The Benefits of Spark For Your Program

How Spark benefits early care and education professional

Spark is a statewide resource that is helping early care and education professionals continue improving the quality of care they provide.

Spark offers professional development and coaching and gives you access to resources, including funding to make improvements to your program. 

AS OF JULY 2023

Spark is Still Growing in Oregon

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Years providers have been participating in Spark to improve quality
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Spark Early Learning Programs in Oregon
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Early Learning Programs in Oregon

The Vital Need for Early Care and Learning

You Play an Important Role in Helping Children

As a child care provider, you play an important role in the development of children in your care. From birth through age 5 children experience rapid brain development that requires kind, consistent caregivers who willingly partner with their parents to provide high quality learning opportunities.

Are You Curious About the Spark Process?

Are you interested in participating in a system that recognizes what you already do well and wants to help you make improvements for the children and families in your program? Spark offers you a variety of supports to help improve your child care business, including help from Quality Improvement Specialist and financial support to help you improve your program. If you are interested, keep reading to find out more about Spark!

The Steps For Participating in Spark

1. Attend

Attend a Spark Orientation

2. Apply

Complete a Spark Application and Self-Assessment

3. Welcome!

Receive a Welcome Kit so you can get started.

4. Plan

Make quality improvements based on your individual Quality Improvement Plan

5. Assistance

Apply for financial supports (if eligible) to assist with quality improvements.

6. Portfolio


Spark Portfolio that includes information about your program and your plan.

7. Recognition

Receive Spark recognition for your efforts to improve your center or program.

8. Grow

Continue growing and learning!

(We call this Continuous Quality Improvement or CQI).

Questions?

If you have any questions, please call the QRIS Helpline: 877-768-8290 or e-mail qrishelp@wou.edu

Ready To Get Started?

Here’s How You Can Participate in Spark

Contact your local child care resource and referral agency. A Quality Improvement Specialist will give you the information you need to get started and provide support and resources throughout the process. Click on the map for more information about your region.

READING AND LEARNING

Interested Participant Resources

A wide variety of supports are available to help you. Please take advantage of the resources you need to help you succeed.

To download a file, first click on a folder to see the contents.  Click the Download button to save the file to your computer. To download several files at once, check the boxes next to the download button and click “Download Selected Files.” A zip file will be created.

Spark Helpline – 877-768-8290 or qrishelp@wou.edu

Spark Program Update Report – Complete a Spark Program Update Report (SPUR) to ensure your information is up to date and to share more information about continued participation in Spark.

QRIS Resources Website – This easy to use web-based platform offers a wealth of tools, programs, and services to help early childhood professionals manage their programs.

CCR&R Regional Map – Find your local Child Care Resources & Referral agency.

Early Learning Division Office of Child Care

Oregon Center for Career Development/Oregon Registry Online (ORO) – OCCD promotes professional development to achieve high quality care and education for children, and creates and supports training and education.

Department of Human Services (DHS) – Information for Child Care Providers.

Inclusive Partners –  Inclusive Partners promotes inclusive child care practices that help all children succeed. We provide technical assistance, training and support to child care providers so families of children with higher needs can play, work, and learn together.