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Early Learning Quality and Inclusion

Every child deserves a strong start.

At the San Mateo County Office of Education, we believe that every child—regardless of ability—should have access to nurturing, inclusive, and high-quality early learning environments.

Through the Early Learning Quality and Inclusion Partnership (EQ+IP), the County Office of Education collaborates with county partners to enhance the capacity of early learning programs to serve children with special needs. 

EQ+IP aligns with regional, statewide, and national efforts, including the California State Preschool QRIS Block Grant and The Big Lift collective impact initiative. It helps to build a more inclusive early learning system by:

  • Coordinating with early intervention, special education, and nonprofit service providers.
  • Offering training and consultation to create inclusive, developmentally appropriate environments.
  • Facilitating enhanced referrals to ensure children are matched with the right supports.
  • Leveraging funding to expand access to early childhood special education and intervention services.

Quality Counts San Mateo

EQ+IP implements Quality Counts San Mateo County, the local Quality Rating and Improvement System that measures and supports continuous improvement in early learning centers, family childcare homes, and alternative settings.

Quality Counts San Mateo County helps raise the quality of early learning programs so that San Mateo County’s young children get the excellent early learning experiences they need for a bright future.The system:

  • Conducts quality assessments and ratings across diverse early learning environments.
  • Supports facility enhancements to improve learning spaces and QRIS scores.
  • Provides training, coaching, and technical assistance to elevate provider practices.
  • Encourages peer mentoring and professional learning communities.
  • Promotes workforce development through support for Early Childhood Education coursework and credentials—especially at local community colleges like Skyline and Cañada.

Through consistent assessment and improvement recommendations, Quality Counts San Mateo County:

  • Supports inclusive practices that welcome and serve children of all abilities.
  • Strengthens the early learning workforce through education and professional development.
  • Fosters collaboration among educators, families, and community partners.

Quality Counts San Mateo is coordinated by the County Office of Education, First 5 San Mateo County, and the Child Care Coordinating Council using local, state, and federal funds.

Visit San Mateo Quality Counts

Supporting Documents for Providers

The sections below are designed to help sites join QRIS and prepare for an upcoming rating. You will find reference materials and forms to update your site and staff information. The County Office of Education will also offer training to guide you through the forms and show how your information will be entered into our data system, Vertical Change.

Please check back soon for updates and additional resources.

How to Join Quality Counts San Mateo

There are two ways to participate in Quality Counts: State-funded programs participate in the Quality Rating and Improvement System, and all other center-based programs, family child care, and alternative settings participate in QCSM as Quality Improvement programs.

We invite early childhood educators to participate in Quality Counts San Mateo by joining the early childhood community in continuous site quality improvement. Various resources are available to you as a QCSM participant. You will have access to coaching, priority to participate in our Early Learning and Care Stipend program, Professional Development opportunities, and financial incentives.

Submit Site Application

Quality County California Quality Continuum Framework

Quality Counts San Mateo Orientation Materials

2024-2025 QCSM QI Site (Non-CSPP) Orientation Session

2023-2024 QCSM QRIS Site (CSPP/Title V) Orientation Session