ECSE INFO: Update Regarding the Early Childhood Quality Improvement Process (ECQuIP) and Reporting for Special Education

Special Education Directors,

The Early Childhood Quality Improvement Process (ECQuIP) is a process that was developed by the Early Childhood Education Unit to assure quality and accountability for programs that receive state funding or other early learning grants. ECQuIP is a programmatic self-assessment process that asks early childhood teams to identify and rate such practices as instruction, assessment, leadership, and climate. The data can be used to identify strengths and needs and to propose and track the effectiveness of solutions. This cycle of planning, implementing, and reflecting on progress is widely held as an effective process for improvement by such well known early childhood organizations as Zero to Three, Child Trends, Head Start, NAEYC, and the Center for Early Learning Professionals. Used as intended, ECQuIP supports thoughtful conversations and intentional partnerships in the interest of achieving positive results for children.

In the past, ECQuIP implementation and reporting was a requirement for those PEAs participating in initiatives such as the Preschool Development Grant and the Early Childhood Block Grant. Please note: There is no requirement for PEAs receiving IDEA Part B funds to engage in ECQuIP or to submit the ECQuIP enhancement plan for special education funding-related purposes. However, using a quality improvement process is recommended and beneficial in improving positive outcomes for preschool children with disabilities, and ESS encourages the use of such a model as a best practice.

If you have questions about ECQuIP, please email the ECE inbox.

If you have questions about preschool special education, please email the ECSE inbox.