Great Start to Quality

What Great Start to Quality does

Great Start to Quality (GSQ) is Michigan's state-authorized quality recognition and improvement system (QRIS) for licensed early care and education programs serving children ages 0-12. The program is operated by the Early Childhood Investment Corporation (ECIC), an independent publicly-owned nonprofit, under a grant from the Michigan Department of Lifelong Education, Advancement, and Potential (MiLEAP) using federal Child Care Development Funds. GSQ functions as a two-sided platform: families search a directory of licensed programs with quality ratings, while providers progress through a five-stage continuous quality improvement journey (Maintaining Health and Safety, Reflecting on Quality, Enhancing Quality, Enhancing Quality–Validated, and Demonstrating Quality) evaluated against 40 quality indicators in five categories.

The platform integrates several underlying technologies: MiRegistry (Michigan's professional development registry that tracks staff qualifications, training, and Organization Profiles), the WorkLife Systems program directory (used by families to search licensed programs and by providers to manage profiles), and the MI Bridges integration for child care subsidy applications. Quality assessment relies on nationally validated observation tools — the Classroom Assessment Scoring System (CLASS), Environment Rating Scales (ERS-3), and Social & Emotional Learning Program Quality Assessment (SEL PQA) — which are administered by trained and reliable Approved Assessors. Delivery is provided through 10 regional Resource Centers across Michigan that offer coaching, professional development, lending libraries, and family search assistance. Supporting products include the Free PreK search tool for GSRP and Head Start programs, a Child Care Eligibility Calculator, the License Exempt Provider Preservice Training (LEPPT), the Michigan Infant and Toddler Caregiver Certificate (MI-ITCC), and the Infant Toddler Network.

The revenue model is government-funded managed services rather than a commercial transactional model. Funding flows from the federal Child Care Development Block Grant through MiLEAP to ECIC, which administers the program. Families and providers receive the service at no cost; providers participate voluntarily. Related state programs (GSRP free preschool, CDC child care subsidies) flow funding to providers on behalf of eligible families. As of July 2026, 4,606 of 7,642 eligible programs (60.27%) were participating in the quality improvement process, with 4,095 in Enhancing Quality or higher; GSRP is ranked #1 nationally among state-funded PreK programs. The customer base consists of Michigan families, licensed child care providers, school-age programs, and Approved Assessors, with the primary counterparty risk being the State of Michigan's continued funding allocation.

Name

Great Start to Quality

Legal name

Great Start to Quality

Website

https://greatstarttoquality.org

Company type

Private

Operating status

Operating

Headcount range

11–50 employees

Short description

Great Start to Quality is Michigan's state-authorized quality recognition and improvement system (QRIS) for licensed early care and education programs serving children ages 0-12, operated by the Early Childhood Investment Corporation. It evaluates providers, connects families to quality programs, and delivers coaching through 10 regional Resource Centers.

Ownership category

akta.pro rank

Product category

Early Childhood Education Quality Improvement Services

NAICS

Child Care Services (624410), Child Care Services (62441), Child and Youth Services (624110), Services for the Elderly and Persons with Disabilities (624120)

SIC

Services-Child Day Care Services (8351), Services-Social Services (8300), Services-Computer Programming, Data Processing, Etc. (7370)

akta.pro primary industry

Quality Rating & Improvement Systems (QRIS) Administration (EDACAKAC)

akta.pro secondary industries

Program Monitoring & Continuous Quality Improvement (CQI) Services (EDACAKAL), Data Reporting & Outcomes Measurement for Regulators/QRIS (EDACAKAM), Subsidy & Funding Compliance (CCDF/child care assistance program requirements) (EDACAKAN), Accreditation Support (NAEYC/NECPA/State) (EDACAKAD), Policy, Documentation & Recordkeeping Compliance (forms, logs, retention) (EDACAKAJ), Early Head Start & Publicly Funded Infant/Toddler Programs (EDACAGAH)

Keywords

• Early childhood quality improvement
• QRIS quality recognition
• Child care resource centers
• Professional development registry
• Free preschool enrollment

