Chapter 10: Quality Early Childhood Programs A variety of early childhood programs are available that provide children with supervision, care, and education. Program directors have responsibilities to follow legal requirements. hire and train qualified staff. work with boards and parents to provide high-quality programs. Child Care Today, Chapter 10: Quality Early Childhood Programs

Chapter 10: Quality Early Childhood Programs philosophy program goals for-profit nonprofit program sponsors license exempt registration accreditation criteria organizational chart reference check board program governance advisory board governing board financial management terminate subsidy Child Care Today, Chapter 10: Quality Early Childhood Programs

Program Types Chapter 10: Quality Early Childhood Programs The phrase early childhood program describes any situation in which children receive supervision, care, education, or special lessons by qualified people. This care typically occurs outside the children’s homes. The demand for such programs has grown over the last few decades. Child Care Today, Chapter 10: Quality Early Childhood Programs

Program Philosophy and Goals Chapter 10: Quality Early Childhood Programs Program Philosophy and Goals A program’s philosophy might state that it strives to provide a safe, developmentally appropriate environment for preschool and school-age children, with a focus on promoting a desire in each child to be a lifelong learner. philosophy The general beliefs, concepts, and attitudes a program has about how children learn. Child Care Today, Chapter 10: Quality Early Childhood Programs

Program Philosophy and Goals Chapter 10: Quality Early Childhood Programs Program Philosophy and Goals A child care center’s program goals might include the development of social skills, self-esteem, and responsibility. program goals Basic skills, concepts, and attitudes to develop and encourage in children; the range of services to be provided. Child Care Today, Chapter 10: Quality Early Childhood Programs

Program Philosophy and Goals Chapter 10: Quality Early Childhood Programs Program Philosophy and Goals The defining feature of any early childhood program is its program philosophy, or mission statement. The philosophy describes how the program should serve and educate children and involve parents. Child Care Today, Chapter 10: Quality Early Childhood Programs

Program Philosophy and Goals Chapter 10: Quality Early Childhood Programs Program Philosophy and Goals Sample Program Philosophy Children need hands-on learning experiences. Children have different learning and developmental levels. Classroom design should encourage exploration. Children need independent and group activities. Children’s interests and needs should guide learning activities. Activities should encourage physical, intellectual, social, and emotional development. Activities should encourage problem solving and creativity. Parent involvement enhances children’s overall development. Child Care Today, Chapter 10: Quality Early Childhood Programs

For-Profit and Nonprofit Programs Chapter 10: Quality Early Childhood Programs For-Profit and Nonprofit Programs KinderCare® is an example of a for-profit child care business. for-profit Designed to bring in more income than is spent on services. Child Care Today, Chapter 10: Quality Early Childhood Programs

For-Profit and Nonprofit Programs Chapter 10: Quality Early Childhood Programs For-Profit and Nonprofit Programs Money earned by a nonprofit program pays expenses before going into savings for future use. nonprofit There are no owners or stockholders who receive money from the program’s income. 9 Child Care Today, Chapter 10: Quality Early Childhood Programs 9

For-Profit and Nonprofit Programs Chapter 10: Quality Early Childhood Programs For-Profit and Nonprofit Programs For-profit programs bring in more income than they spend on their services. The extra money goes to the owners or stockholders. For-profit programs are owned by individuals or large investor-owned or company-owned businesses. Money earned by a nonprofit program goes back into the budget or into savings. Child Care Today, Chapter 10: Quality Early Childhood Programs

Program Quality Chapter 10: Quality Early Childhood Programs The following areas require quality programming: Program philosophy and goals Knowledge of child development and appropriate guidance Basic health, safety, and nutrition Appropriate environment Developmentally appropriate curriculum and practices Activities, records, reports, and evaluations Organized daily schedule Family involvement Ongoing staff training Child Care Today, Chapter 10: Quality Early Childhood Programs

Program Options Chapter 10: Quality Early Childhood Programs Program philosophies and goals vary according to the individual purposes of the program sponsors. program sponsors Specific groups that fund or manage an early childhood program. Child Care Today, Chapter 10: Quality Early Childhood Programs

Program Options Chapter 10: Quality Early Childhood Programs Child Care Centers Enroll children whose parents or guardians work or attend school. Typically open 6:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. Some operate evenings or 24 hours a day. Provide learning activities, active play, meals, snacks, and nap time. Generally serve children 6 weeks to 12 years. Child Care Today, Chapter 10: Quality Early Childhood Programs

