Vote — approved

Steve Gallardo	yes
Jack Sellers	yes
Bill Gates	yes
Clint Hickman	yes
Steve Chucri	yes

43.RECEIPT OF INCENTIVES FROM QUALITY FIRST FOR STAR RATING Request approval to receive incentives from Arizona Early Childhood Development and Health Board known as First Things First (FTF), Quality First (QF). FTF is Arizona’s early care and education Quality Improvement and Rating System (QIRS). Also request authorization for the Chairman to sign the INCENTIVES MANAGEMENT AGREEMENT. The incentive amount of $5,025 are provided to the Maricopa County Head Start program site located in the Town 

Item Text

43. RECEIPT OF INCENTIVES FROM QUALITY FIRST FOR STAR RATING Request approval to receive incentives from Arizona Early Childhood Development and Health Board known as First Things First (FTF), Quality First (QF). FTF is Arizona’s early care and education Quality Improvement and Rating System (QIRS). Also request authorization for the Chairman to sign the INCENTIVES MANAGEMENT AGREEMENT. The incentive amount of $5,025 are provided to the Maricopa County Head Start program site located in the Town of Guadalupe and shall be utilized to purchase equipment and materials that increase the quality of teaching practices and health and safety standards. The Head Start program shall utilize the Purchasing through Coach Agency - Purchasing process identified in Paragraph D (ACCESSING INCENTIVES FUNDS), Subparagraph (1) Purchasing through Coach Agency - Purchasing Process listed in the Incentive Agreement and will not receive actual funds. The Head Start program will order items that will enhance the program and environment to improve learning for program participants through the Coach Agency. QF partners with childcare and preschool providers across Arizona to improve the quality of early learning for children birth to 5. QF has established a statewide Quality Improvement and Rating System (QIRS) standard for early care and education programs and funds quality improvements that research proves help children thrive. An integral part of the QRIS is to provide incentives to Head Start programs, child care providers to ensure environments and teaching practices provide developmentally appropriate experiences that supports school readiness. An important component of the QIRS is the assignment of a star rating. QF’s star rating identifies the level of quality early care and education the program is delivering to young children and their families based on the implementation of best practices as measured by the QF assessment process. QF assessments use valid and reliable tools that focus on key components of quality early care, including adult-child interactions, learning environments and administrative practices. Based on these assessments, the program is noted on a continuum of quality, ranging from Rising Star and is eligible for QF incentive funds. QF incentives provide the resources to support and sustain quality improvement efforts in Maricopa County Head Start program sites that attain a Star rating of 3, 4, or 5. Quality improvements are efforts to sustain high quality early education services through the maintenance of facility improvements, professional development, and materials or equipment. Upon approval of this item, request that the Chairman check the box under Paragraph G Option B and sign the Agreement. Quality First utilizes United Way as the fiduciary agency regarding incentives. Supervisory District: 5 (C-22-21-021-X-00)

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