There are a variety of tools that can assist programs who see to improve quality. Your program may go through a formal quality improvement initiative or take on this endeavor independently.  Here is a list of some of the resources that may be useful:

• Existing program policies and procedures – It is important to ensure that program policies and procedures are being implemented accurately and consistently.
• Existing program mission and vision statements –The mission and vision statements provide guidance for how employees interact with children and families.
• Licensing regulations – State licensing regulations set forth the minimum standards of quality experiences, procedures,and practices.  Access more information here: https://www.childcareaware.org/resources/map/
• Caring for Our Children Standards – This document contains close to 700 health and safety standards that can be used to improve program quality. You can find the document here: http://nrckids.org/CFOC
• State specific QRIS models and tools – States have been hard at work over the last few years developing and implementing Quality Rating and Improvement Systems. To learn more about QRIS in your state,visit:  https://qrisguide.acf.hhs.gov/index.php/states
• State accreditation materials – In addition to QRIS, some states have developed state level accreditation systems.  Reach out to your licensing representative for more information about child care accreditation in your state.
• National accreditation tools – There are a number of agencies that will validate high-quality programs through accreditation.  Here are just a few:  
  • National association for the Education of Young Children (link to https://www.naeyc.org/accreditation)
  • National Early Childhood Program Accreditation (link to https://necpa.net)
  • National Association for Family Child Care (link to https://www.nafcc.org/Accreditation)
• Program and Environmental Rating Scales – These tools allow programs to assess levels of quality and make plans for improvement:  
  • The Early Childhood Environmental Rating Scale –Revised  (ECERS-R)
  • The Infant/Toddler Environmental Rating Scale –Revised (ITERS-R)
  • The School-Age Care Environmental Rating Scale (SACERS)
  • The Family Child Care Environmental Rating Scale0 Revised (FCCERS-R)
  • Classroom Assessment Scoring System (CLASS)
  • Program Administration Scale (PAS)

For the main article Continuous Quality Improvement, CLICK HERE

For the article Benefits of Continuous Quality Improvement, CLICK HERE

For the article Steps to Support Continuous Quality Improvement, CLICK HERE

For the article Director’s Corner – Creating a Culture of Continuous Quality Improvement, CLICK HERE