Course Schedule

Nov. 1st - 20th

Registration is now closed.

Please read before registering

Taking an online course can be convenient, but there are special considerations for online learning. Please click the link below before registering for this course to determine if an online course is right for you.

Is online learning Right for me?

Registration

Register is now closed. Next course will be offered in January 2020.

What our students are saying

Gained knowledge & confidence

April 2019 EQC Student

I gained so much knowledge and confidence with Alyssa and Tracey's teaching. It was a great experience. They were welcoming, warm and supportive in our learning and answered all questions in depth. And they gave information on what else we need to do as well as furthering our education.

Your passion shows

Sept. 2019 EQC Student

I think you guys are great and really passionate about what you do and it shows.

Great learning experience

April 2019 EQC Student

It was a great learning experience. I will definitely recommend for whoever is looking to take this class.

Supportive Instructors

Sept. 2019 EQC Student

You did well on keeping me on track and assuring me when I felt I wouldn't get course completed. It helped to have the material to view at my pace.

A wonderful journey

February 2019 EQC Student

It has been a wonderful journey. Thanks for sharing your knowledge and helping me on this journey.

Great class

February 2019 EQC Student

Great class with great people with great information. Thank you.

Motivating

February 2019 EQC Student

The course is great, the information, the techniques by teachers was easy to understand and motivating.

Keep it up!

June 2019 EQC Student

From the bottom of my heart, you guys did a wonderful job. Keep it up!

Loved it

Sept. 2019 EQC Student

I loved it all.

Meet the Instructors

Lead Instructor Alyssa Elting McGuire, MA, MPA

Meet Alyssa Elting McGuire, an advocate dedicated to bridging the gap between theory and practice for adult care home staff. As the consulting and training director of Oregon Care Home Consulting & Training, a business she established in 2018, Alyssa brings a wealth of experience and expertise to the table. With a background as a former adult foster home licensing lead for Washington and Columbia Counties, Alyssa spent eight years immersed in the regulatory and protective services aspects of adult foster homes with the State of Oregon. Alyssa's experience extends to her tenure as a program manager for the Alzheimer's Association Oregon & SW Washington Chapter. As part of her role, she facilitated dementia training programs statewide for care staff and providers. Alyssa holds a graduate degree in public administration & management from the University of Nebraska and a graduate degree in educational leadership (adult education & training) from Portland State University. As a State-certified Ensuring Quality Care (EQC) instructor, she has played an important role in delivering comprehensive EQC training, both in-person and online, for more than seven years. Alyssa's passion lies in empowering caregivers to translate their learning into meaningful real-world experiences, ensuring the highest standards of care within the adult foster care community.

FAQ

  • What is Ensuring Quality Care (EQC)?

    Ensuring Quality Care (EQC) is a 40-hour training required by the State of Oregon for all prospective adult foster home licensees, resident managers, floating resident managers, and shift caregivers looking to open or work in a home licensed through Aging & People with Disabilities (APD). Prospective licensees, resident managers, and shift caregivers are required to complete the course, in full, and pass the EQC exam, which is proctored in person.

  • When does the course start?

    The next full course starts November 1st and runs through the 20th. We proctor the exam for individuals in the Portland Metro area on the 23rd.

  • I have an urgent need for EQC, can you help me?

    We want to help you become or stay in compliance, so we are able to offer an urgent, online EQC option outside our regularly-scheduled course. Please contact us at [email protected] regarding urgent requests. Cost is $409 - $469.

  • Is your course recognized by all counties in the state of Oregon?

    Yes, Ensuring Quality Care is taught by State-certified instructors, and completion of the course and exam is recognized by all counties in Oregon. Multnomah County has additional requirements, so contact Multnomah County licensing at 503-988-3000 for more information.

  • Do I need to take the required Adult Foster Home Orientation before I take EQC?

    We strongly encourage you to take the required Adult Foster Home Orientation prior to taking EQC. Orientation is offered through your local licensing office. You will take the orientation through the county in which you will be opening your home or becoming a resident manager. Some local licensing offices have different expectations regarding orientation and EQC, so please contact your local licensing office to get clarification on their requirements.

  • I live outside the Portland Metro area, can I take this course completely online?

    Yes! We've designed the course to allow a fully online option for individuals outside the greater Portland Metro area (Columbia, Clackamas, Multnomah, Washington, & Yamhill Co.). You will need to schedule to take the EQC exam through your local licensing office within 90 days of completing this course.

  • What if I don't pass the EQC exam?

    Fortunately, our students have a very high pass rate. In our last three classes, 90% of the students who took the exam with us passed, and our median student score is 91%. We work with you throughout the course to review the material and answer questions to make sure you know the content well. If you do not pass the exam on the first attempt, you have up to 90 days to re-take the exam. If you do not pass a second time, you will be required to re-take the course.