Title: AC4-Contract to Provide QIS Coaching/Technical Assistance

Recommendation:
I recommend that the School Board approve a contract for the Prevention Partnerships for Children, Inc. discretionary grant in partnership with the Children's Service Council in the amount of $3,277,492.  This contract is effective October 1, 2006 to September 30, 2007 and authorizes the Superintendent or designee to sign all documents and contracts related to the grant which are required for implementation of grant activities.

Description:

This Agreement with Prevention Partnerships for Children, Inc. funds thirty eight (38) certified teachers, two (2) specialists, a manager, and related support staff to provide intensive technical assistance and coaching to directors and practitioners at child care centers and District school-based prekindergarten sites that are participating in the Quality Improvement System (QIS).  

QIS was created to enhance the quality of early education programs in Palm Beach County.  It is a voluntary quality improvement program that was initiated by the Children's Services Council based on results from a pilot project funded by the Picower Foundation.    The coaching component of QIS is in its fifth year of operation and represents a partnership between the District, United Way and the Children's Services Council.  Other QIS community collaborations exist with Family Central, Inc., Palm Beach Community College, Child Care Directors Association, Association for the Education of Young Children, Head Start, Center for Learning and Workforce Effectiveness, Early Learning Coalition, Health Care District and the Family and Community Partnerships. 
 
This Agreement maintains current program funding and provides funding for seven additional positions.  The increase in dollars and staff over the previous year's contract is due to the growth of the program. 

Coaching services support and promote improvements in QIS centers and classrooms as identified by standards related to the six (6) QIS Pathways of Quality:
     1. Environment, as measured by the research based ECERS (Early Childhood Environment Rating Scale)
     2. Professional Development
     3. Staff to Child Ratio and Group Size
     4. Parent Involvement
     5. Child Developmental Screenings
     6. Program (curriculum implementation)

The District is a voluntary participant in the QIS and during the 2006/07 school year, technical assistance/coaching will be  provided in prekindergarten classrooms in up to 16 school sites:
      West Area - Belle Glade, K.E. Cunningham/Canal Point, Melaleuca, and Rosenwald
      North Area - Lincoln and Wynnebrook
      Central Area - Heritage, Roosevelt, Starlight Cove, U.B. Kinsey/Palmview, and Westward
      South Area - Galaxy, Highland, and Pine Grove

Evaluation will be accomplished using the composite scores of the QIS star ratings (of one to four stars) for participating early education settings.

Adequate housing is available for all additional staff.

Financial Impact:
The financial impact to the Special Revenue-Other Funds budget is an increase of $3,277,492.  These funds will be allocated to the Department to Early Childhood Education.  All grant related expenditures and contracts are authorized for payment up to the amount of revenue.  There is no financial impact to the Operating Budget.

For Additional Information, contact:

Ann Killets (akillets@palmbeach.k12.fl.us)

Alison Adler

M.J. Steele

Attachments (list):
QIS Data Panel 2006-07.pdf
QIS Contract 2006-07.pdf
QIS Legal Review Checklist.pdf