Headquarters

HQ city

Lansing

HQ country

United States

HQ region

North America

Offices10 records

Markets served

GTM type

B2B and B2C

Offering type

Services

Cost components

Personnel, Operations, Marketing or Sales, Technology or R&D, Infrastructure, Others

Revenue model

1. Government Funding (Child Care Development Block Grant): Great Start to Quality is funded by the federal Child Care Development Block Grant, administered through the Michigan Department of Lifelong Education, Advancement, and Potential (MiLEAP). The Early Childhood Investment Corporation (ECIC) is directly responsible for implementation. Programs are free for families; providers participate voluntarily in the quality improvement process.
2. Child Development and Care (CDC) Program Subsidies: Michigan's CDC program provides supplemental child care payments to eligible low-income families, allowing them to use regulated/licensed child care. Payments flow to providers (centers, group homes, family child care homes, or license-exempt providers) on behalf of qualifying families.
3. Great Start Readiness Program (GSRP) State Funding: GSRP is a free state-funded preschool program for at-risk and low-income four-year-olds, funded through Michigan's state education budget via MiLEAP. Providers (schools, centers) receive state funding to deliver the program.

Pricing tiers

Go-to-market motion1 record

Distribution channels5 records

Marketing channels8 records

Core offering

Great Start to Quality is Michigan's state-authorized quality recognition and improvement system (QRIS) that evaluates licensed early care and education programs across five progressive quality levels using nationally validated observation tools, and connects families to quality licensed child care and free PreK programs through a network of 10 Resource Centers and online directories. Programs participate voluntarily in the quality improvement process at no cost, while families use the searchable directory to find quality-rated programs, apply for free PreK, and determine eligibility for child care payment assistance.

Product overview

Great Start to Quality is Michigan's quality recognition and improvement system (QRIS) — a unified platform combining program quality assessment, professional development tracking, and family search tools into a single ecosystem. The core platform (GSQ) evaluates early care and education programs across five quality levels using nationally recognized observation tools (CLASS, ERS-3, SEL PQA), supported by a network of 10 Resource Centers offering coaching and training. Key integrated products include MiRegistry (professional development registry serving as the foundation for GSQ participation), the Free PreK Program Search (for finding GSRP and Head Start programs), the Child Care Eligibility Calculator, the Infant Toddler Network, the Michigan Infant and Toddler Caregiver Certificate (MI-ITCC), License Exempt Provider training, and the Approved Curriculum listing. The Quality Improvement Process flows through five progressive levels, culminating in Demonstrating Quality for programs meeting threshold scores on on-site observations.

Differentiator

Problem solved

Functional benefit

Brands

• Great Start Readiness Program (GSRP): Michigan's free state-funded preschool program serving at-risk and low-income four year olds
• Infant Toddler Network (ITN)
• Michigan Infant and Toddler Caregiver Certificate (MI-ITCC)
• License Exempt Provider Preservice Training (LEPPT)
• MiRegistry

