Title: G3-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 $3,608,353.  This contract is effective October 1, 2007, to September 30, 2008, 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. provides $3,608,353 for the continuation of the Quality Improvement System (QIS) coaching program.  The grant  funds thirty-nine (39) 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 sixth 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, Early Learning Coalition and the Health Care District.

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) and/or ITERS (Infant/Toddler 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 2007/2008 school year, technical assistance/coaching will be provided in prekindergarten classrooms in school sites, including:

West Area – Belle Glade, K.E. Cunningham/Canal Point, Melaleuca, Rosenwald

North Area – Wynnebrook

Central Area – Heritage, Roosevelt, Starlight Cove, U.B. Kinsey/Palmview, Westward, Berkshire

South Area – Galaxy, Highland, Pine Grove

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

Financial Impact:

The financial impact to the Special Revenue-Other Funds budget is an increase of $3,608,353.  These funds will be allocated to the Department of 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    

Dr. Connie Tuman-Rugg

M.J. Steele

Attachments (list):
2007 Contract Update QIS.pdf
2007 LEGAL APPROVAL QIS.pdf
2007 Data Panel QIS final.pdf