• The goal of the state is to award funding that will be used to purchase high quality early childhood materials as well as support programs and professionals in reaching higher credentials. 

• This has been an unprecedented time for Early Childhood funding and we are so excited to see more funding than ever going to programs! Last year alone, the Council processed over $25,000 in quality improvement! 

• We have updated our spending deadlines to allow enough time for programs to order and receive QI materials as well as additional time in case of delayed shipping, damaged or cancelled items. This also allows the Council enough time to approve and process each order and bill the state.

Placing a QI Request with an Approved Vendor 

Want to use a different vendor (Amazon, Walmart, etc) 

Follow these steps: How to create a QI request in ecConnect! : Support for Early Childhood Councils (ecconnectcolorado.org)

1. Log in to your QRIS portal

2. Click on Quality Improvement> Add a Quality Improvement Goal

3. Under each Domain, select the Category and Criteria that best fits your desired goal. 

4. Status: Choose “In Progress” 

5. Priority: Choose “Low, Medium or High” 

6. Complete By: Choose a date a year from when you are creating the goal 

7. Under Improvement Actions: Develop a SMART goal using the process below (see example as well). 

8. Feel free to Mark any previous goals, you are no longer working on, as “Completed”.

Example: By June of 20___, our program will purchase and begin implementing the Creative Curriculum in both of our preschool classrooms. This curriculum will help us improve the quality and consistency of our school because of its alignment with Colorado’s ELDGs. 

Reimbursements are often the last step of spending down remaining QI dollars. After the February 23, 2024 QI deadline, any remaining funds can still be utilized but the program will have to purchase allowable materials or submit for PD expenses through the reimbursement process. 

The process and paperwork needed will vary depending on the specific circumstances. Due to the complexity and individual nature of reimbursements, you will need to work directly with Pamela for deadlines, information needed and next steps. 

Expenditures that are paid through reimbursement, 

✓ Capital Improvement projects (See CSQI information Tab) 

✓ Professional Development expenses 

✓ Materials purchased after final QI Spending Deadline

Remember

• ALL reimbursements need Council pre-approval 

• Reimbursements cannot be processed until all documents are received. 

• It takes approximately 6-8 weeks to receive a reimbursement due to the state billing process.

All reimbursement documents should be email to,

Pamela Nebel, Program Specialist 

Pnebel@co.routt.co.us   -  970.875.4227

Please Note: 

• Councils are encouraged to reach out to the vendors directly should an issue arise with an order.

• All materials requests must be made through home.ecconnectcolorado.org 

• Discounts are subject to change

Useful Liks

• Vendor Definitions! : Support for Early Childhood Councils (ecconnectcolorado.org) 

• Marketplace Vendors for EC Councils - Documentos de Google 

• preferred-vendors.pdf (ecconnectcolorado.org) 

EcConnect site: https://home.ecconnectcolorado.org/auth/login

How do I convert Coaching hours to QI dollars: Complete transfer form and submit to Meg or Pamela (You can find the form in the provider shared folder, if you don't have it ask Pamela to add you)

What expenses are allowable with QI dollars? 

High quality early childhood learning materials that benefit children directly and/or help increase your Colorado Shines rating.

• Professional Development Expenses - Go to spending QI dollars tab.

• Items not allowed under QI: consumables (ie: paper, paint, etc.), and Capital Improvement

1. I’m ready to spend my dollars, where do I start? Once you have completed the transfer form and met with your coach to develop QI goals in QRIS and have chosen materials, pick which approved vendor(s) (See vendors Tab) you will use and follow the steps (See spending QI Dollars Tab)

2. Do I need approval for the materials I purchase? Council approval is required for all QI spending. In some cases, we must secure special approval from the state.

3. What type of furniture is allowed? The state requires “commercial grade” furniture with a warranty; options are available through our approved vendor list.

4. How long does it take to receive my materials? Historically, it has taken 12 weeks or less. But due many variables in the COVID era we are seeing many delays. Please plan accordingly, allowing yourself plenty of time to receive your items. Two-way communication is necessary to ensure a smooth process.

5. What is a PO #? You will receive an automated confirmation email after your order is approved and it will reference your Purchase Order Number. KEEP THIS EMAIL FOR YOUR RECORDS!

6. Can I go back into ecConnect to see previous orders? Not currently.

Remember

• Your order has NOT been officially placed with the vendor until the Council approves it and you receive the confirmation email. This may take up to 4 weeks depending on the current number of orders in the queue

• Choose your items thoughtfully, as changing your order once it is placed may not be possible

• Always use vendor’s ONLINE catalogs for current pricing

• Create only ONE QI Request PER Vendor (ie: place your order with Lakeshore, then go back to the home page, and place a different order with the next vendor).

There is a GLITCH in ecConnect-On some bigger orders (over $5,000 or 25 items+) where the system duplicates line items. If you run into this glitch, call or email Pamela

• Do NOT enter discounts or shipping costs, as these are calculated by each individual vendor

• Oops! I’m having problems with ecConnect…An item is broken…I received a duplicate order… I need to exchange something…? Call or email Pamela Nebel! DO NOT CALL THE VENDOR DIRECTLY