Program Options Chapter 10: Quality Early Childhood Programs Family Child Care Homes provide private child care services offered by individuals in their own homes. Before- and After-School Child Care offer care for school-age children before and after school. Preschools and Nursery Schools emphasize learning skills and social development for children three to five years of age. provide extra experiences prior to formal education. Child Care Today, Chapter 10: Quality Early Childhood Programs

Program Options Chapter 10: Quality Early Childhood Programs Public School Prekindergarten provides enrichment activities to help children succeed in elementary school. usually operates only during the school year. Employer-Sponsored Centers offered by businesses to employees on or near the work site. In-Home Child Care Some parents or guardians employ nannies or host au pairs to provide child care in their own homes. Child Care Today, Chapter 10: Quality Early Childhood Programs

Program Options Chapter 10: Quality Early Childhood Programs Intergenerational Care Centers offer daytime care for young children and older adults. provide beneficial interaction between children and older adults. Child Care for Mildly Ill Children staffed with early childhood professionals and nurses while children get well. slower paced and provide more rest time. Child Care Today, Chapter 10: Quality Early Childhood Programs

Program Options Chapter 10: Quality Early Childhood Programs Back-Up Child Care Centers provide short-term care when a working parent’s regular child care option is interrupted. Head Start Preschools and Child Care Centers prepare economically disadvantaged preschoolers for school success. offer free education, health, dental, and nutrition services. Child Care Today, Chapter 10: Quality Early Childhood Programs

Program Options Chapter 10: Quality Early Childhood Programs Montessori Preschools encourage independent learning, learning by doing, and learning through the senses. use educational materials designed to help children master tasks in sequence. Preschools and Child Care for Children with Special Needs provide appropriate care for children with very complicated disabilities. Child Care Today, Chapter 10: Quality Early Childhood Programs

Program Options Chapter 10: Quality Early Childhood Programs Crisis Nurseries 24-hour services for overstressed parents who feel at risk of abusing their children. may care for children for up to three days while parents seek counseling. Parent Cooperatives Child care professionals, teachers, and parents work together to influence philosophy and goals. Child Care Today, Chapter 10: Quality Early Childhood Programs

Program Options Chapter 10: Quality Early Childhood Programs Laboratory Schools serve as training sites for students studying for careers in child development. often provide care, education, and guidance based on the latest research and methods. Kindergarten offers a developmentally appropriate curriculum for children five to six years of age. Child Care Today, Chapter 10: Quality Early Childhood Programs

Licensing, Registration, and Legal Duties Chapter 10: Quality Early Childhood Programs Licensing, Registration, and Legal Duties Early childhood programs must meet specific legal requirements before they are allowed to operate. Local and state laws and regulations vary from state to state. Child Care Today, Chapter 10: Quality Early Childhood Programs

Licensing and Registration Laws Chapter 10: Quality Early Childhood Programs Licensing and Registration Laws Early childhood programs associated with parochial schools that are part of places of worship can be license exempt. license exempt Certain programs that are not required to obtain licenses to operate legally in their states. Child Care Today, Chapter 10: Quality Early Childhood Programs

Licensing and Registration Laws Chapter 10: Quality Early Childhood Programs Licensing and Registration Laws Some states require registration to operate a child care center instead of a formal program license. registration Requirement that a care provider notify city or state officials in writing of the program’s name, address, telephone number, and intention to provide services. Child Care Today, Chapter 10: Quality Early Childhood Programs

Licensing and Registration Laws Chapter 10: Quality Early Childhood Programs Licensing and Registration Laws State licensing laws identify programs that must meet minimum requirements for legal operation. Meeting a state’s licensing laws for operation is a mandatory requirement, not a program choice. The Department of Human Services or the Department of Children and Family Services enforces licensing laws. Child Care Today, Chapter 10: Quality Early Childhood Programs

Licensing and Registration Laws Chapter 10: Quality Early Childhood Programs Licensing and Registration Laws Early Childhood Licensing Requirements Health, safety, and nutrition requirements Maximum group size of children by age Square footage of space per child for indoor and outdoor areas Minimum staff qualifications and in-service training requirements Minimum equipment and supplies for each classroom Recommended classroom ratios of teachers to children Child Care Today, Chapter 10: Quality Early Childhood Programs

Legal Duties for Early Childhood Professionals Chapter 10: Quality Early Childhood Programs Legal Duties for Early Childhood Professionals Enrollment Application Legalities Each state’s licensing laws specify the minimum amount of information to be included in a program’s application form. Nonbiased Enrollment Practices Programs must offer enrollment services on an equal-opportunity basis. Child Care Today, Chapter 10: Quality Early Childhood Programs

