Quality Counts San Mateo

The San Mateo County Office of Education (SMCOE), First 5 San Mateo County and the Child Care Coordinating Council are the implementing partners for Quality Counts San Mateo (QCSM). Using local, state and federal funds, SMCOE has been steadily supporting the development of QCSM to measure and support quality improvement in early learning centers, family childcare homes, and alternative settings in San Mateo County.

There are two ways to participate in QCSM: State-funded programs participate in the Quality Rating and Improvement System (QRIS), and all other center-based programs, FCCs, and alternative settings participate in QCSM as Quality Improvement (QI) programs.

We invite early childhood educators to participate in Quality Counts San Mateo (QCSM) 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 (ELC) Stipend program, Professional Development opportunities, and financial incentives.

For additional information on how to join Quality Counts San Mateo, see our flyers in English, Spanish, and Chinese.

The ELC Teacher Stipend Program

Please encourage Early Childhood Professionals to apply for the ELC Teacher Stipend Program. Applications are now open through December 13th, 2024.

Please visit the ELC Teacher Stipend webpage for more information about our stipend program. Resources include our elligibility survey, help on determining your pathway, program requirements, and our stipend guide.

(Click here to find out more)

Provider Documents

The below sections are intended for use by QRIS participating site(s) as a reference and document library for providing or updating your site(s) and staff information in preparation for an upcoming rating. Trainings will be made available to provide assistance in completing these forms and how this information will be integrated into the data management system, Vertical Change, for the QRIS program. Please check back for additional information.