Attachment A - Quality Improvement Plan.pdf
City of Phoenix — Economic Development and the Arts Subcommittee (2024-06-12)
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Page 1 of 15 Standards of Conduct Quality Improvement Plan Start Date Anticipated End Date Initiated By Plan Updated Updated By April 8, 2024 January 31, 2025 Patricia Kirkland, Deputy Director April 21, 2024 April 26, 2024 May 16, 2024 Patti Kirkland Deficiency Description of Incident Underlying Root Causes Actions Taken to Address This Incident On September 29, 2023, the center's assistant director used their index finger to snap a 2-year- old child in the mouth, stating, "You will not bite my teachers.” On November 9, 2023, a parent observed 2 EHS teachers pulling 2 children apart, pushing the first child to the ground, and slapping the child on the mouth several times. The teacher then instructed the second child to hit the first child. One of the EHS teachers then grabbed the first child's The Birth to Five team used the Head Start Management Systems Wheel to identify root causes of the deficiency. The following sections of the Wheel were identified. Training and Professional Development Strength All staff must participate in two one-hour modules on the Standards of Conduct. All staff must sign the Standards of Conduct upon hire. Needed Improvement Training occurred annually only. Additional training and professional development around the Standards of Conduct is needed. September Incident Jenell Jones, owner of Cactus Kids Preschool, put the assistant director on one-week administrative leave from Nov. 7-14, 2023, pending an investigation. Ms. Jones interviewed the assistant director and the teacher who reported the incident to the Head Start Birth to Five Caseworker. Ms. Jones recorded the interview with the teacher, who indicated the Caseworker coerced her into making the statement about the assistant director’s behavior with the child. Ms. Jones indicated she had a verbal conversation with the assistant director, who denied the maltreatment of the child. The Head Start Birth to Five (Birth to Five) Deputy Director documented an interview with the Caseworker, who restated that the teacher had freely come to her with an allegation of the assistant director treating a child inappropriately. The Arizona Department of Childcare Licensure inspected the incident to follow up on the complaint filed. The report indicated that there was no evidence to substantiate the allegation. The assistant director is currently working at the facility. Attachment A Page 2 of 15 hand and used her finger to flick the child's hand several times, then proceeded to hold the child to allow the second child to hit him. Proper and regular professional development will reduce teacher frustration and the sense of being overwhelmed by children with challenging behaviors. Communication Strength Education Service Provider (Provider) Directors have indicated through interviews that they talk with staff about the Standards of Conduct when they violate them. Needed Improvement The Grantee must continually communicate the importance of safety in learning environments. Provider Directors communicating safety to classroom staff. Classroom staff communicating with one another about safety in the classroom. Ongoing Monitoring and Continuous Improvement Strength The Grantee has systems in place to ensure all staff sign a Standards of Conduct and participate in the two one- hour modules. This information is communicated to the Provider Directors and staff supervisors. Needed Improvements The Grantee must monitor how Providers are ensuring safety in classrooms. A monitoring rubric is needed to address and identify actions and activities that support safety and abiding by the Standards of Conduct. The Birth to Five Casework Supervisor contacted the parent to explain what had happened and offered mental services or referrals for the child. The parent declined. November Incident Birth to Five staff worked with the teachers three months before the incident to help resolve the biting incidents. The two teachers who maltreated the child were put on administrative leave at the end of the day the incident happened. A meeting was held on Nov. 30, 2023, with Mr. and Mrs. Jones (owners), the Birth to Five Deputy Director and Program Coordinator, the City of Phoenix Human Services Director, and the Human Services Attorney at City Hall to discuss the next steps. Mr. and Mrs. Jones were given a letter indicating the following steps, which included: o A copy of the facility’s discipline policy will be submitted by Dec. 15, 2023. o A written statement identifying how children would be kept safe at the facility submitted by Dec. 15, 2023. o Professional development for all staff on the Standards