In partnership with the Office of Early Childhood, Colorado Department of Human Services, {{council()}} is pleased to announce the release of applications for Quality Improvement funding opportunities for July 1, 2016-June 30, 2017.
These Quality Improvement Programs are available dependent on meeting eligibility criteria, program rubric scores, and available funding. Follow the steps below to start the process – and don’t forget, you can always contact {{qi_navigator()}} for help along the way!
| Quality Improvement Program | Description | Updates for New Program Year | Minimum Requirements & Program Rubric | Application Type & Deadline |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Race to the Top Early Learning Challenge Grant (RTT) | Support quality improvement work and activities of licensed child care providers actively participating in the new Colorado Shines Quality Rating and Improvement System (QRIS). | This funding has been extended and is available to any Early Learning Program that has not previously been awarded RTT funds. If your program was awarded funds for achieving a Level 2, you can qualify for additional funds if you achieve a Level 3-5. This funding sunsets June 30, 2017. |
Once an Early Learning Program achieves a Colorado Shines Level 2, it is eligible to apply for RTT QI incentives. If a Level 2 program achieves a Colorado Shines Level 3, 4, or 5, it is eligible to apply for RTT QI Incentives. This includes Alternative Pathways |
RTT QI is on a rolling application, which means that as soon as you are eligible you can apply to participate in the QI program. Applications will be accepted until January 31, 2017 or funding is depleted. |
| School Readiness Quality Improvement Program | Improve the school readiness of children ages birth – 5 who are cared for by providers located in neighborhoods with under performing elementary schools. | Since eligibility criteria is based on geographic location and proximity to under performing elementary schools, your Program’s eligibility may change in the new program year. Please check the Colorado Shines QI Incentives page to see if you qualify. | Geographic proximity to under performing school and score on the SRQIP Rubric |
SRQIP is on an annual application. For July 1, 2016- June 30, 2017 program year, the deadline for application submission is June 17, 2016. |
| Infant and Toddler Quality & Availability Program (ITQA) | Intended to increase the quality of infant and toddler child care, increase slots in high quality child care for low-income infants and toddlers, implement tiered reimbursement for Colorado Child Care Assistance Program payments, and promote family engagement. | There is no change to this program from the current year. | Ability to maintain or increase the number of infants and toddlers enrolled in CCCAP and score on the ITQA Rubric |
ITQA is on an annual application. For July 1, 2016- June 30, 2017 program year, the deadline for application submission is June 17, 2016. |
| Colorado Child Care Assistance Quality Improvement Program (CCCAP) | Intended to increase the number of CCCAP children under the age of 5 that are served in high quality rated programs. | The eligibility criteria has been changed in order to increase access to these funds across the state of Colorado. The new minimum average CCCAP enrollment is 8 or more children, as calculated by the Office of Early Childhood based on actual CCCAP enrollment. Additionally, this program will now be available on a rolling application. | Licensed Early Learning Programs with an average of 8 or more CCCAP children enrolled and score on CCCAP QI Rubric |
CCCAP QI is on a rolling application, which means that as soon as you are eligible you can apply to participate in the QI program. To be considered for participation as of July 1, 2017, please submit your application by June 17th. After the initial selection period, rolling applications will be assessed as needed throughout the year. |