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.

Keys to Quality is a regional Quality Rating and Improvement System (QRIS) serving Yuba, Sutter, and Colusa Counties. Keys to Quality is administered by the Child Care Planning Council of Yuba & Sutter Counties through Yuba County Office of Education. In its second year, Keys to Quality rated and supported 33 sites on their journey of continuous quality improvement, recognizing the importance of education, relationships, and the environment in early childhood settings. Keys to Quality ratings consist of five levels and two categories: Engaged in Quality Improvement (levels 1–3) and Demonstrating Quality (levels 4–5). Keys to Quality programs receive coaching, training, resources, and incentives for participation.

• CDE QRIS Block Grants
• First 5 CA IMPACT
• Local First 5 Commissions

• First 5 Yuba
• Sutter County Children & Families Commission
• First 5 Colusa
• Children’s Home Society
• Sutter County Superintendent of Schools
• Yuba City Unified School District
• Yuba College

Keys to Quality outreaches to programs through a variety of strategies, including the Local Planning Council website, local resource and referral agency, local stakeholder meetings and events, mailings, email/web-based marketing, and partner agencies. Providers who inquire about participation are contacted and an initial meeting is held to determine the best level of engagement. Once a level of service has been established, resources and supports are provided immediately.

Quality improvement strategies for all types of sites include a variety of training that supports the core tools and resources, materials, and resources that support site plans/identified needs, technical assistance, and coaching to those sites that are involved in rating. Sites at higher tiers are supported to develop peer-based mentoring/learning communities, including the use of video reflection.

Financial incentives are offered for sites at all tier levels. Materials incentives are provided for sites/providers engaged in quality improvement but not being rated. Individual professional development stipends are offered primarily through other funds (AB 212, local First 5).

A State Preschool Director shared: I whole-heartedly appreciate and am grateful for our local Keys to Quality Program. We have approximately 60 staff participating who value the many benefits—not only coaching but the high-quality professional development. Engaging in reflective practices with regards to the matrix elements has allowed us to deepen our understanding of how to provide the highest quality of services to our children and their families. More importantly, I think the Keys to Quality program has inspired us to really practice and become lifelong learners where we examine our craft and continuously reach for our goals.