Defining Quality in Child Care

Research has shown that 85% of a person’s intellectual, emotional and cognitive ability is formed by the age of five, according to the Finding Quality Child Care guide published by the Oregon Child Care Resource and Referral Network. This means that it is extremely important for children’s’ experiences and environments during their first several years of life to be positive, nurturing, and of good quality.The definition of “quality” surrounding child care has changed drastically in the last several decades. We know that each family has their own preferences and opinions surrounding their ideal child care provider, however there are still some indicators that early childhood experts consider to be illustrative of a child care program’s quality. We will establish indicators that are useful when evaluating the quality of a child care provider, and will also introduce the new Quality Rating Improvement System that has already begun to change the standards for child care in Oregon.Here are five basic indicators of quality that should be considered when assessing a child care program or provider:

• Adult to child ratio- One simple factor in determining the quality of a program is the number of children that each staff member is responsible to care for at any given moment. The general rule is that the fewer children to each adult, the better for your child. Children, especially babies and toddlers, need plenty of attention and one-on-one time with caregivers. The maximum adult-child standard ratios are 1 adult for every 4 infants and toddlers, 1 adult for every 10 preschoolers, and 1 adult for every 15 school aged children.

• Group size- The number of children who will be attending the program is just as important to quality care as the staff-child ratio. Just because a caregiver is complying with the correct staff to child ratio, doesn’t necessarily mean that your child will be in a quality environment. For instance, a group of 25 toddlers with 5 adults and a group of 10 toddlers with 2 adults will both meet the ratio requirements; however, the latter environment will likely be a calmer setting that feels like more like a family to your child.

• Caregiver qualifications- There are many different varieties and levels of education and experience that can constitute a quality child care provider. Formal education, degrees, and titles can demonstrate a person’s knowledge and skill, especially with an academic focus on early childhood development or early education. However, it is important to recognize that other methods of training, such as community workshops, internship programs, and personal life experience can also be just as effective and meaningful for quality childcare providers. The social and emotional skills required to bond and communicate well with children cannot always be taught in a classroom, and these abilities come more naturally to some than others.

• Turnover- Consistency is extremely important in the lives of young children. Adjusting to new caregivers and peers takes time and energy from kids that they could be using to build strong relationships and learn new things. Studies show that infants and toddlers thrive when they remain with the same primary caregiver for the first three years of life, and that this type of care is considered “high quality” (Zero To Three). Child care programs that follow this philosophy are called “continuum care” or “continuity of care” programs, which ensure that the infants entering care stay with their same primary caregiver and group of classmates as they move throughout developmental stages. A low staff and child turnover rate at any child care facility is a good “quality” flag because it means that employees and parents are happy with their experiences in the program.

• Accreditation- In addition to being licensed or certified as a child care provider, some programs may also accredited by national organizations such as The National Association for the Education of Young Children (NAEYC) and The National Association for Family Child Care (NAFCC). This means that they are acknowledged for meeting a set of standards that is higher than most licensing requirements. This system of recognition is limited, as it doesn’t account for the diversity and complexity of ways in which programs may be meeting high quality standards.

Oregon’s new Quality Rating Improvement System (QRIS) is a new method of evaluation and recognition currently being field tested around the state, which allows for more flexibility and creativity from programs to decide how and at what level they are meeting quality measures. After several preliminary steps including a detailed Quality Improvement Plan, child care providers create a portfolio for their program where they describe specific evidence that proves they are meeting the criteria for certain indicators of quality standards. These indicators include those listed above, along with other researched based quality measures. When the system rolls out state wide in 2014, parents will be able to see which quality “star” rating level (3, 4 or 5) a child care provider has reached based on their evaluated portfolio. The QRIS system is already creating a stronger push for high quality programs and is allowing unique programs, such as Montessori schools, to be validated as quality care.Understanding what your ideal child care program in Lane County may look like, how you can find care, and how to assess the program quality is essential to finding child care that suits your family’s needs. Quality is key in the lives of young children, so be sure to do your research and ask questions to decide which environment is best for your child.This is Part 3 of a three part series LaneKids is producing in partnership with Family Connections of Lane and Douglas Counties to provide parents information about selecting quality child care. For more information about local child care options, please contact the Family Connections Parent Specialist at 541-463-3954 or email dreilingd@lanecc.edu.