of Conduct using the EDvantage Standards of Conduct modules to be completed by Dec. 31, 2023. o All staff to resign a Standards of Conduct comment and upload into ChildPlus by Dec. 15, 2023. All items were completed by the deadline. Grantee Actions Birth to Five staff visited the facility weekly, but starting at the end of November, a schedule was created to ensure that staff was on site every day. Quality Assurance monitoring was conducted weekly, monitoring one to two rooms per visit. Identify any health or safety issues and notify the director immediately. Training and technical assistance were provided “in the moment” during the monitoring visits. On Dec. 26, 2023, the Deputy Director was notified that the two teachers at the facility would not return to work due to the child's behavior from the Sept. incident. A schedule was developed for Birth to Five staff to work with the child and teacher in the classroom daily starting Jan. 2, 2024, to ensure the child's safety, model appropriate strategies and techniques for the teachers, and ensure the safety of the other children in the classroom. This continued through on a waning schedule through March 29, 2024. The outcome was dramatic: the child began self-regulating their behavior, the teachers learned how to de-escalate the child’s behaviors, and the teachers used strategies and techniques to keep the child from becoming dysregulated. Page 3 of 15 Recordkeeping and Reporting Strength Monthly reports are distributed to Provider Directors and staff supervisors regarding who participated in the online learning modules and what score was received on the quiz. Needed Improvement All Provider Directors and supervisors must have regular conversations about online learning modules and how staff scored. All provider directors and supervisors must ensure that all staff members participate in the Standards of Conduct online learning module and regular training throughout the year. Human Resources Strength All staff must sign a Standards of Conduct when hired. All staff must participate in Standards of Conduct online learning modules at some point in the year. Needed Improvements Update policies and procedures around the Standards of Conduct and a culture of safety. All new hires will sign the Standards of Conduct and participate in the online learning modules prior to providing service or working with children. Add language in Provider contracts outlining the expectations of creating and maintaining safety and implementing the Standards of Conduct. Staff will continue to be on-site a minimum of three times per week through June 30, 2024. Page 4 of 15 Add language in the Provider contracts for the consequences of not following the expectations of creating safety and implementing the Standards of Conduct. Data and Evaluation Needed Improvement The Grantee was not looking at any data beyond the signed Standards of Conduct and the annual training. Ensure all data gathered from monitoring Standards of Conduct is shared with the Policy Council and Governing Board. Page 5 of 15 Actions Taken to Strengthen Systems Program-Wide Key Element: Effective policies and procedures focused on alignment with a systematic culture of safety. Intended Outcome: A systematic culture of safety that prioritizes the well-being of staff and children and ensures safe learning environments. Activities Timeline Staff Responsible Resources/TTA Documentation Status of Activities Update or develop policies and procedures focused on the Standards of Conduct. Review and update the Grantee’s Standards of Conduct Policy to include professional development, monitoring, reporting, and follow-up. April 19, 2024 Quality Assurance Manager Professional Development Specialist Deputy Director Arizona Administrative Code and Arizona Revised Statutes for Childcare Facilities Caring For Our Children Standards Head Start Program Performance Standards (HSPPS) 1302.17, 1302.90(c)(i-v) (2) Updated Standards of Conduct Policy Completed April 18, 2024 Present updates to the Policy Council (PC) and Governing Board (GB) PC – June 10, 2024 GB – June 12, 2024 Deputy Director and Admin. Assist. II Updated Standards of Conduct Approval of updates by the Head Start Birth to Five Policy Council and Governing Board Child Discipline Policies Collect child discipline policies from all Providers April 12- 19, 2024 Program Coordinator Child discipline policies from the six HS Providers and three EHS providers Completed April 19, 2024 Review the Education Service Provider and Child Care Partner’s (Providers) child discipline policies to ensure appropriate and positive practices are being implemented. April 22 - 26, 2024 Behavior Support, Education Specialists Provider Parent Handbooks/Child Discipline Policies or Procedures Feedback