging needs with a focus on equity, prioritizing those most disenfranchised. We believe in the power of diverse knowledge and uplift the voices of educators, families, and community members. Together, we support each child’s optimal development and lifelong success. Quality Matters Monterey County is a collaborative effort among First 5 Monterey County, Monterey County Office of Education (MCOE), and Monterey County Child Care Planning Council. The initiative is proudly operated by the Monterey County Office of Education. When programs choose to participate in Quality Matters, they receive visits from a certified and independent CLASS® observer. These observers are trained to assess the quality of teacher-child interactions using the Classroom Assessment Scoring System. Their observations support continuous quality improvement using the Quality Continuum Framework – Measurable Quality Elements. Child development centers are guided in implementing standards across multiple core categories and indicators. FCCs receive tailored support across four specific areas. Participating programs are recognized for both their strengths and their commitment to ongoing improvement. Programs are guided in the following areas:

• Child Observation
• Developmental and Health Screenings
• Qualifications for Lead Teacher or FCC
• Effective Teacher-Child Interactions: Classroom Assessment Scoring System
• Ratios and Group Size*
• Director Qualifications*

*FCCs are not measured in these areas.

• First 5 IMPACT Legacy
• QCC Program Improvement Block Grant
• California State Preschool Program QRIS Block Grant

• Caryn Lewis, County Office of Education
• Francine Rodd, First 5 Monterey County
• Laura Dunn, Monterey County Child Care Planning Council
• Maria Ortiz, R&R
• Brenda Heller, Alternative Payment Program
• Hartnell College
• CA State University Monterey Bay
• Monterey Peninsula College

Quality Matters Monterey County engages participating educators through a grassroots, relationship-centered approach, grounded in culturally affirming connections. Every action we take is in service of fostering deep, sustainable improvements in early care and education for children from birth to age 5. Our journey began with the recruitment of two experienced, local FCC educators, who joined the team as part-time coaches. Their firsthand knowledge, commitment, and leadership have inspired and influenced many educators throughout the early childhood community. By centering the wisdom of those with lived experience, we build trust and relevance from the inside out. Through local word-of-mouth, combined with outreach strategies including the Quality Matters website, social media platforms, bilingual flyers and brochures, and evening and Saturday workshops, we’ve increased awareness of the Quality Continuum Framework and the Quality and Rating Improvement System (QRIS)/Quality Improvement (QI) pathways. This has helped FCC educators see themselves as empowered participants in the continuous quality improvement cycle.

We partner with early care and education programs across Monterey County, uplifting experienced practitioners who work hand-in-hand with families and the early learning community. These partnerships aim to holistically support children’s development, family well-being, and educator capacity. To remain responsive to the evolving needs of participating educators, we hold regular Technical Assistance Coach Team Collaboratives. These gatherings provide space to reflect, learn, and refine our strategies to ensure ongoing engagement, support, and growth. Quality Matters continues to develop a thoughtful, community-centered process for increasing public awareness and making program participation and rating data accessible to families. Current and upcoming strategies include: community collaboratives, thought partners, and listening sessions. Strategies for raising awareness and communicating rating information may include meetings, web-based information, and informational materials and resources, including brochures, newsletters, videos, and posters. Watch our story come to life in this short Quality Matters Video on YouTube: https://youtu.be/h5efCr8v2uw

Quality Matters Monterey County uses the Quality Continuum Framework, Measurable Quality Elements, Core Tools, and a suite of targeted resources as a comprehensive roadmap for training and technical assistance. All support strategies are thoughtfully aligned with an intentional approach to continuous quality improvement. Each year, we welcome new cohorts of educators into the CORE area training series, designed to strengthen foundational practices in early learning.

