Increasing quality in early care and learning environments

High-quality care is essential to the optimal development of young children. While many children attend childcare away from the home for an average of six hours per day, the environment is not necessarily of the highest quality. An assessment of the indoor and outdoor space, curriculum and activities, teacher and child interactions, materials, equipment, nutrition and health factors can yield critical information for parents and center administrators, teachers and staff. This study provides outcome information in regard to a state-funded Enhancement Grant project in which childcare facilities' personnel were provided with professional development activities to assist them in evaluating their early care and learning programs, and planning and implementing enhancement activities. After three years, a significant improvement resulted in several areas critical to high-quality care for young children.