to Providers. Create guidelines for child discipline policies and share with Providers May 30, 2024 Arizona Administrative Code and Arizona Revised Statutes for Childcare Facilities Caring For Our Children Standards Written document that will be shared with all Providers and included in the Birth to Five Procedural Manual. Page 6 of 15 Head Start Program Performance Standards (HSPPS) 1302.17, 1302.90(c)(i-v) (2) U.S. Dept. of Health and Human Services Policy Statement on Expulsion and Suspension in Early Childhood Settings Conscious Discipline strategies Strategies and Recommendations for Supporting Mental Health ACF-OHS-IM-24-01 Providers will submit their updated child discipline policies for review and approval by the Grantee. July 15, 2024 Program Coordinators Behavior Support Staff Child Discipline guidelines and Provider’s child discipline policies Criteria and feedback the Grantee provides should be evident in the updated policy. The grantee will approve the Providers’ updated child discipline policy. July 30, 2024 Grantee Management Team Provider’s policies Approval of the Provider’s policy by the Grantee Work with Providers to develop a teacher wellness plan that promotes staff well-being. July 30, 2024 Behavior Support Team, Education Team Utilize strategies and techniques from the following; Conscious Discipline, Pyramid Model, Mental Health IM, Wellness Learning Community Completed Teacher Wellness Plan Summary of progress toward outcome: The Standards of Conduct policy was updated to include current language identified in the HSPPS 1302.90(c). The behavior support specialists and program coordinator collected and reviewed provider and EHS center-based provider child discipline policies. The majority of policies were short and weak. Guidelines for discipline policies have been drafted. The Behavior Support team drafted guidance for child discipline policies that will be provided to Education Service Providers and Child Care Partners to include in their policies. Page 7 of 15 Activities Timeline Staff Responsible Resources/TTA Documentation Status of Activities Review and update Education Service Provider and Child Care Partner Contracts as needed to include professional development reporting requirements and ensure alignment with the Head Start Program Performance Standards, Standards of Conduct Update Section IV - Standard Terms and Conditions focusing on 3.6 – Compliance with Laws 4.2 – Costs and Payments - Invoicing 6 – No Oral Alterations Professional Competency 10.1 –- Qualifications 10.2 – Level of Care and Skill 11 – Specific Performance Documentation 12.3 - Document Review April 19, 2024 Management Team Arizona Administrative Code and Arizona Revised Statutes for Childcare Facilities Caring For Our Children Standards Head Start Program Performance Standards (HSPPS) 1302.17, 1302.90(c)(i-v) (2) Universal Child Discipline Policy Updated Section IV Standard Terms and Conditions and Section V Special Terms and Conditions to be used for FY 2024-2025 Education Service Provider and Child Care Partner contracts 5/13/2024 In Process – see notes below in Summary of progress toward outcome. Update Section V – Special Terms and Conditions 17, C. – Prof. Stand. Scope of Work Safety Practices 2.13.2 – Orientation Policies and Procedures 2.17.1(l) – Standards of Conduct Page 8 of 15 Review of Contracts with Providers Review updated portions of the contract with all Providers prior to signature. June 27, 2024 Program Coordinators Deputy Director Updated Sections of the Contract Section IV Section V Scope of Work Agenda and Sign-in In Sheets Summary of progress toward outcome: In reviewing the contracts, professional development focused on the Standards of Conduct, reporting child incidents, and alignment with the Standards of Conduct was already in many sections of the contract. The following additions are enhancements to the contracts. 5/13/2024 – The Procurement Specialist included the following changes to the Scope of Work: Section IV - Standard Terms and Conditions and Section V – Special Terms and Conditions. Scope of Work 2.13 Safety Practices—2.13.1 (n)—A statement was added to ensure that all staff with regular child contact receive an initial orientation training on the Standards of Conduct within 30 days of hire. 2.17 Policies and Procedures—2.17.1 a): The Standards of Conduct were added to each Provider’s Human Resources Management Guide. 