What is High-Quality Child Care?

Specific characteristics are used to determine the likelihood of a high-quality childcare program. Generally speaking, parents should be on the lookout for a center that provides a safe and nurturing environment, while still providing a stimulating learning experience. Knowing what to look for specifically makes choosing a childcare center much less stressful for parents and much more rewarding for the children who attend. Some of the most important factors to consider are:

Small Class and Group Sizes

Small group size and class size mean more one-on-one time between teachers and students. It also allows childcare teachers to create a stronger bond with the children in their classes, which in turn makes the children feel safe.

Staff with Higher Education and Continuing-Teacher Training

Centers that employ staff with prior teaching experience in early childhood development means that they know how to tailor the curriculum in developmentally appropriate ways. It’s also beneficial to be a part of an education program that encourages its directors and staff to further their skills, providing them the opportunity to evolve within the ever-changing landscape of the educational system. 

Low Staff/Teacher Turnover

This is beneficial for a few reasons. It allows the childcare teaching staff to stay familiar with the children and build stronger relationships. It also means that the team is well cared for by their employer and enjoys their job, making it far more likely for them to put extra time and effort into their teaching. 

Positive Teacher/Child Interactions

It’s essential to observe how the teachers at a childcare center interact with their students. If the teachers seem stressed out or flustered, it can be a sign of poor organization or lack of leadership. The children should be in a positive environment where learning looks fun and organic, not chaotic.

Good Health and Safety Practices

Young children aren’t known for their health and safety practices. A large part of providing high-quality childcare is ensuring that the children, teachers, and families who walk through the doors everyday practice proper safety, hygiene, and emergency protocol. Teachers should know what to do and who to contact in case of an emergency.

National Accreditation and Licensing Standards

Childcare centers that receive national accreditation and meet the minimum licensing standards demonstrate both the ability and the intent to provide higher than average care for the children who attend them.  It proves that they set the bar high and have the results to demonstrate it. 

Step Up to Quality

Four and Five-Star Requirement Summary

Step Up To Quality (SUTQ) is a five-star quality rating and improvement system that recognizes and promotes early learning and development programs that exceed minimum health and safety licensing regulations. High-quality learning environments mean that programs offer enriching curriculum aligned with standards, highly-educated teachers, and consistent communication & engagement with families.

Children who receive a high quality early childhood education have better math, language and social skills, require less special education, progress further in school, have fewer interactions with the justice system and have higher earnings as adults.

Programs that are star rated showed higher quality classroom practices compared to programs that are not star rated. There is also a strong correlation between children scoring higher on Ohio’s kindergarten Readiness Assessment and attendance at a 3-5 star rated program.

Society, children, families, employers, communities and the nation as a whole benefit from high quality child care. Fostering a healthy, successful, future workforce is essential to everyone’s well-being.