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The purpose of this brief is to provide insights into the potential of including a continuous quality improvement (CQI) methodology—the Breakthrough Series Collaborative (BSC)—in state early care and education (ECE) quality improvement systems.
As part of a larger evaluation of using a BSC in ECE programs to promote improved social and emotional learning practices (the Culture of Continuous Learning project), state administrators in three states shared their perceptions about the BSC. Participants also described their experiences in the BSC.
Insights from this study include the following:
- State administrators believe a BSC can be embedded in their quality improvement (QI) systems if it extends and reinforces broader strategic goals rather than operates as a standalone initiative. To be feasible, a BSC should align with recent or ongoing system redesigns, ensuring the BSC complements and builds on prior state investments, funding, and implementation efforts. State administrators noted that the BSC generally aligns with the goals and direction of QI initiatives.
- To obtain buy-in for a BSC, state administrators described the need for evidence of effectiveness across multiple levels such as child- and ECE program-level outcomes.
- State administrators note that participation in a BSC could be an effective strategy to support quality improvement and increase awareness and buy-in to the use of CQI practices. ECE center staff also agreed that the BSC could complement current QI initiatives in their state.
- To promote engagement, ECE center staff who participated in the BSC named financial resources as an essential facilitator of their participation. State administrators all referenced classroom-level stipends or bonuses and getting credit to meet state professional development requirements as essential facilitators of participation.
- Both state administrators and center staff participating in the BSC noted that, compared to other initiatives, the BSC enables ECE centers to identify and implement changes tied to specific classroom needs and priorities, rather than apply generalized strategies.
- State administrators agreed that existing funding sources such as the Child Care and Development Fund could be used to support a BSC.
Suggested citation: Douglass, A., Tout, K., Gal-Szabo, D. E., Bultinck, E., & Cleveland, J. (2026). Perspectives on integrating the Breakthrough Series Collaborative methodology into state early care and education quality improvement systems. Child Trends. DOI: 10.56417/2726j5719a