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What is Colorado Shines?
What is Colorado Shines?
Colorado Shines is a quality rating and improvement system for all of Colorado’s licensed early learning programs serving children birth to 5. It encourages and supports programs to improve their quality and to connect with families looking for quality care for their children.
The Colorado Shines Quality Rating and Improvement System honors those programs that choose accreditation for meeting their quality goals. Colorado Shines works directly with accrediting bodies that submit an application for crosswalk recognition.
How does it work?
How does it work?
Colorado Shines is flexible and customizable. Programs can apply to be evaluated for quality ratings—and receive support—regardless of educational philosophy, and can improve quality at a pace that works for each program.
Early learning programs are rated through Colorado Shines on a scale of one to five, one qualifying as a basic program, and five qualifying as an exceptional program:
Level 1: Your program is currently licensed with the State of Colorado.
Level 2: Your program is licensed, in good standing, and:
Has a quality improvement plan in place
Has finished the L2 Quality Indicator Program Assessment
Has registered staff in the Colorado Shines Professional Development Information System (PDIS)
Has completed the required number of E-Learning course hours for Level 2
Levels 3-5: Your program is licensed, in good standing, and:
Has completed all of requirements listed in Level 2
Has been assessed and rated by a Colorado Shines Quality Ratings Assessor
Colorado Shines Funding
Coaching
Coaching
Information
Actively participate in coaching w/your QI coach
Improve the program,’s overall quality and Colorado Shines rating
Implement coaching recommendations to achieve QI goals
Quality Improvement
Quality Improvement
Allowable QI Expenses
Approved, allowable quality improvement materials
Professional Development Expenses
Capital Improvement Application
Capital Improvement Application
Eligibility
Licensed to serve children under 30 months
Approved TSQI MOU
Active CCAP Fiscal Agreement
Have an eligible project
Did not receive CSQI Capital funds last year
Focus
Expansion of I/T slots
Enhancing quality experiences in I/T setting
CSQI FUNDING – COACHING & QUALITY IMPROVEMENT ONLY
As long as funding is available, programs are eligible for a one-time award each fiscal year
Quality Improvement funding is allocated in coaching hours. Coaching hours can be converted into QI dollars upon council approval
Coached will work with you on the best way to support your program and improve quality to meet state grant requirements.
CAPITAL IMPROVEMENT FUNDING
If your program meets the eligibility criteria above, you may qualify for capital improvement funding
Programs interested in applying should set up a preliminary meeting with First Impressions to discuss your project idea and details about the process.
Colorado Shines Program Guide
Colorado Shines Program Guide
The Program Guide offers resources to support you on the journey with the Colorado Shines Quality Rating & Improvement System (QRIS). Its purposes are to:
Help programs understand the structure, requirements and benefits associated with Colorado Shines.
Provide a detailed overview of the rating levels and what is expected of each level.
Serve as an ongoing reference tool for programs.
For the full Colorado Shines Program Guide visit: https://drive.google.com/file/d/1B4o2So_L3fDxIsgpCTnswj-ihiwaYCcN/view?usp=drive_link
Online tools to help you get started
Quality Rating and Improvement System (QRIS): The QRIS helps you to apply and prepare for your Colorado Shines Quality Rating site visits and assessments.
Professional Development Information System (PDIS): The PDIS supports your staff on their professional development path by offering e-learning courses, a variety of early childhood credentials, a Competencies Self-Assessment and an Individualized Professional Development Plan.
Visit the Colorado Shines program resources and FAQ pages to find additional information to guide you through the process.
How to update your QRIS Portal Information: QRIS Application Overview - YouTube
How to apply for QI funds: Applying for Quality Improvement Funds - YouTube
How to submit for a Level 2: Completing Your Level 2 Application - YouTube
How to submit for a Level 3-5 rating: QRIS L3-5 Application - YouTube
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