What is Quality and Why is it Important?

 Choosing a quality child care setting is one of the most important decisions a family can make.  Research clearly shows that parents are a child’s first and most important teachers.  But the majority of families today must rely on some form of out of home daily care for their children.  This care can range from a few hours a day up to 10 or 12 hours.  Ideally, early care and education helps to prepare children for success in kindergarten, throughout their school years, and later on in life.   

That is why early care and education professionals are so important to the future of young children.  The relationship that exists between children and their caregivers has a profound impact on the way a child’s brain develops.  Eighty-five percent of a child’s brain is fully developed by age three.  Participation in a quality early care and education program means a child is engaged in activities with responsive, nurturing adults that stimulate healthy development. 

What does a quality child care program look like?

• A quality program provides a safe and healthy environment;
• A quality program provides staff with advanced education in early childhood development and offers ongoing training to develop their skills, to increase their understanding , and to enhance their relationships with children and families;
• A quality program creates a learning environment that provides the space, materials and activities appropriate at all levels of children’s interests and abilities.
• A quality program provides low staff to child ratios allowing each child to develop stable relationships with skilled, nurturing staff; 
• A quality program establishes group sizes  according to age that are small enough to ensure the children receive the attention they need;
• A quality program is committed to continuous quality improvement.

Quality First is Arizona’s quality improvement and rating system.  A limited number of slots are available for center- and home-based providers dedicated to improving quality that translates to improved outcomes for children.