2.19 Training and Professional Development – 2.19.1 b), added the Standards of Conduct in all new employee orientation within 30 days of hire Section IV 4.2 Invoicing – a statement was added that monthly reimbursement will be held if required documents are not submitted on time, as outlined in the Scope of Work, Section 7, Reporting Requirements. This included reporting of child incidents. Section V 17. Professional Standards, C, all training needs to be documented. Page 9 of 15 Activities Timeline Staff Responsible Resources/TTA Documentation Status of Activities Cross Walk Identify how the activities align with policies and procedures focused on creating safety and adhering to the Standards of Conduct. Creative Curriculum Fidelity Tool May 31, 2024 Education Specialists Fidelity Tool Coaching Action Plans Curriculum Fidelity Results CLASS Assessment Results Professional Growth Plans Results of TPOT and TPITOS Observations Completed April 24, 2024 Practice-Based Coaching Coaching Practices Tool Classroom Assessment Scoring System (CLASS) CLASS Tool Home Observation Visitor Rating Scale Teaching Pyramid Observations Tool (TPOT) for Preschool Classrooms Behavior Support Specialists TPOT Observation Tool Teaching Pyramid Infant-Toddler Observation Scale (TPITOS) TPITOS Observation Tool Head Start Birth to Five Procedure Manual Include updated procedures and processes focused on creating safety and adhering to the Standards of Conduct sections. Learning Environments Health and Safety Child Discipline Professional Development Mental Health August 30, 2024 Management Team Standards of Conduct Universal Child Discipline Statement Updated manual Page 10 of 15 Procedures for Standards of Conduct Policy Summary of progress toward outcome: The crosswalk between the Standards of Conduct and observation tools was aligned with various pieces of the Standards of Conduct to illustrate that Birth to Five staff are regularly monitoring Education Service Providers and Child Care Partner’s behavior and conduct with children. Professional Development Key Element: Foster a culture of continuous learning and improvement among staff in safety and appropriate interactions with children. Intended Outcome: Staff will foster a learning mindset that enables them to continuously improve their knowledge, skills, attitudes, and behaviors related to a culture of safety. Activities Timeline Staff Responsible Resources/ TTA Documentation Status of Activities Conscious Discipline Training De-escalation Strategies June 3-7, 2024 Behavior Support Team Behavior Support and Management Teams Materials and information from the training Adult/child self- regulation Train the Trainer – Standards of Conduct Policy July 15-30, 2024 Professional Development Specialist Standards of Conduct Training PowerPoint Agenda and Sign-In sheets Training on Classroom Walk-throughs for Coaches. July 30, 2024 Education Specialists Procedure Agenda and Sign-In Sheet All staff will be trained on the updated Standards of Conduct Policy. Provider staff will be trained during staff meetings. August 15 - Sept.15, 2024 Professional Development Specialist Education Specialist, Coaches, Program Coordinators Standards of Conduct PowerPoint and Interactive Scenarios Page 11 of 15 Birth to Five staff will be trained at an Education Divisional meeting Training for teachers to use with children who display characteristics of autism or developmental delays August 21, 2024 In-Service Committee Kits will contain fidget items, weighted items, and visual sensory. Sign-In Sheets for Initial Training Train all staff on updates to the Birth to Five Procedure Manual October 30, 2024 Management Team Updated Procedure Manual Staff signature on acknowledgment form Summary of progress toward outcome: Timeline of Activities Key Element: A shared commitment to safety throughout the organization. Intended Outcome: Staff feels empowered to prioritize safety in all aspects of the daily routine and actively contribute to a safe and healthy learning environment. Activities Timeline Staff Responsible Resources/ TTA Documentation Status of Activities Identify the Root Cause of Deficiency April 18, 2024 Management Team, Education Specialist, and Behavior Support Specialist Head Start Management Systems Wheel Birth to Five Policies and Procedures Indicated in this plan Completed April 18, 2024 Update the current Standards of Conduct Policy April 19, 2024 Quality Assurance Manager and Deputy Director Head Start Program Performance Standards 1302.90 Updated policy approved by the Policy Council (6/10) and Governing Board (6/12) Completed April 18, 2024 Update Provider Contracts May 17, 2024 Management Team See Section: Actions Taken to Strengthen Systems Program- Wide, update contracts. Updated 2024-2025 Provider contracts Update Birth to Five Procedure Manual August 30, 2024 Management Team Standards of Conduct Policy Monitoring procedures Information from Staff Training Updated Manual Page 12 of 15 Professional development on policies and procedures. August 15-Sept. 15, 2024 Professional Development Specialist to monitor and oversee Standards of Conduct Policy