That the City Council approve and authorize the City Manager to execute the Quality Rating and Improvement System (QRIS) Participation Agreement No. 10000622 for the 2021-2022 school year with the Orange County Department of Education for continuous quality improvements for the State Preschool Program operated by the City of La Habra.

The Orange County Department of Education received a Quality Rating and Improvement (QRIS) Block Grant from the California Department of Education and the City of La Habra Child Development Division State Preschool program is one of the beneficiaries of this grant.  If approved by Council, the term of this grant agreement will be from July 1, 2021, to June 30, 2022, and the total grant amount is $27,000.  The QRIS grant will provide funding for support and incentives for the La Habra preschool teachers and administrators to enhance the early childhood education program through a variety of resources and training, including teacher professional development.

The grant funds will also be used to purchase classroom materials that are connected to the STEM/STEAM activities students participate in through the "Lil' Innovators" grant program administered by the La Habra Children's Museum.  For example, prior grant funds were used to purchase iPads, which teachers use to complete educational assessments of the children.  In addition, the iPads are also used to receive information regarding QRIS program mandates.

Through this grant, staff will access materials and resources to assist in strengthening the program as identified by the Classroom Assessment Scoring System (CLASS) and Early Childhood Environmental Rating Scale (ECERS) and observations conducted by the Orange County Department of Education Coach and/or other staff who provide feedback and support to the La Habra City staff.  The grant will also assist in ensuring the California State Preschool Funding Terms and Conditions and other program requirements are met.

If approved by the City Council, this grant will provide the City's Child Development Division with $27,000 of additional funding for staff development and program enhancements.  These programs are entirely funded by the State Department of Education and do not require any General Fund support.