Legal Duties for Early Childhood Professionals Chapter 10: Quality Early Childhood Programs Legal Duties for Early Childhood Professionals Ensuring Privacy and Confidentiality Before information about a child can be shared with nonprogram staff, written permission from a legal parent or guardian must be obtained. Fee Agreement Contracts The written contract states the days and hours of a child’s attendance, costs for services, and payment procedures. Child Care Today, Chapter 10: Quality Early Childhood Programs

Compliance with Laws Chapter 10: Quality Early Childhood Programs Child care professionals have a legal responsibility to respond if laws are being ignored or incorrectly followed. Violations that require reporting: Failure to maintain legal records or confidentiality Illegal financial practices Biased, discriminatory practices Licensing and accreditation violations Health, safety, and fire-code violations Suspected abuse and neglect Child Care Today, Chapter 10: Quality Early Childhood Programs

Accreditation Criteria Chapter 10: Quality Early Childhood Programs Accreditation Criteria Programs that are committed to high-quality services work hard to meet as many accreditation criteria as possible. accreditation criteria A set of standards that represents high-quality, developmentally appropriate programs. Child Care Today, Chapter 10: Quality Early Childhood Programs

Accreditation Criteria Chapter 10: Quality Early Childhood Programs Accreditation Criteria Complying with accreditation criteria is voluntary. Accreditation is awarded from a professional organization to assure that the program operates according to recognized professional practices. To ensure that programs maintain high quality, they must be periodically reaccredited. Child Care Today, Chapter 10: Quality Early Childhood Programs

Managing Program Services Chapter 10: Quality Early Childhood Programs Managing Program Services The director sets the tone for the staff’s professional performance. Directors work with teachers to plan, apply, and evaluate learning programs and activities based on the program’s goals and philosophy. Child Care Today, Chapter 10: Quality Early Childhood Programs

Staff Recruitment and Supervision Chapter 10: Quality Early Childhood Programs Staff Recruitment and Supervision Staff directors work to maintain the best staff possible. They recruit, interview, and hire the best-qualified employees. Age, education, and work-experience requirements vary according to positions. Child Care Today, Chapter 10: Quality Early Childhood Programs

Staff Recruitment and Supervision Chapter 10: Quality Early Childhood Programs Staff Recruitment and Supervision Most directors hire people to fill these positions: Assistant director Teaching staff and substitutes Food service staff Transportation staff Custodial and grounds crew Health care staff Family involvement coordinator Curriculum coordinator Child Care Today, Chapter 10: Quality Early Childhood Programs

Staff Recruitment and Supervision Chapter 10: Quality Early Childhood Programs Staff Recruitment and Supervision A staff director’s job description would allow him or her to hire or terminate employees, but a teacher’s job description would not include that responsibility. terminate To discontinue someone’s employment. Child Care Today, Chapter 10: Quality Early Childhood Programs

Staff Recruitment and Supervision Chapter 10: Quality Early Childhood Programs Staff Recruitment and Supervision An organizational chart helps staff know whom they should inform about problems, solutions, or suggestions for program activities. organizational chart An organized staffing plan that identifies supervisors for specific positions. Child Care Today, Chapter 10: Quality Early Childhood Programs

Staff Recruitment and Supervision Chapter 10: Quality Early Childhood Programs Staff Recruitment and Supervision Staff Qualifications Programs identify and describe responsibilities for each staff member. Every staff position has a job description. Staff Organization Quality programs have a specific plan for staffing. Directors create work schedules and inform each staff member of his or her specific work hours. Child Care Today, Chapter 10: Quality Early Childhood Programs

Staff Recruitment and Supervision Chapter 10: Quality Early Childhood Programs Staff Recruitment and Supervision Directors conduct reference checks on potential employees to make sure they hire only the best-qualified candidates. reference checks Contacting people who know a job applicant’s character, job performance, and employment skills. Child Care Today, Chapter 10: Quality Early Childhood Programs

Staff Recruitment and Supervision Chapter 10: Quality Early Childhood Programs Staff Recruitment and Supervision Screening Staff Work history Educational background Résumé Reference checks Medical tests Criminal background checks Child Care Today, Chapter 10: Quality Early Childhood Programs

Staff Recruitment and Supervision Chapter 10: Quality Early Childhood Programs Staff Recruitment and Supervision Staff Development Personnel policies and handbooks In-service training Continuing education Performance evaluation Child Care Today, Chapter 10: Quality Early Childhood Programs

Quality Facilities Chapter 10: Quality Early Childhood Programs A quality facility creates a nurturing environment. Its design should support the program philosophy and goals. Good facilities are comfortable and useful for staff, clients, and clients’ family members. Licensing laws set minimum standards that facilities must meet. Child Care Today, Chapter 10: Quality Early Childhood Programs

