Training & Technical Assistance

Quality Improvement

What is Quality?

Broadly, this means that the experiences of children meet high standards in three basic areas. They are; health and safety, building relationships with children, adults and the community, and providing opportunities for positive stimulation and learning experiences.

One component is not more important than another and each piece needs to be considered equally. The key for many is finding a balance of all three that fits the style of care of the provider and the needs of the children in care.

What are the Key Components of Quality?
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Protection encompasses:
1. Health including nutrition, sanitation, personal hygiene, hand washing and education.
2. Safety including avoiding injuries, supervision, prevention of abuse and neglect and education.

Building Relationships encompasses:
1. Children with focus on separation, continuity of care, consistent care giver, positive approaches to discipline, and developing good social skills.
2. Parents with a focus on communication, building trust, support, education and anti-bias, cultural sensitivity and being tuned into the child’s community.

Opportunities for stimulation and learning by offering hand-on opportunities, open-ended materials and activities, schedule that works, language And concepts, balance of quiet and active play free choice.

Each component implies that a conscious effort and planning are used for each aspect of the program environment, policies, schedule, curriculum, supervision, and parent involvement.

Activities for working on Quality Improvement

Services to address quality improvement may include:

• Assistance in development and implementation of quality improvement plans (QIP).
• Environment rating scale (ITERS-R, ECERS, FCCERS, SACERS) observations and follow-up consultations.
• Use of self-assessment tools (e.g., the appropriate Environment Rating Scale tool to address compliance with licensing regulations, the Getting Ready for Ratings self assessment for a Qualistar Rating, accreditation).
• Assistance to sites who are utilizing Ounce Scale and DECA tools.
• Support and follow-up for participants choosing the Qualistar Rating System (formerly known as Educare).
• Participation in the Expanding Quality Infant and Toddler Training.
• Consultation around a variety of early childhood topics as requested.
• Assistance with early childhood resources and referrals.

What do I do now?

 Contact a member of the T/TA Team to determine what your next steps could be and how we can be of assistance.
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