Defining Quality in Child Care
The first thing you will learn on your search for child care is that high quality child care is difficult to find! It is estimated that only 15% of all child care meets “quality care” standards. First appearances are not always what they seem to be, so plan to spend enough time visiting potential child care sites to assess their programs.
Take Child Care Resources’ Quality Checklist brochure and the provider profile along to refer to on your visit. Take notes! Remember, not all aspects of quality child care can be objectively measured. You have to get a feel for the personality of the provider, and how he or she will get along with your child and you. Stay as long as possible so you can experience what the care will be like for your child.
Below are some important definitions that will help you in your search.
Accreditation
Accredited homes and centers voluntarily measure up to national standards of quality established by national child care organizations. These programs undergo in-depth self-assessments, independent observation, and approval by professionals. Find additional accreditation information at www.nafcc.org or www.naeyc.org.Early Child Care and Career Path Level
This provides guidelines to document and recognize experience, education and training accomplishments of child care practitioners. Find additional information at www.montana.edu/wwwecp/practitioner.html.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.Merit Pay Award
This incentive program rewards child care professionals for receiving training. Providers may choose to participate in either a 23 or 50 hour track of early child care and education training during the year.Star Quality Rated
An indicator of excellence specific to Montana is the Star Quality Rating System that identifies different levels of child care. Every child care facility licensed or registered with the State of Montana should display a decal.One-Star Quality Child Care
- The facility has an extended license.
- At least 75% of the staff are at or above the Montana Early Care and Education Career Path Level 2.
- Personnel policies are aimed at professional child care career development.
- Staff turnover is monitored.
- Pre-enrollment policy and regular parent communication methods are in place.
Two-Star Quality Child Care
- Highest rating of child care.
- Only providers who are accredited by the National Association for the Education of Young Children, the National Association for Family Child Care or the National After School Association may qualify.
- Majority of staff are Level 3 or higher on the Montana Early Care And Education Career Path.
- Staff turnover is monitored.
