Newsletter
Kim Hess, an early learning provider who owns a Registered Family Child Care in Klamath Falls, Oregon, recently accomplished something that has not yet been done in her area.
“I was the first and am currently the only Registered Family 3-Star Rated program in Klamath Falls,” Kim said proudly as she spoke of her participation in Oregon’s Quality Rating and Improvement System (QRIS). “It was a huge milestone for me in my business and it has really encouraged me to continue increasing the quality of my program. The QRIS opened up my eyes to what I thought I had a lot of – and I didn’t. That includes my program and my education.”
Kim, who first began her career as an early learning educator twenty-two years ago when she taught preschool at a child care center in the Southern Oregon town of Klamath Falls, decided to open her own program in 2005 as a Registered Family Child Care provider in 2005.
Not only does she continue to focus on the quality of her child care program, but she also motivates and encourages her peers to thrive through any struggles that they encounter while participating in the QRIS. “Some people have asked me how was I was able to accomplish so much so fast. I told them, ‘Well, I just sat down and did the work I had to do. I tell them not to give up.’”
How did you first hear about QRIS?
I was invited to one of the QRIS workshops by our Quality Improvement Specialist, Kathleen Walker. We learned about the program and the education awards there. At the time, I was at a Step 2 on the Oregon Registry and had been for years. I had no idea it would be a good idea to move up on the registry and the incentives that were there. After I learned about the opportunity, I was really interested and motivated to move up on the registry.
I went from a Step 2 on the Oregon Registry in March of 2014 to a Step 6 in June of 2014. In September of 2015 I reached a Step 8 and am currently working towards a Step 9. After all that progress, I got really excited about this process. I worked with a group of child care providers and we went through the process together. I took online courses and Klamath Community College courses as well.
Are you planning to work towards your associate’s degree?
I’m so close to a Step 9 – so I thought, ‘Why not go for it?’ So yes, I am going to go for my degree.
What first inspired you to achieve a Star Rating for your early learning program?
It was an accomplishment that I knew I could do. I knew what I had before but I wanted to accomplish certain milestones. To have a Star Rating was more than I could’ve ever imagined to achieve and I feel really good about the 3-Star Rating that I received. I wanted to pass on the best quality
program I could to the kids.
What’s the most significant way that the QRIS has positively impacted your program?
The main thing that I noticed about the QRIS – was the organization that I realized I didn’t have that I thought I did. The QRIS really impacted how I organize my program – including how I organize and separate items in the child care.
I also realized how important it is to expand the diversity for the kids. I never thought to expand it as far as I do now. We talk about all different types of countries with diverse dolls for the kids to play and learn with. I tell them, ‘There are so many different types of people (and cultures) out there – outside of our town – that they can know and learn about. I turned a spare bedroom into a classroom. We have a routine that they kids are now used to and it’s really been positive for my program.
What do you think it’s done for the children in your program?
The organizational skills that I’ve learned from participating in the QRIS have really been amazing for the kids. They thrive in a calm, new structure with routine and they really enjoy it. They’re doing really well. The quality is important to me – these little guys are our future.
Would you recommend participating in the Oregon QRIS to other early learning programs?
Yes, absolutely.
What advice would you give other early learning providers who are considering participating the QRIS?
My advice would be that if you have any questions at all, call the QRIS hotline and ask for help. They are amazing at providing help. The group support (with other child care providers) is also amazing because we shared information and supported each other along the way. We were able to share and brainstorm with each other. We are in a smaller area of the state, so we take college courses together to be on the journey together.
I would also say to them – don’t give up. Just ask for help. I didn’t pass the first time I submitted my portfolio, but I didn’t give up. I went back and looked at the portfolio I submitted and changed what needed to be changed. I didn’t give up – it was worth it to me.
How has participating in the QRIS affected your relationship with the families of the children that you serve?
Yes, with a few families it has positively impacted our relationship. They are proud that they are coming to a 3-star program because they understand the basis behind what the QRIS stands for and how it has positively affected my program.