Define a Quality Early Childhood Program

Without knowing what makes a quality early childhood program, parents can find it difficult to choose. The National Association for the Education of Young Children (NAEYC), and the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, for example, provide standards to which many programs aspire. Child care provider laws vary by state, but websites such as the National Resource Center for Health and Safety in Child Care and Early Education offer state-based information.

  1. Safety

    • Quality early childhood programs keep up-to-date records for attendee immunizations and vehicles that transport children. You won't find any toxic substances, like cleaning supplies and pest killers, in reach of children, and building inspections indicate no dangerous substances such as radon, lead or asbestos. You'll see poison control, emergency plan and meal information clearly posted, and the majority of staff will have up-to-date training in first aid and CPR.

    Size

    • Your state's child to staff ratio requirements help determine the level of quality at a particular early childhood program. A child to staff ratio for a two-year-old classroom in Florida, for example, requires one teacher for every 11 children. However, an organization such as NAEYC may recommend that a group of 12 children has at least one teacher for every four kids. With fewer children to a teacher, they receive more individualized attention.

    Staff Qualifications

    • Using developmentally, culturally, and linguistically correct and effective teaching approaches requires appropriate training and education, from the director to the teachers and assistants. A program that employs and supports qualified staff will increase the effectiveness and quality of the center. Quality early childhood programs provide parents with background information on all staff, as well as encourage parent visits to get a first-hand look at the staff in action.

    Curriculum

    • Basic focus areas in the curriculum of any quality early childhood program include developing cognitive, emotional, language, physical and social skills. Children should enjoy the learning experience, and staff will share lesson plans with parents, demonstrating hands-on, exciting ways to develop, at least, those five areas.

    Child Assessment

    • Successfully tracking the progress of children involves ongoing assessment. A child care program that assesses children to screen and identify special needs or learning delays can prevent future obstacles. Selecting a center that has a demonstrated system for tracking and assessment will prepare parents and children for the stages that come after the early childhood program ends.

    Considerations

    • State regulations and standards created by organizations like NAEYC likely will differ, as many associations and organizations hold their members to a standard beyond most states' minimum requirements. If an early childhood program representative responds irritably to parent questions, it could predict the response to problems or comments in the future.

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