Our approach to achieving quality is constantly evolving. This means we occasionally make updates to Quality First along the way. As a current participant, you can keep up with program-wide updates, explore helpful tools, or even rewatch meetings you may have missed—it’s all here to help our participants succeed.
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Beginning October 1st, 2024: Environment Rating Scales (ERS) assessments will be administered as usual. When ERS scores meet the threshold score requirement for receiving a CLASS assessment, a second random draw will occur to determine which classrooms will be observed. Assessments will no longer be automatically conducted in the same classrooms that were assessed for
We are proud to introduce a brand-new suite of resources for you! Developed by Quality First assessors, the Self-Reflection Guides help you dive into the CLASS® and ERS guidelines and think about your own daily practices. Use the guides on your own, with a colleague, or even with the help of your coach and support
This comprehensive guide has been refreshed to ensure First Things First (FTF) brand consistency across all communications. Whether you’re creating marketing content for your program or communicating with families, this guide will help you maintain the integrity of the FTF brand. Download the updated PDF now to explore the latest standards and best practices.
Programs on the Quality First waitlist may be eligible to be assessed and earn a Quality First Star Rating! We will contact you if you are eligible. With a star rating, you can: Who is eligible and what’s next? Selection for participation is limited and dependent upon funding availability. Questions? Contact the Quality First team
First Things First created this toolkit to support you in informing your families and community about your exceptional work. You’ll discover helpful tips, like how to talk about your participation in Quality First, tools to help families identify quality care, and shareable resources, templates and social media posts to enhance your communication efforts. Learn more
Looking for a form? Find commonly used Quality First forms in one place. Instructions for submittal are included at the top of the forms or in the Participant Guide. If you’re not sure where to submit a form, ask your coordinator or email the Quality First Team at QualityFirst@FirstThingsFirst.org. English forms Staffing Guide Spanish forms
This guide provides a comprehensive overview of Quality First, including the supports available to you, policies and updates and tips for making the most of your quality improvement efforts.
Here are a few reminders for participant programs allocated Quality First scholarships for State Fiscal Year 2025 (July 1, 2024- June 30, 2025): Things First’s (FTF) state Board voted to raise the reimbursement rates for Quality First Scholarships to align with the 2021 cost of quality study beginning on July 1, 2024. This will help
Did you miss the 2024 Quality First Forums? Click here to view the recording and learn about program funding and participation updates as we head into a new fiscal year. This recording covers how federal COVID-19 relief funding allowed Arizona to further invest in child care by temporarily expanding FTF strategies such as QF participation,
Beginning on July 1, 2024, programs that joined Quality First through temporary federal pandemic relief funding, known as expansion-funded programs, will transition to one of three statuses. All expansion-funded programs will be notified about their transition by the end of May. You can find your funding source on the extranet profile summary. Your QF coordinator, coach and
Participation in Quality First is free. Apply now to get the support you need to make your program the best it can be.
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