Products and services

• Great Start to Quality (GSQ) Michigan's quality recognition and improvement system (QRIS) for early care and education programs serving children ages 0-12. Sets quality standards, evaluates program quality, and helps families find quality licensed child care, preschool, and school-age programs. Includes 10 Resource Centers statewide that support providers in continuous quality improvement.
• Quality Improvement Process A five-stage continuous quality improvement journey with progressive Quality Levels: Maintaining Health and Safety, Reflecting on Quality, Enhancing Quality, Enhancing Quality - Validated, and Demonstrating Quality. Programs are evaluated across 40 quality indicators in five categories.
• On-Site Observation Observation process conducted by trained and reliable Great Start to Quality Assessors or Approved Assessors using nationally recognized tools (CLASS, ERS-3, or SEL PQA) to objectively assess program practices in action. Programs must meet threshold scores to achieve Demonstrating Quality.
• CLASS Observation Tool Classroom Assessment Scoring System - a nationally recognized tool for measuring adult-child interactions used across infant, toddler, and PreK-K-3 age groups. GSQ is transitioning to CLASS 2nd Edition by August 2026.
• ERS-3 (Environment Rating Scales) Suite of tools (ITERS-3, ECERS-3, FCCERS-3) assessing process quality in early childhood programs through observation of interactions, activities, materials, space, and schedule. Programs must score 5 or above to reach Demonstrating Quality.
• SEL PQA (Social & Emotional Learning Program Quality Assessment) Assessment tool for out-of-school time programs serving children in Grades K-12. Measures research-identified best practices for safe, supportive, interactive, and engaging environments for school-age youth.
• MiRegistry Michigan's professional development registry for the early childhood and school-age workforce. Foundation for GSQ participation - individuals create accounts, register for training, and track education and credentials; programs create Organization Profiles.
• Free PreK Program Search Search tool enabling families to find free Great Start Readiness Program (GSRP) and Head Start programs across Michigan. Search by zip code, location, hours, availability, and quality level. GSRP is ranked #1 nationally.
• Child Care Eligibility Calculator Online tool helping families determine if they qualify for child care payment assistance through Michigan's Child Development and Care (CDC) program. Provides information on income thresholds and qualifying activities.
• Infant Toddler Network (ITN) Network connecting professionals who care for infants, toddlers, and their families across Michigan. Infant Toddler Specialists at each of the 10 Resource Centers offer community-based learning, tailored professional development, and lead Infant Toddler Learning Communities (ITLCs).
• Michigan Infant and Toddler Caregiver Certificate (MI-ITCC) Certificate program for entry-level infant and toddler educators created by ECIC and MiLEAP. Five-month cohort program including 45-hour Infant and Toddler Development and Care Practices course, career planning sessions, and group meetings. Leads to Foundational Level 3 on MiRegistry Career Pathway.
• License Exempt Provider Preservice Training (LEPPT) Seven-hour training for adults caring for children in their home or the child's home who want to participate in the Child Development and Care program. Covers child development, health/safety/nutrition, first aid, and CPR. Cost is $10. Required for Level 1 status.
• Resource Centers 10 Resource Centers across Michigan offering coaching, professional development, lending libraries, learning kits, and assistance finding quality programs. Centers serve both families and providers with tailored support.
• Approved Assessor Program Certification program for Early Childhood Specialists or reliable observers to conduct CLASS or SEL PQA observations for programs seeking Demonstrating Quality. Requires annual reliability verification and completion of GSQ certification process.
• School-Age Programs Quality improvement support for licensed school-age only programs serving children ages 4 years 9 months to 12 years. Uses SEL PQA for on-site observation. Includes access to Michigan Out-of-School Time Standards and professional development through Weikart Center.

Quantifiable outcome

• Michigan's GSRP PreK program is ranked #1 nationally
• +2 more outcomes

Named customers2 records

Segments4 records

Ideal customer profiles3 records

Technology focussed No

API detail

Has API

No

API docs

API detail

Core technology

AI maturity

App detail

Integration5 records

Feature4 records

Partnerships

Eight partnerships are on record, tiered core and minor.

• Michigan Department of Lifelong Education, Advancement, and Potential (MiLEAP)coreStrategic or Co-development PartnerMiLEAP is the lead government agency overseeing Great Start to Quality. The program was developed under a grant awarded by MiLEAP using Child Care Development Funds (CCDF). MiLEAP concluded the comprehensive review of early childhood curricula for use in GSRP and GSQ programs in June 2026.
• Early Childhood Investment Corporation (ECIC)coreStrategic or Co-development PartnerECIC is an independent, publicly-owned nonprofit organization directly responsible for the implementation of Great Start to Quality. ECIC houses the Assessment Team, Validation Team, License Exempt Provider Team, and oversees all Resource Centers.
• Michigan After-school Partnership (MASP)coreStrategic or Co-development PartnerMASP engages organizations across Michigan that support school-age programs to improve quality. MASP supports GSQ by providing professional development opportunities, advocacy, and connection with other state and local partners for out-of-school-time programs.
• Weikart Center for Youth Program QualitycoreTechnology or IntegrationThe Weikart Center for Youth Program Quality is the developer of the Social & Emotional Learning Program Quality Assessment (SEL PQA) tool used for On-Site Observation of school-age programs. Weikart provides coaching, training, and technical assistance for school-age programs and coaches.
• MiRegistrycoreTechnology or IntegrationMiRegistry is Michigan's professional development registry for the early childhood and school-age workforce. It serves as the foundation for Great Start to Quality participation, tracking staff qualifications, professional development, program profiles, and connecting to the quality improvement process.
• Michigan's 57 Intermediate School Districts (ISDs)coreChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorMichigan's Intermediate School Districts administer Great Start Readiness Program (GSRP) preschool enrollment across the state. Families search for programs by selecting their ISD, and ISDs coordinate with local providers to deliver free PreK services.
• Child Care Aware of AmericaminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerChild Care Aware of America provides family checklists for evaluating child care options (Center Checklists, Home Checklists, Preschool Checklists, School-Age Program Checklists). GSQ recommends families use these checklists when visiting programs and providers.
• Zero to ThreeminorOthersZero to Three provides training content for License Exempt Provider Level 2 training, including the 'Addressing Infant and Toddler Behaviors that Challenge Adults' training available through MiRegistry.

