California State Preschool Program (CSPP) QRIS Block Grant

The California State Preschool Program (CSPP) QRIS Block Grant was established as part of Senate Bill 858 (Chapter 32, Statutes of 2014) and provides $50 million annually in Proposition 98 funds to support local early learning Quality Rating and Improvement Systems (QRIS). These systems are designed to enhance the quality of California State Preschool Programs, ensuring that more low-income children have access to high-quality preschool programs that better prepare them for success in school and life. The funding supports continuous improvement efforts, helping programs, teachers, and administrators advance to higher levels of quality, and providing parents with valuable information about program quality.

The California Education Code Section 8203.1 defines QRIS as a locally determined system built on a tiered rating structure with progressively higher quality standards at each tier. These systems are designed to promote continuous quality improvement, provide incentives for preschool providers to reach higher standards, and monitor how these efforts impact child outcomes. QRIS also serves to inform parents and the public about program quality through accessible ratings and transparency measures.

The CSPP QRIS Block Grant funds local QRIS consortia, which are responsible for implementing these quality improvements at the local level. Funds can be used for quality improvement efforts such as coaching and training for teachers, purchasing classroom materials to improve learning environments, and developing systems to assess program quality. Funding is also used to evaluate program performance and provide public-facing information on program quality.

Eligible applicants for the CSPP QRIS Block Grant include local QRIS consortia that oversee California State Preschool Programs, as well as other entities responsible for administering QRIS systems for state-funded preschool providers. Applicants must demonstrate how they will use grant funds to improve preschool program quality, align their local QRIS with state quality standards, and ensure broad participation among state preschool programs. Preference may be given to consortia serving a high proportion of low-income families or regions with historically low QRIS participation.

The application process for the CSPP QRIS Block Grant involves submission of a Request for Applications (RFA) that outlines the applicant’s proposed quality improvement strategies, funding plan, and approach to evaluation. Applicants must also provide information on current QRIS participation levels and how additional funds will be used to expand and enhance participation. The California Department of Education’s Early Education Division is responsible for administering the grant and reviewing applications.

Key dates for the CSPP QRIS Block Grant cycle 2025-27 have not been explicitly provided in the source, but the most recent review date for related materials was January 15, 2025. Interested applicants should monitor the California Department of Education’s Early Education Division website for the official release of the 2025-27 Request for Applications. Questions can be directed to the Early Education Division at QCC@cde.ca.gov or by phone at 916-322-6233.