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Quality

Topics related to improvement of services through program enhancements and/or professional development. May involve the attainment of identified quality standards, milestones, or indicators.

Sub-Topics

Accreditation

Resources on a formal system for validating and recognizing the components of a program to improve quality and inform consumers.

Consumer Engagement

Research that educates the public about supply and demand and access to early care and education services. Research also includes information on the impact of quality child care on society, child outcomes, and the family.

Environment

Efforts to examine and/or improve early childhood environments as a method to achieve program quality and increase access to high-quality programs.

Quality Initiatives

National, State, or local initiatives that increase access to quality programs by providing parent education/consumer education and quality enhancements or improvements, including training and technical assistance; grants, scholarships, and other financial incentives; and other supports.

Quality Rating Systems

Information on systems that are designed to rate the quality or level of a child care program, identify areas for improvement, inform consumers about levels of quality, and target technical assitance. Resources typically include information on both program standards and staff qualifications. They may also include resources on financial incentives for rating attainment or improvement.

Tiered Reimbursement

Resources concerning the higher payments that are paid to providers who offer better quality child care. Payment rates vary for children with disabilities and other special needs, non-standard-hours, and other specialized types of care.

General/Other
 
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