Get Ready for QEIP! Quality Endorsement and Improvement Process for PAT Affiliates
Parent educators are a valuable part of the Quality Endorsement and Improvement Process (QEIP), and their participation is not only encouraged—it’s expected. But this isn’t a solo journey! Think about who else on your team can support you through this process. Now is the time to get your QEIP team ready by familiarizing everyone with the steps, expectations, and timeline. Consider adding QEIP updates as a standing item in staff meetings—this is a great way to keep everyone informed and engaged.
Where Are We in the Process?
To help you visualize what’s ahead, be sure to check out the QEIP Flow Chart . This chart outlines the four steps of the process. From now through September 2025, affiliates are in the preparation phase—Step 1. That means now is the time to ensure your program meets or exceeds all Essential Requirements before moving into Step 2 (October–March).
Accurate data is key! Make sure everything entered in your system reflects your current work so that your QEIP participation sets your program up for success.
What About the Quality Standards’ Timelines?
There are four timelines you need to keep in mind as you work through the Quality Standards:
✅ Implemented at Least 3 Months Before Submission
Policies, procedures, protocols, community agreements, and contracts (e.g., with a licensed mental health consultant, if applicable) must be written and in effect for at least three months before you submit your self-study.
For Cohort 1, this means having everything implemented by January 1, 2026.
📅 Calendar Year
The calendar year refers to the 12-month period from January to December of the year your affiliate begins the self-study.
For Cohort 1, the applicable calendar year is 2025.
🔄 Current Practice
Your self-study should reflect how your program currently operates at the time you’re responding to Quality Standards and submitting file reviews. This is a snapshot of your real-time work.
📊 Most Recent APR
Your program’s most recent Annual Performance Report (APR) will be reviewed as part of your QEIP. This should be the APR submitted for the front-end Essential Requirements Review.
For Cohort 1, that’s the 2024–2025 APR.
Get Support Along the Way
Need more information or a refresher? Check out these two helpful video resources:
📽️ Video 1 – Quality Endorsement Overview
📽️ Video 2 – Diving Deeper into the Self-Study
Join PAT National for Office Hours
Let’s keep the momentum going—the next Office Hours will be June 17, 2025, at 3:00 PM (Central Time).
This is a great space to:
- Ask your QEIP questions
- Connect with other affiliates
- Share strategies and lessons learned
Working Ahead?
If you’re ready to dig deeper, consider reviewing and updating these documents as part of your preparation:
- ✅ Policies and Procedures Manual
- ✅ Protocols
- ✅ Affiliate Plan
- ✅ Community Agreements
The more prepared your team is, the smoother your QEIP journey will be. We’re excited to support you through every step of the process!
Stay connected, stay informed, and keep up the great work!