QRS Mini-Grants
Participation in the Quality Rating System pilot project makes programs eligible to apply Quality Improvement Mini-Grants. These small, time-limited grants can be used to address specific issues that might be preventing programs from increasing their QRS rating scores, such as needed classroom materials, lack of equipment or facility issues. Applications for quality improvement mini-grant funds are tied directly to each program's approved Quality Improvement Plan.
Programs are not eligible to reapply for additional assistance until they have made measurable progress toward quality improvement goals as outlined in their Quality Improvement Plan. The MCEL Quality Initiatives Advisory Committee oversees the mini-grant process and makes recommendations for awards. Committee members include a geographically and demographically representative group of funders, parents, Partners In Quality representatives, business representatives and local elected officials. Programs are only eligible to receive one award per year.
In 2004, with support from the Hall Family Foundation, mini-grants totaling $47,000 were distributed to 16 early learning programs. Another $37,000 in mini-grants funded by the Francis Families Foundation and the George K. Baum Family Foundation were awarded in Spring 2005. More awards are anticipated in Fall 2005 and Spring 2006. Mini-grants have also been awarded to early learning programs in Kansas through the Tri-County Smart Start Operations Council.
For more information about the mini-grant program, please contact Kyle Matchell.
Success Stories
Ancilla Center for Children in Leavenworth, Kan., received a Smart Start quality improvement min-grant of $3,680 for pea gravel to improve the safety of its playground. However, the slope of the playground made it impossible to install the gravel. Program Director Sharon Dedeke shared the dilemma with center parents. Two parents, owners of a construction and foundation company, volunteered to dig out the playground area, lay a foundation, backfill and level it, and put in the pea gravel at no cost to the center. The in-kind donation amounted to $24,900.
At a reception in May 2005, Tri-County Smart Start recognized the center for its successful collaboration, the parents for their generous contribution, and community members who assisted in making the improvements. “This is a classic example of a small investment leveraging more funds,” said Mindy Higgins, director of Tri-County Smart Start Kansas. “The center, the parents and the community all came together to make this playground better and safer for the children.”