Exciting News for Kansas Child Care Providers! The new Kansas Quality Recognition and Improvement System (QRIS), Links to Quality (L2Q), is now available to all licensed child care providers in Kansas. Links to Quality is offered through Child Care Quality Improvement Support Services (CCQIS) and funded by the Kansas Department for Children and Families.
L2Q strives to increase access of quality child care for all Kansas families. The purpose is to design and implement a statewide system that recognizes continuous quality efforts of Early Childhood Care and Education Programs like you. Why be involved in Links to Quality? Because when children have great early learning experiences, they can build the skills they need to reach their potential. When children succeed, families win. Communities win. Kansas wins.
Best of all – this service is free!
Links to Quality is a program that licensed Early Childhood Care and Education Programs can take part in to develop better business and program practices. L2Q recognizes child care programs that are working on the overall improvement of quality of care in the state of Kansas. L2Q will make available support services, which will include coaching, mentoring, technical assistance, reviewing and assessing, to assist programs as they continuously improve and meet L2Q indicators.
A QRIS is a process to observe, assess, improve and recognize the quality of child care programs. A QRIS defines quality indicators and provides a framework for child care programming.
The QRIS in Kansas is called Links to Quality (L2Q). Links to Quality is a self-paced process that licensed providers can take part in to develop better business and program practices. L2Q recognizes child care programs that are working on the overall improvement of quality of care, and will make available support services, which will include coaching, mentoring, technical assistance (online or face-to-face), reviewing and assessing, to assist programs as they set goals that meet L2Q indicators.
You set your own goals for each link focus area. This service is provider and program driven. You set your specific goals. Your experience with your consultant may include:
All licensed child care programs in the state of Kansas can participate. This includes Child Care Centers, Family Child Care Homes, Group Homes, Head Start, Preschools and School Age programs that:
The L2Q Process
All participants will start with the Program Administration Link first. Once they are awarded that link, participants will be able to select from the available links.
L2Q Link Topic Areas Currently Available
What You Get
FAQ’s
Is L2Q required in Kansas?
L2Q participation is voluntary, and no child care program is required to participate.
Do I need to be a DCF provider to participate?
No, a program does not need to be a DCF (Child Care Subsidy) provider to participate.
How will my program be recognized?
Your program will be recognized with Quality Recognition Links when the Quality Link criteria have been met. This will include recognition on the online Work Life System as well as a visual recognition that can be proudly displayed at your facility. Families will be able to see which links you have earned when looking into your program online, setting you apart from other programs.
How does a program apply for L2Q?
Is there a cost to participate in L2Q?
There is no cost for programs to participate in L2Q In fact, L2Q will support programs through support services that will include coaching, mentoring, technical assistance, training (online or face-to-face), reviewing and assessing, to help them get the things they need to improve quality within their programs.
What is the time commitment to participate in L2Q?
L2Q is provider driven. Participants will complete program objectives and meet self-set deadlines as applicable.
Will my participation in other quality initiatives affect my involvement in L2Q?
No, it will assist L2Q program staff to align other quality efforts with L2Q, and can enhance the L2Q experience.
Is it required to attend L2Q orientation?
Yes, participants are required to attend an orientation. Your assigned consultant will contact you with information regarding the orientation. This will be at no cost to you, and you will receive a certificate for 2 hours of KDHE approved training.
Program Administration Support is a free service available to all licensed child care providers in the state of Kansas. Focused on promoting solid business practices in child care environments, we offer one-on-one coaching and planning sessions that are provider and program driven.
Our highly trained and experienced L2Q Consultants have worked in the child care business for decades and have even served as providers themselves. They are knowledgeable in the latest early child care and education research and best practices, so you don’t have to be.
They can advise you on a variety of topics related to business practices. Maybe you want to create something completely unique for your child care environment. Or you may want to move beyond the basics and offer a higher quality of care.
Here are a few of the many topic Program Administration Support can offer guidance on:
You set your own goals and focus areas. This service is provider and program driven. You set your specific goals. Best of all – the service is free.
Your experience with Program Administration Support may include:
Collaborating with a L2Q Consultant doesn’t just benefit the children in your care. It’s also an advantage for your child care business. A higher quality program can equal higher enrollment and more referrals, ensuring that you can keep your doors open and grow your revenue.
Here’s how you can benefit from Program Administration Support:
During an initial meeting with your L2Q Consultant, you’ll be able to share your needs and tell us what you’re hoping to accomplish. Ideas include:
Contact us to request an introductory, one-on-one meeting. Call 785-823-3343 or email L2Q@ks.childcareaware.org
Funded by the Kansas Department for Children and Families
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