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.

ELC Teacher Stipend

APPLICATIONS OPEN SOON SEPTEMBER 18, 2023 - DECEMBER 18, 2023

The San Mateo County Office of Education (SMCOE) and Quality Counts San Mateo County are excited to partner with the California Department of Social Services to offer the San Mateo County Early Learning and Care Career Development Initiative’s 2023-24 Stipend Program.

The goal of the program is to support early learning and care (ELC) professionals, including both those who work in center-based and home-based settings, as they advance along career pathways through degree and Child Development Permit attainment, and build their skills through continuous professional growth and development activities. By providing stipends, the ELC Career Development Initiative seeks to incentivize ongoing, intentional professional growth, and to reward professionals who stay in the field of ELC.

SMCOE works in close partnership with the San Mateo County Child Care Partnership Council, San Mateo County Community College District, the Child Care Coordinating Council, First 5 San Mateo County, and other local partners to leverage workforce development supports.

ELC professionals, who work in eligible programs for at least 15 hours a week with children ages 0-12, are eligible for stipends in the following areas: College Coursework (including completion of units and meeting Educational Milestones), Trainings (including stipends for 10+ hours of professional growth activities), and “Priority area” professional development.

The ELC Stipend Program is funded through a grant from the California Department of Social Services (CDSS), with supplemental support from First 5 California, the California Department of Education, and First 5 San Mateo County. The stipend amounts listed in this guide are estimated based on the available funding – final stipend amounts are based on the available funding and the number of participants who complete stipend program requirements.

Learn more at www.smcoe.org/ELCstipend

Questions? Email elcstipend@smcoe.org

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.