Scale indicators7 records

Recent moves6 records

Expansion highlights6 records

Direct peers

• Keystone STARS: Pennsylvania's QRIS for child care programs. Direct peer because both operate multi-level quality rating systems with continuous quality improvement frameworks, integrate with state child care subsidy programs, and are administered by nonprofit intermediaries under state agency oversight.
• Step Up To Quality (Ohio): Ohio's QRIS for licensed child care. Direct peer because both are state-mandated quality rating systems with star-level frameworks, integrate with state-funded preschool (publicly funded PreK), and operate continuous quality improvement coaching models.
• ExceleRate Illinois: Illinois's QRIS for early childhood programs. Direct peer because both systems rate providers across quality levels, use CLASS and ERS-based observation tools, and serve as the official state quality framework connecting to subsidy and pre-K programs.
• QUALITYstarsNY: New York State's QRIS for early childhood programs. Direct peer because both are state-authorized quality rating and improvement systems using comparable assessment tools, voluntary provider participation models, and resource center networks.
• Colorado Shines: Colorado's QRIS for licensed early care and education programs. Direct peer because both are state-administered quality rating systems with five quality levels, free public program search tools for families, and provider improvement coaching infrastructure.
• Quality First (Arizona): Arizona's quality rating and improvement system for early care and education programs. Direct peer because both provide voluntary, multi-level quality ratings with coaching support and connect to state child care subsidy eligibility.
• Parent Aware (Minnesota): Minnesota's QRIS for early care and education. Direct peer because both use tiered rating structures, connect families to quality-rated providers through searchable directories, and integrate with state child care assistance programs.
• Early Achievers (Washington): Washington State's QRIS. Direct peer because both use CLASS and ERS tools, have five-level quality rating frameworks, and operate within a state-funded child care subsidy system tied to quality levels.

Others

• Child Care Aware of America: National child care resource and referral network. Adjacent peer because GSQ partners with Child Care Aware to provide family-facing checklists and referral support, but Child Care Aware does not operate a QRIS or rate program quality itself.

Broad incumbents

• NAEYC: National Association for the Education of Young Children. Broad incumbent peer because Great Start to Quality recognizes NAEYC accreditation within its Self-Reflection process, and NAEYC operates a national accreditation framework that overlaps with QRIS quality domains.

Market position

Strengths5 records

Weaknesses4 records

Competitive moat5 records

Key risks5 records

Key highlights6 records

Customer concentration

• YouTubeyoutube.com/channel/UCxJEsOxt9RK5j_nuuqrfsTA
• Facebookfacebook.com/greatstarttoquality
• Instagraminstagram.com/gsqfamilies/?igshid=MzRlODBiNWFlZA%3D%3D
• Xx.com/GreatStartKent

Compliance2 records

Revenue estimate

Valuation estimate

Number of profiles

Profiles19 records

Funding overview

Funding rounds

Investors

Funding detail is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

M&A

Investments

M&A and investment is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

Frequently asked questions about Great Start to Quality