The California AfterSchool Network is embarking on another exciting project and we need your voice!

CAN is in the process of creating a Continuous Quality Improvement (CQI) Guidebook based on a review of the Quality Committee Work Group 3 (WG3) recommendations and available data regarding field need. Because CAN is, “of the field and for the field” we are seeking a diverse cross-section of field expertise to ensure that this exciting new resource will meet the needs of California’s Expanded Learning field.

You are being informed of this opportunity first based on your engagement in the Quality Committee Work Groups or your unique expertise. This project has the potential for major field impact and we want you to be a part of it! See the background and requirements of the project below. To apply, complete this application by August 21, 2017. 

Background / Brief Description of the project:

• In 2014, the California Department of Education (CDE) adopted the Quality Standards for Expanded Learning in California. These standards were informed by the CAN Quality Committee over a two year process (Quality Committee Work Groups 1 and 2). 
• In September 2014, the Governor signed SB1221 into law (now codified as EC 8484 (a)(2)), creating a new program requirement for expanded learning grantees to show evidence that they are engaged in a quality improvement process grounded in the quality standards. 
• The CAN Quality Committee Work Group 3 (WG3) was convened to provide recommendations to CDE’s Expanded Learning Division (then called the After School Division, or ASD) about the information, tools, and Technical Assistance needed for effective implementation of the new CQI requirement. 
• One of the recommendations of the WG3 was to create a CQI Guidebook to help empower programs and sites to successfully implement the CQI process. This recommendation is now being carried out by CAN, in partnership with Public Profit, with generous support from the David and Lucile Packard Foundation. 
• The CQI will answer some key questions for program leaders and site level staff including, “What is the purpose of implementing a CQI process? Why is it important? What is CQI? What does it look like at multiple levels of an organization? And how do I do it?”
• The guide will be articulated to a revised QSA Tool and will include: CQI process and Quality Standards, promising practices for implementing CQI, roles and responsibilities of multiple individuals within a program structure, how TA strategies support CQI, along with information regarding resources to support CQI.
• Attached is a revised version of the WG3 recommendations with a new column as a “progress report.” This document can give us some idea of the progress the field has made since the WG3 recommendations were released in September 2015.
  • Note: The document attached is not intended to be a thorough report on field progress but more of a snapshot, and only pertains to TA administered by CDE’s Expanded Learning Division. Because the document was previously released some items in the text are out of date including the name of the Expanded Learning Division (listed in the document as the After School Division). 

Brief Description of the CQI Guidebook Work Group 

CAN is seeking individuals that can inform the creation of a CQI Guidebook. Selected applicants will provide input at key decision points in the development process to ensure that it has maximum relevance and impact for the Expanded Learning field. We are seeking individuals with knowledge and experience developing/ implementing/ supporting CQI processes from the perspective of multiple organizational roles related to expanded learning.

Work Group Member Commitments and Requirements

• Participation in three working group sessions (2 virtual half-day sessions in September and November, and 1 full-day session in Sacramento in February)
• Up to 12 hours of total additional work in-between meetings for follow-up / next steps (for example four hours between meeting 1-2, four hours between meeting 2-3, and four hours to follow including offering feedback to a final draft following meeting 3). 

Dates of participation 

The first meeting will be held based on the availability of successful applicants on one of the following dates and times (please hold on your calendar):

• August 21, 2017 – Work Group applications are due
• August 25, 2017 – Successful applicants are notified 
• September 15, 2017 from 1pm – 4pm 
• September 19, 2017 from 9am – 12pm
• September 19, 2017 from 1pm – 4pm 

Future dates will be determined based on Work Group member availability.

How do I apply?

Complete the CQI Guidebook Work Group Application by August 21st.