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NCCIC Library
A Snapshot of Quality in Minnesota's Child Care Centers, September 2005 (HTML)
By Juli Sherman, Kathryn Tout
September
2005
Summary: This study informs policy-makers about the level of quality observed in child care centers in Minnesota, the characteristics of programs that provide higher quality care, and the resources needed by child care centers to improve quality. Nationally recognized observational tools were used (i.e., the Early Childhood Environment Rating Scale–Revised and the Arnett Caregiver Interaction Scale) to document activities and interactions and to track quality benchmarks in 100 randomly selected classrooms serving children (aged 3–5 years) in child care centers across Minnesota. Data indicate that overall quality in classrooms is above minimal, but does not meet the requirements for good quality. Interactions and Program Structure were areas of strength in classrooms. Scores on Space and Furnishings and Language-Reasoning were approaching good quality. Activities and Personal Care Routines were problematic. Child care centers are calling for basic financial supports, education and training opportunities, and connections with others in the early childhood field to improve the quality of their programs. The steps that could be taken to improve child care quality in Minnesota are suggested for centers serving preschool-aged children, families and communities, and policy-makers and funders.
Index Terms: Child Care Centers, Quality Of Child Care, Quality Rating System, Accreditation, Classroom Environment, Curriculum Evaluation, Early Childhood Environment Rating Scale, Licensing, Child Development Associate (CDA), Minnesota, Minnesota Child Care Policy Research Partnership, National Association For Education Of Young Children (NAEYC)
Publisher: Child Trends
Publication Type: Reports (Research/technical)
Pages: 69 pages
Language: English
URL: http://edocs.dhs.state.mn.us/lfserver/Legacy/DHS-4236-ENG
Availability
Child Trends
4301 Connecticut Avenue, NW, Suite 100
Washington,
District of Columbia
20008
202-362-5580
http://www.childtrends.org/
10530 Rosehaven St., Suite 400 • Fairfax, VA 22030 | Phone: (800) 616-2242 • Fax: (800) 716-2242 • TTY: (800) 516-2242
NCCIC is a service of the Child Care Bureau (CCB), Office of Family Assistance (OFA), Administration for Children and Families(ACF), U.S. Department of Health & Human Services