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Quality Counts

An Effective Practice

Description

Quality Counts is a voluntary five-star rating system for providers of early childcare and education to ensure quality standards so children enter school eager and ready to learn. The rating system encompasses six standards:

1. Learning Environment
2. Staff-to-Child Ratio/Group Sizes
3. Family Engagement
4. Curriculum
5. Administration
6. Staff Qualifications/Professional Development

Participating providers receive professional support and financial incentives, including grants, educational scholarships for staff, wage supplements, early learning coaching and networking, technical assistance, and financial awards. Childcare centers, school-based sites, and family childcare homes that hold a current service agreement with Family Central, Inc. and have been licensed for at least one year are eligible to participate in this comprehensive rating program.

This program is locally funded by Children Services Council of Palm Beach County.

Goal / Mission

1. To produce positive outcomes for children.
2. To provide consumer education to help parents recognize, expect and seek out quality in a childcare setting and to articulate the standards for quality to childcare providers and parents.
3. To define, advocate for and obtain the resources necessary to encourage, support and promote quality early care and education.

Results / Accomplishments

Between the 2007-2008 and 2008-2009 years, the percentage of practitioners not holding a high school diploma or GED reduced from 25.5% to 16.6%. Over the same period, the percentage of practitioners who have associate's, bachelor's, or master's degrees increased by approximately 5%, and the total number of certificates earned increased from 2,186 to 3,624.

About this Promising Practice

Organization(s)
Children's Services Council of Palm Beach County, Early Learning Coalition of Palm Beach County, Inc., Family Central, Inc., Palm Beach State College, School District of Palm Beach County
Primary Contact
Karen Brandi
Children's Services Council of Palm Beach County
2300 High Ridge Road
Boynton Beach FL 33426
561-740-7000
karen.brandi@cscpbc.org
http://www.cscpbc.org/
Topics
Education / Childcare & Early Childhood Education
Organization(s)
Children's Services Council of Palm Beach County, Early Learning Coalition of Palm Beach County, Inc., Family Central, Inc., Palm Beach State College, School District of Palm Beach County
Source
Children Services Council of Palm Beach County
Date of implementation
Jul 2006
Geographic Type
Urban
Location
Palm Beach
For more details
Target Audience
Children
Submitted By
Children's Services Council of Palm Beach County