Conscious Discipline Training Agendas and Sign-In Sheets Monitoring for implementation of safety and adhering to the Standards of Conduct. June 1 – June 21, 2024 Quality Assurance Monitoring Team Education and Behavior Support Specialists Health and Safety Monitoring Protocol Classroom Walk-through observation sheets Monitoring results will be uploaded to ChildPlus Analyze data from monitoring. June 24 – June 28, 2024 Management Team Monitoring Results A written analysis of trends, outcomes, and recommendations. Share data analysis results with Providers, Birth to Five staff, EHS center-based teams, the Policy Council, and the Governing Board. Standards of Conduct Implementation January 24, 2025 Standards of Conduct Monitoring Rubric Classroom Walk-throughs Feedback from training Meeting minutes, agendas, and sign-in sheets Summary of progress toward outcome: Page 13 of 15 Monitoring Key Element: Ensuring the culture of safety policies and procedures is implemented with fidelity. Intended Outcome: Continuous quality improvement that fosters and maintains a culture of accountability, transparency, and safety. Activities Timeline Staff Responsible Resources/ TTA Documentation Status of Activities Add Standards of Conduct domains to the Health and Safety Monitoring Protocol, including appropriate language, use of Conscious Discipline strategies, and positive discipline practices. May 10, 2024 Quality Assurance Team Provider Directors Arizona Administrative Code and Arizona Revised Statutes for Childcare Facilities Caring For Our Children Standards Head Start Program Performance Standards (HSPPS) 1302.90(c)(i-v) (2) Health and Safety Monitoring Protocol Completed April 23, 2024 Develop a timeline for monitoring in FY 2024-2025 July 30, 2024 Child Care Partners and Education Service Provider Calendars Written timeline provided to Providers, Child Care Partners, and Birth to Five Staff. Health and Safety Monitoring Protocol (includes Standards of Conduct domains as outlined above) September 25, 2024 Quality Assurance Monitoring Team Health and Safety Monitoring Protocol Individual classroom results uploaded to ChildPlus Classroom Walk-Throughs Sept. 15 – Oct. 30, 2024 Quality Assurance Monitors, Education Specialist and Coaches, Behavior Support Specialists, Program Coordinators Provider Directors Standards of Conduct Policy Head Start Program Performance Standards (HSPPS) 1302.90(c)(i-v) (2) Summary of progress toward outcome: Page 14 of 15 Analysis Key Element: Systematically examining the effectiveness, compliance, and impact of the safety of culture policies and procedures. Intended Outcome: Enhance and sustain a culture of safety through continuous quality improvement and strategic alignment with policies and procedures. Activities Timeline Staff Responsible Resources/ TTA Documentation Status of Activities Analyze 2023/2024 data to identify any trends or patterns related to safety and the Standards of Conduct June 1- July 30, 2024 Leadership Team Crosswalks Curriculum Fidelity Classroom Assessment Scoring System Practice-Based Coaching Teaching Pyramid Observations Tool / Teaching Pyramid Infant-Toddler Observation Scale Child Incident Reports Health and Safety Monitoring Written analysis of trends, outcomes, and recommendations. Staff feedback from Training (all staff) September 30, 2024 Trainers Professional Development Specialist Evaluations indicating the effectiveness of the training, the relevance to staff positions, and additional comments for improvements Evaluation results will be aggregated by question and additional comments. Collect and aggregate data by classroom and Provider to identify trends, gaps, and evidence of implementation Standards of Conduct Implementation September 25, 2024 Quality Assurance Monitoring Team Health and Safety Monitoring Protocol Provider reports by classroom and agency Classroom Walk- Throughs November 30, 2024 Quality Assurance Monitors, Education Specialist and Coaches, Behavior Support Specialists, Program Coordinators Provider Directors Observations Sheets Page 15 of 15 Analyze collected data to identify any trends or patterns related to safety and the Standards of Conduct. December 20, 2024 Data Team, Specialists, Management Team Health and Safety Monitoring Protocol, Classroom Walkthrough Observations, and staff feedback. Written report of trends, outcomes, and recommendations by classroom and Provider. Provider Action Plans to be completed for areas of non-compliance or areas of need. Within ten days of monitoring Quality Assurance Monitoring Team Health and Safety Monitoring Protocol Written plan in ChildPlus Follow-up on Provider Action Plans Within 30 days of plan development Tasks or activities on the Action Plan are completed. Summary of progress toward outcome: