What is "Paths to Quality"?

 

Research shows that high-quality early childhood programs prepare children for future success in school, work, and life. From birth through age 5 is the most important time for the growth of the human brain. A child’s brain develops in response to the child’s experiences by building neurological networks in reaction to the environment.

A child’s experiences in a child care program can significantly contribute to that brain development and the future success of the child. High-quality child care programs are essential, not only to Hoosier children but also to their families and to the communities in which they live. Parents need stable, high-quality care in order to be productive at work. They count on their child care provider to ensure that their child is safe, healthy, and learning during those hours they must be at work. Our school systems need children who are entering school prepared and ready to succeed. Businesses need a high-quality workforce both now and in the future. In fact, studies have shown that high-quality early childhood programs increase the graduation rate, reduce the future crime rate, and can save up to sixteen dollars for every one dollar invested. High-quality child care programs are essential to everyone.

In order to improve the quality of child care programs, states across the nation are using Quality Rating and Improvement Systems, such as the one here in Indiana, Paths to QUALITY™. Quality Rating and Improvement Systems assess the quality of care within a program, work to improve that quality level, and give families an easy-to-recognize symbol that makes the difficult decision of choosing preschool and child care easier. 

Paths to QUALITY™ gives families an easy-to-recognize tool for selecting a child care program. Families can look for the Paths to QUALITY™ logo to determine what level their provider has achieved. Each level builds on the foundation of the previous one, resulting in significant quality improvements at each stage and in national accreditation at the highest level. The system validates preschool and child care programs for ongoing efforts to achieve higher standards of quality and provides incentives and awards for success. The four levels address:

Level One: Health and safety needs of children met
Level Two: Environment supports children’s learning
Level Three: Planned curriculum guides child development and school readiness
Level Four: National accreditation (the highest indicator of quality) is achieved

 

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Our program (WELC) has demonstrated (to reach Paths to Quality 3)

1. operating in good standing and has been recognized by the state of Indiana as having met all required health and safety standards.

2. a commitment to improving program quality. We offer opportunities for children to advance their growth and development. We have evidence of a consistent daily schedule, planned activities for children, and provide relevant program information for families.

3.  the knowledge and skill necessary for planning appropriate activities and opportunities that lead children toward school readiness. We have made a significant investment in the professional development of the staff, and we incorporate family and staff input into the program.