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Defining Quality in Child Care

Why Quality IS Important

The first three to five years are the most influential years in terms of brain growth and development. Studies prove that the quality of care children receive during these crucial, early years will impact their future and lifelong success. Recent research shows that the quality of child care has a lasting impact on children’s well-being and ability to learn. Children in poor quality child care lag behind their peers in language and reading skills and display more aggression toward other children and adults.

It is estimated that only 15% of all child care meets “quality care” standards. First appearances are not always as they seem, so plan to spend enough time visiting potential child care sites to assess the programs. The quality of child care matters because a strong early childhood lasts a lifetime. Choose quality when choosing for your little one.

Tips for Finding Quality Child Care

Take your time in choosing a child care provider. Compare your options, and ask plenty of questions.

Here are some resources that can help you find the right program for your family:

• Tips for Choosing and Using Quality Child Care >>
• Five Steps to Choosing Quality Child Care >>
• Checklist to Find a Place You’re Comfortable Leaving Your Child >>

Check Your Provider’s Licensing History

For information on your provider’s registration/license status, as well as licensing history, visit the Montana Department of Public Health and Human Services’ Public Portal, which includes child care facility inspection reports conducted as of October 1, 2009. The inspection report will not be posted on the Public Portal until after an approved Plan of Correction has been submitted by the provider. Visit the Public Portal >>

Accreditation

Accredited homes and centers voluntarily meet national standards of quality that are much higher than Montana’s state regulations. Accredited programs have developmentally appropriate environmental considerations, quality factors, better child-staff ratios, and stricter staff training qualifications.

Group and family child care programs are accredited by the National Association of Family Child Care.

Child care centers are accredited by the National Association for the Education of Young Children.

Early Child Care and Career Path Level

This provides guidelines to document and recognize experience, education and training accomplishments of child care providers. Additional information >>

Extended License

A 2- or 3-year license may be granted after an inspection finds the facility to be in compliance with state regulations and there is no history of substantiated complaints. A substantiated complaint is one that has been thoroughly examined and has been found to be legitimate. A facility with an extended license is working toward quality indicators in cognitive, physical, social/emotional and creative development.