California State Preschool Program (CSPP) sites are required to restart the rating process. The number of programs that can be rated in Santa Clara County is limited due to current funding restrictions. Any program interested in being rated should contact the FIRST 5 Santa Clara County Early Learning Department at EarlyLearningDept@first5kids.org

Sites are evaluated according to standards set by the California Quality Rating and Improvement System, which operates according to a definition of quality developed by the California Department of Education and stakeholders statewide. Here are the seven elements that get rated.

• Element 1: Child Observation
• Element 2: Developmental and Health Screenings
• Element 3: Minimum Qualifications for Lead Teacher
• Element 4: Effective Teacher-Child Interactions
• Element 5: Ratios and Group Size
• Element 6: Program Environment
• Element 7: Director Qualifications

The rating process includes the following steps:

1. Administrators submit site information into the online data system, Hubbe (formally iPinwheel).
2. Two separate visits occur to evaluate elements in the adapted QRIS Matrix:
   • Interviews and verification of documents to evaluate Elements 1, 2, 3, 5, and 7. (Conducted by WestEd E3 Institute staff) 
   • Classroom Assessment Scoring System (CLASS) assessment of classroom(s) to evaluate Element 4.
3. The final rating is determined and posted in Hubbe.

Documentation required:

• Document checklist during a Site Visit

Sites will have the opportunity for their staff to participate in the Quality Matters Stipend Program and Quality Improvement activities.

If you would like more information about your site’s involvement in Quality Matters, please email WestEd E3 Institute rating coordinators at e3@wested.org.