Temple Hoyne Buell Foundation
Supporting the positive development of young children in Colorado.


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Qualistar Rating Project












Top banner photo credits, left to right:
The Acorn School for Early
     Childhood Development
Otis Preschool
Santo Niño Learning Center
Community Partnership for
     Child Development
Thompson Valley Preschool
The Center preschool, a
     Qualistar-rated program










QUALISTAR RATING PROJECT

 

What is a Qualistar Rating?

The Qualistar Rating measures quality in licensed early learning programs.  A trained quality rating specialist spends several hours in the selected programs collecting information and evaluating the program.  The child care centers will be evaluated on five quality components:  Learning Environment, Family Partnerships, Training and Education, Adult-to-Child Ratios and Group Size, and Accreditation.

Points are awarded in each of the components and the center receives a baseline rating (0 to 4 star scale) determined by the total points received.  A Quality Performance Profile is created that outlines the program’s strengths and areas for improvement, providing the center with a detailed action plan and timeline for improvement.

Why is the Temple Hoyne Buell Foundation funding this project? 

The Temple Hoyne Buell Foundation understands that measuring quality is critical, and the act of measuring offers an opportunity for self-analysis.  Research confirms that high quality early childhood programs can produce enduring benefits in academic achievement and life success.  This research has documented lasting effects that include, but are not limited to, improving school readiness, avoiding special education, decreasing grade retention, reducing school dropout, and improving high school graduation rates.  In Colorado, the Qualistar Rating measures many of these factors, including classroom structure, classroom dynamics, and staff characteristics.  The Quality Performance Profile assists programs to improve and/or maintain the quality levels that will encourage the best possible outcomes for young children.  We believe the project will encourage programs to address all of the components necessary to ensure high quality.

What are our chances of being selected? 

The Foundation anticipates funding Qualistar Ratings for approximately 100 classrooms between September 2008 and August 2009.  Determining factors will include, but not be limited to number of applications received, level of commitment by the center to address recommended improvements, other resources available, location, and stability of staff (especially the director).

If we’re selected, what is expected of our child care center? 

The Buell Foundation expects the selected child care centers to participate in a ‘getting ready for ratings’ process, to comply with all Qualistar rules and regulations related to ratings, and to commit to making reasonable recommended improvements, especially those that do not require a monetary expenditure.  The center will be required to sign a contract stating that it is willing to accept these conditions to the best of its ability.  A final report on the use of the quality improvement funds will be required.

Who is eligible to apply? 

The center offers full-time child care and/or a part-time preschool program for children between the ages of 0 to 5 years.

The center is licensed by the State of Colorado and is a designated 501(c)(3) organization, a program of a Colorado public school district, or a program of a Colorado government entity.

The center is located in any Colorado county except Denver County.

The center has never received a Qualistar rating.

This project is in addition to the Foundation’s typical grant making efforts.  Both new applicants and centers that are past or current Buell Foundation grant recipients may apply if the center meets the eligibility requirements.

What will the grant pay for? 

The Buell Foundation will award the successful applicant:

A small amount to be used to pay for Orientation and/or Getting Ready for Ratings, which is generally provided by the local resource and referral agency.

$1,200 per classroom to pay Qualistar to rate the center.

After the rating has been completed and the Quality Performance Profile has been received, a grant of up to $2,000 per classroom will be awarded.  The exact amount will be based on prioritized recommendations.  The center and the Buell Foundation must agree upon priorities. 

How do we apply? 

Complete the application form found at the link below, include all requested documentation, and mail the complete package to: 

Qualistar Rating Project
Temple Hoyne Buell Foundation
1666 S. University Blvd., Suite B
Denver, CO  80210 
 

We have fewer than 10 classroom slots left. 
Please call Marilie Hart at 303-744-1688
before completing an application
for the Qualistar Rating Project.

            Application Link

There is no deadline to apply, but once the money has been committed to rate 100 classrooms, this page will be removed from the Buell Foundation website.  Do not procrastinate! 

Who do I call if I have questions?

Call Marilie Hart at 303-744-1688
Email:  mhart@buellfoundation.org

 

 

The following Colorado early childhood organizations are participating in the Buell Foundation Qualistar Rating Project during our 2008/2009 fiscal year:

Arapahoe House's Children's Learning Center, Littleton
Basalt Campus Kids, Basalt
Bethany Busy Bee Preschool, Littleton
Bridgeway, Lakewood
Brighton Adventist Academy, Brighton
Center Head Start, Center
Children's Center, Broomfield
Children's Workshop, Greeley
Early Childhood University, Greeley
Faith Preschool, Eaton
Family Educational Network of Weld County, Greeley
Footprints: Daycare, Preschool & Kindergarten, Thornton
Glenwood Springs Elementary, Glenwood Springs
Heritage Preschool, Englewood
Highland Early Childhood Education Center, Ault
Homestar Child Development Center, Boulder
Little Sprouts Community Preschool, Cedaredge
McClave Preschool, McClave
Monte Vista Head Start, Monte Vista
Mount Sopris Montessori School, Carbondale
Mountain Sprouts Preschool, Telluride
Prairie School Preschool, New Raymer
Saguache Head Start, Saguache
Saint Luke's Children's Center, Colorado Springs
Santo Niño Child Care Preschool, Rocky Ford
Snow Lion School, Boulder
Sopris Elementary, Glenwood Springs
St. Louis Catholic Preschool, Boulder
Telluride Preschool, Telluride
Tri-Lakes Community Preschool, Monument
Walnut Hills Preschool, Englewood

 

 

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Temple Hoyne Buell Foundation

1666 S. University Blvd., Suite B, Denver, CO  80210     (303) 744-1688   Fax (303) 744-1601