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Introducing a new Quality Counts California dashboard for families!

Quality Counts California (QCC) provides resources for families in identifying and finding relationship-based nurturing environments for their children. QCC supports early learning and care settings in providing high-quality environments through locally operated quality activities.

If you are seeking support outside of child care, please visit 211.org for assistance.

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  • Overview

    Quality early learning experiences are your child’s key to the future. Quality early learning and care experiences build the foundation for skills your child needs in school, work, and life. …

  • Quality: The Key to Education

    Fact: Children who attend a quality early learning and care program are more likely to do well in school and less likely to drop out or need remedial support later in their education. To help …

  • How to Choose a Quality Program

    Choosing a quality early learning and care environment is critical to your child’s future. To help you choose the best program for your family, below are the different types of programs available …

Child Care Licensing

The Child Care Licensing Program provides oversight and enforcement for licensed child care centers and family child care homes throughout California. The core mission of the Child Care Licensing Program is to ensure the health and safety of children in care.

FAQs

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What is the difference between a Quality Improvement System (QIS) and a Quality Rating and Improvement System (QRIS)?

Both QIS and QRIS engage early learning and care programs, also known as early care and education programs, in a continuous quality improvement process based on a common set of program quality standards. A QRIS includes quality ratings.

Quality Counts California (QCC) includes both a QIS and a QRIS, as ratings are required for California State Preschool Programs. The quality elements measured by QCC ratings comprise the continuous quality improvement framework for all QCC-participating programs.

Why participate in QIS?

Participating in a QIS demonstrates a commitment to quality and continuous growth. QCC can help you with resources and supports to build your care program. Find out more, including testimonials.

What is Quality Counts California (QCC)?

Quality Counts California (QCC) is a statewide initiative dedicated to supporting and improving the quality of early learning and care throughout California. The goal of QCC is to ensure consistent high-quality early care and education experiences for California’s infants, toddlers, and preschool- and school-aged children, whether in center-based or home-based programs.

The initiative is a partnership at the state level of the California Department of Education (CDE), First 5 California (F5CA), and the California Department of Social Services (CDSS), and is implemented at the county or regional level through locally tailored and operated Quality Improvement Systems (QIS) and Quality Rating Improvement Systems (QRIS).

How does an early care and education program engage in continuous quality improvement?

An early care and education program engages in continuous quality improvement by using California’s Quality Continuum Framework: Measured Quality Elements to assess, plan, and strengthen practices that support positive child outcomes. Programs use data from QRIS ratings (when applicable), the Common Data File, Annual Performance Report, and local Quality Improvement Plans to reflect on performance, set goals, and guide ongoing improvement efforts.

Universal Prekindergarten

Universal Prekindergarten logo

Universal Prekindergarten (UPK) is an umbrella term that includes the California State Preschool Program (CSPP), Transitional Kindergarten (TK) at the California Department of Education, as well as Head Start, district, and local community-based preschool programs, early learning services for students with disabilities, private-pay preschool, and expanded learning options to support access to a full day of services.

Parents will continue to have the choice to enroll their child, depending on eligibility requirements, in programs including TK, CSPP, and Head Start as well as subsidized programs administered by the California Department of Social Services that offer a preschool learning experience. Families may also choose to enroll their children in private-pay preschool programs or keep their children at home.

Learn more about UPK

Resources

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TrustLine: California's Background Check for In-Home Child Care

TrustLine

An invaluable resource for parents, TrustLine is a database of nannies and baby-sitters who have cleared criminal background checks in California. Call 1.800.822.8490 or visit the Trustline website.

Help! Where to find support

If you have questions related to QCC, please complete the website contact form, or email [email protected]. Recommend a resource for this audience.