Program Governance Chapter 10: Quality Early Childhood Programs Program operations can also be influenced by a board, the program sponsor, and the director. board A group of individuals who support the program’s purpose but are not employed by the program. Child Care Today, Chapter 10: Quality Early Childhood Programs

Program Governance Chapter 10: Quality Early Childhood Programs Program governance can be a cooperative effort between the program sponsor and a director. program governance The process by which a director and a board make decisions about a program’s policies and procedures. Child Care Today, Chapter 10: Quality Early Childhood Programs

Program Governance Chapter 10: Quality Early Childhood Programs An advisory board has limited decision-making power. advisory board A board that only gives directors recommendations on decisions to be made. Child Care Today, Chapter 10: Quality Early Childhood Programs

Program Governance Chapter 10: Quality Early Childhood Programs The governing board tells directors what actions to take and has final authority for decisions. governing board A board that has full decision-making power. Child Care Today, Chapter 10: Quality Early Childhood Programs

Program Governance Chapter 10: Quality Early Childhood Programs Organizational Structure Advisory Boards and Governing Boards All boards assign leadership positions. Board Responsibilities Ensure that policies and procedures are fair. Board Committees Groups that conduct work in a timely manner. Child Care Today, Chapter 10: Quality Early Childhood Programs

Program Governance Chapter 10: Quality Early Childhood Programs Governance Handbooks Constitution and By-laws states the program’s purpose and establishes conduct rules for the board Governance Handbook lists all of a program’s policies and procedures Personnel Handbook states personnel policies Child Care Today, Chapter 10: Quality Early Childhood Programs

Program Governance Chapter 10: Quality Early Childhood Programs Administration Sponsors (those who provide funding) usually have the final say in administration decisions. Directors can help sponsors determine if program goals are being met. Child Care Today, Chapter 10: Quality Early Childhood Programs

Client Services Chapter 10: Quality Early Childhood Programs Program Enrollment Directors attract and maintain steady enrollment according to capacity. Directors must maintain good relationships with the family to meet the child’s needs and family’s expectations. Child Care Today, Chapter 10: Quality Early Childhood Programs

Client Services Chapter 10: Quality Early Childhood Programs Referrals may be in response to a question about applying for a state’s child care subsidy or financial assistance program. subsidy A grant or gift of money from a government to a private company, organization, or charity to help it function. Child Care Today, Chapter 10: Quality Early Childhood Programs

Client Services Chapter 10: Quality Early Childhood Programs Parent or Family Handbooks Most states require programs to inform parents of policies and procedures in writing. Family Involvement Talk to family members at drop-off and pickup times; newsletters; progress reports, Web sites, e-mail; conferences; anytime visits. Community Referrals Good directors are well acquainted with community services. Child Care Today, Chapter 10: Quality Early Childhood Programs

Financial Management Chapter 10: Quality Early Childhood Programs Good financial management allows a program to meet the costs of daily operation. financial management Balancing income and expenses to ensure that a program’s doors remain open to children and families. Child Care Today, Chapter 10: Quality Early Childhood Programs

Financial Management Chapter 10: Quality Early Childhood Programs Financial management requires preparation of a yearly budget. A budget is a detailed listing of program expenses for services and an account of how much money the program expects to receive for services. The director is responsible for making sure income meets or exceeds expenses. Child Care Today, Chapter 10: Quality Early Childhood Programs

Financial Management Chapter 10: Quality Early Childhood Programs Managing Income Directors make sure the program fees cover the cost of the services they provide. Managing Expenses Expenses are the costs that result from operating the program. Child Care Today, Chapter 10: Quality Early Childhood Programs

Public Relations Chapter 10: Quality Early Childhood Programs Community Outreach Directors should be actively involved in the community. They should place information about their programs where potential clients might see it. Being a Reliable Source of Information By keeping current on child-related laws and research, directors can inform local government, city offices, and media of valuable information. Professional Organization Membership Active participation in professional organizations conveys a positive image to the community. Child Care Today, Chapter 10: Quality Early Childhood Programs

Quality Assurance Chapter 10: Quality Early Childhood Programs Programs routinely undergo a variety of inspections and evaluations to confirm that quality is achieved. An audit (a review of a program’s records, practices, and procedures) assures quality. Programs hire accountants to audit their financial records. Child Care Today, Chapter 10: Quality Early Childhood Programs

Quality Assurance Chapter 10: Quality Early Childhood Programs Reporting Licensing Violations It is the ethical duty of every early childhood professional to record and report licensing violations. An agent from the licensing office should be notified by telephone or in writing if a program consistently violates licensing requirements. Child Care Today, Chapter 10: Quality Early Childhood Programs