Nearly 400 early learning professionals from across L.A. County gathered at Quiet Cannon in Montebello to celebrate a decade of quality improvement through participation in Quality Start Los Angeles (QSLA).

Attendees were welcomed with a special breakfast in gratitude for their dedication and service to L.A. County's youngest learners. Speakers opened the event with words of appreciation and encouragement for the early learning providers. The keynote presentation by TEDx speaker Kali Thorne Ladd, titled Hope and Resilience in Changing Times, was inspiring and very intentional, according to several comments made by QSLA providers.

Since 2015, QSLA has been the countywide Quality Improvement System, led by six early learning agencies: Los Angeles County Office of Education, First 5 LA, Child Care Alliance of Los Angeles, Office for the Advancement of Early Care and Education, PEACH and the L.A. County Child Care Planning Committee.

“You are a rock for the children and families in your care: the stability you offer, the engaging environments you design, the heartfelt care you give and the scaffolding you provide to help each child construct a foundation for success in school and in life,” said Dr. Maricela Ramirez, LACOE Chief Education Officer. “Quality is in our name, and it is in your everyday practices.”

Over the past decade, QSLA has expanded significantly to reach early learning providers in all corners of the county, providing services including professional development, virtual and in-person specialized trainings, individualized program supports and access to cutting-edge resources and funding opportunities.

In 2023-24, QSLA served 1,235 early learning providers, including 770 centers and 465 family child homes, which in turn provided high-quality early care and education to 44,442 children from birth to five. Nearly 150 of these providers have participated with QSLA for the full decade and were recognized with certificates of appreciation signed by their respective County Supervisor during the March 8 event. 

On March 11, 2025, the L.A. County Board of Supervisors issued a proclamation, “commending all enrolled early learning providers for their voluntary participation, a testament to their steadfast commitment to providing high-quality early learning services to children and families.”

On March 4, 2025, the L.A. County Board of Education also passed a resolution, acknowledging the six consortium partners “for their decade of dedication to elevating the standards of early childhood education across Los Angeles County so all children enter kindergarten prepared to succeed in school and in life.” 

Each early learning provider in attendance left with children’s books for their preschools and family childcare homes, along with a tote bag with items reminding them of the importance of self-care.  

Families and early learning providers interested in learning more about Quality Start Los Angeles are encouraged to visit qualitystartla.org.