QSLA Model FAQs

Over the past year, QSLA has gathered feedback from participants and support staff to help guide our model redesign. A key theme that emerged was the importance of making all quality improvement (QI) services equitable across provider types and funding sources. These changes reflect QSLA’s strong commitment to equity and ensuring fair access to resources for all. These changes are also in alignment with QSLA’s state funders, CDE, First 5 CA IMPACT, and Quality Counts CA.

In the previous version of QSLA, the coaching services were divided into two different models (Comprehensive Coaching Model and Fundamental Technical Assistance Model), dependent on the site’s funding source and tier rating. We are shifting from a funding-based assignment model to an Opt-In Menu of Services, allowing QSLA participating sites to select from a variety of supports that best align with their goals.

QSLA will continue to assess one-third of CSPP-funded classrooms utilizing the updated Quality Continuum Framework (QCF).

• The revisions include Element 4b. Effective Teacher-Child Interactions: CLASS® as the only element used for assessing quality and calculating ratings. Element 4b.will be measured by the CLASS 2nd edition Pre-K 3rd assessment tool.
• Although we observe CSPP classrooms using the Environments tool, we share the scores with participants for their own state reporting purposes.
• More details, training, and support documents on the assessment process will be shared in the summer months.

Coaching Teams will receive training during the summer months (July – August) that will consist of QSLA’s redesigned opt-in model (structure, menu of services, coach role, assessment, etc.) and focused sessions on CLASSroom Quality Improvement (QI) Coaching.

More information will be shared with coaching teams as training dates and agendas are finalized.

Information regarding the redesign of QSLA will be gradually updated on the QSLA website. Starting July 1st, 2025, the following documents will be available for participants to view :

• Provider Journey
• Menu of Services Glossary of Terms: Quality
• Improvement Support
• Provider Service Structure

No, participation in coaching is not required to continue participating in QSLA. QSLA participating sites can choose to continue participating in QSLA by signing the annual contract. Thereafter, sites can select from a variety of support services that best align with their goals. This includes:

• Quality Improvement (QI) Coaching
• NEW: Quality Improvement Support (QIS) Help Desk
• Networking Opportunities
• Professional Development Training Resources Professional Stipends
• Instructional Materials (When available)

All support services are offered and available for the sites to participate in or opt into.

**The Menu of services is subject to change and depends on available funding and resource capacity.

If a site is interested in receiving Quality Improvement (QI) Coaching, they must complete and submit a Coaching Service Request. More details on the Coaching Service Request and opt-in process will be shared during coach training in the summer months.

Standard QSLA participation requirements will still apply, including:

• Contracting
• ECE Workforce Registry Profile
• Incentive Expenditures
• Completion of the Common Data File (CDF)
• Quality Improvement Plan (QIP) Individualized QIP for sites participating in QI Coaching Template QIP for sites not participating in QI Coaching
• For CSPP-funded programs only: Participation in the assessment process every 3–5 years

Please refer to the Participant Journey for more details on the required actions a site must comply with to participate in QSLA.

Programs that opt in will receive a minimum of 7 coaching sessions (up to 2 hours each), which include:

• One (1) QSLA Orientation
• One (1) QIP Development
• Four (4) Quality Improvement Coaching
• One (1) End of the Year Review.

The Quality Improvement Support (QIS) Help Desk provides accessible, personalized support to active QSLA participating sites not enrolled in coaching.

• The QIS Help Desk connects participants to high-quality technical assistance, professional development linkage, and early childhood resources that strengthen program quality and educator impact.
• The QIS Help Desk will become available in September 2025.

QSLA’s new model offers flexibility for participants to choose the level of support that best meets their program’s needs. As long as participants meet the required activities outlined in their contract (referenced in question 3), they are not obligated to opt into any additional quality improvement services. **Programs will not be penalized or terminated for choosing not to participate in quality improvement coaching or any other optional support services offered through the Menu of Services.

Beginning on July 1, 2025, through July 11, 2025, QSLA Contracts for program year 2025-26 will be sent out.

The deadline to submit a signed contract is September 1st, 2025.

In alignment with all other quality improvement support services available, participation in QSLA’s professional development offerings will not be required. Throughout the program year, participants can engage in professional development training that best meets their professional needs.

All site staff who work in a QSLA participating site are eligible to participate in professional development training, as space and funding permit.

QSLA is not changing or eliminating any of our key communication tools. We will continue using our usual channels, including email newsletters, PD calendar, and QSLA Connect catalog. Any updates will focus on improving access and making it easier for you to stay informed.

In alignment with all other quality improvement support services available, participation in QSLA’s professional development offerings will not be required. Throughout the program year, participants can engage in professional development training that best meets their professional needs.

All site staff who work in a QSLA participating site are eligible to participate in professional development training, as space and funding permit.

QSLA is not changing or eliminating any of our key communication tools. We will continue using our usual channels, including email newsletters, PD calendar, and QSLA Connect catalog. Any updates will focus on improving access and making it easier for you to stay informed.

Incentives will be as follows:

• CSPP-funded Programs: $7,000 per site
• Non-CSPP-funded Programs (Centers and Family Child Care Homes): $600 of annual incentive, including an additional amount yet to be determined.

As of Thursday, June 26th, sites will receive a formal communication, found at the top of this document, informing them of the redesigned model, the why, and when it will take effect. Attached to the email will be the Provider Journey and Menu of Services. Also, related questions and answers will be posted on the QSLA website. The direct link to where the participant Q&A will be shared here as it becomes available.

Participants can reach out to info@qualitystartla.org with any further questions.