Annual offerings include the following:

• CLASS® 2nd Edition – A more equitable, accessible, and impactful approach to teacher-child interactions
• CLASS® Environment
• Ages & Stages Questionnaires
• Desired Results Developmental Profile (DRDP)
• The Relationship-Based Approach – Supporting reflective coaching and professional development

These tools equip educators with the frameworks to implement developmentally appropriate practices, set meaningful goals, and engage in shared agreements through consistent, supportive coaching. Over time, this structure fosters positive outcomes for children and cultivates professional confidence and growth. We believe that reflective and creative thinking is essential to educator growth. This process invites educators to learn alongside others, gain new perspectives, ask meaningful questions, analyze and challenge assumptions, and observe with curiosity and purpose. It’s not just about technical knowledge—it’s about transformational learning.

Technical assistance is provided in multiple formats, based on the individual needs of each program. This personalized support ensures that every educator receives the guidance that best serves their goals and context. In partnership with our participating programs, we co-create professional development opportunities through an annual educator survey. This tool helps us identify high-priority areas and stay responsive to emerging needs, current trends in early care and education, and the voices of educators across our community. Together, we are shaping a stronger, more responsive system—one rooted in equity, intentional practice, and joy.

To enhance both quality practices and child outcomes across Monterey County, the Consortium remains dedicated to recognizing, supporting, and celebrating early educators through a variety of incentives:

• Early care and education learning materials designed to enhance educator-child interactions and promote rich engagement
• Bilingual (Spanish–English) children’s books and literacy props to support language development and foster a love of reading
• Specialized training in key areas such as:
  • Inclusion
  • Dual language learning
  • Early language and literacy development
• Loose Parts materials to encouraging creativity and equity in play
• Early math kits to support the integration of mathematical thinking into everyday learning experiences
• Certificates of recognition awarded upon the completion of a participant’s QRIS/QI Pathway
• Quality improvement incentives provided to newly participating sites upon completion of their QI Pathway to help support their annual program goals

Specialization Opportunities for FCC Educators

Family child care educators have the opportunity to participate in the Early Childhood Education Specialization Pathway. This initiative honors educator expertise through a badge system, where each badge represents a domain of child development or an area of specialized accomplishment. Badges can be earned through the following activities:

• Completion of college coursework
• Participation in targeted training
• Engagement in technical assistance
• Completion of coaching cycles

This system not only highlights each educator’s growth but also reinforces their leadership and deep commitment to continuous improvement.

CSPP Recognition Pathway

California State Preschool Program sites may qualify for a QRIS incentive upon completion of the Recognition Rating Pathway, further supporting quality improvements and affirming program excellence.

A Story of Transformation: “Mi Escuelita” and the Power of Coaching

At the Quality Matters Annual Recognition Event, an FCC educator shared her heartfelt story through a video testimony, reflecting on how technical assistance coaching transformed both her program environment and her self-confidence.

She refers to her program as “mi escuelita”—my little school—a name that captures the nurturing, learning-rich environment she has cultivated. Her words remind us of the deep, human impact that coaching and relational support can have on educators and the children and families they serve.

Translated Highlights from Her Testimony

“Quality Matters has raised my self-esteem. If it weren’t for them, I would not be here right now. Many of you knew me before—how timid I was. Now, I have the courage and self-esteem that I can’t even explain.”

“I wish you could have seen my house when I started. Now, I’m proud to see my little school—and more than anything, to see myself, and the families that are with me.”

“The children know I came here today to graduate. Thank you to Quality Matters and the coaches for never leaving me. They kept telling me: ‘You can do it! You can do it!’ And I did it.”

— Family Child Care Home Education Network (FCCHEN), October 5, 2019

Why This Matters

This story represents the heart of Quality Matters—a commitment to relationship-based coaching, encouragement, and culturally grounded support. Through consistent mentorship, we see providers grow into their power, becoming confident, capable leaders in their communities.

Learn More

Watch this inspiring video and others like it to witness how early educators are transforming their practice—and their lives—through Quality Matters: https://drive.google.com/file/d/1ppXrVn4hieYYlDcwSi5i5E9IBIF47r7I/view?usp=sharing.