Introducing
Your new presentation assistant.
Refine, enhance, and tailor your content, source relevant images, and edit visuals quicker than ever before.
Trending searches
ECE 270 Chapter 7
27
Chapter 7: Creating High Quality Environments
7-1
7-1: Discuss how to identify high-quality programs
Researchers have identified three factors that are associated with quality programs:
- Small group size
- Low teacher/child ratios
- Teacher preparation and qualifications
Resource and referral agencies (R&Rs) are located throughout the country to assist families in locating early childhood programs: https://www.azccrr.com/
Families must determine which program best meets their unique needs.
Finding a high quality program
NAEYC
The National Association for the Education of Young Children established a national system of voluntary accreditation for ECE programs: https://www.naeyc.org/accreditation
- The objective is to promote excellence and improve the quality of early education.
- The accreditation process identifies and recognized outstanding early learning programs.
- Programs are accredited for 5 years.
- Other organizations have developed ways to recognize outstanding programs (see page 175).
Accreditation
7-2
- 7-2: Explain how licensure and registration of early childhood programs differ
- Licensing standards are established by individual states and are often minimal.
- Licensing regulations protect children's physical and psychological well-being and afford protection to the program and it's personnel.
- Home-based child care programs can either become licensed or registered - the requirements for registration are minimal.
- There are significant differences in licensing requirements and levels of enforcement between states, and some states do not have licensure requirements.
- Areas that are commonly examined as part of the licensing process include:
Teacher qualifications, staffing ratios, group size, curriculum plans, and emergency preparation and services (e.g.,plans, policies, protection)
Read this to learn more about NAEYC's statement on licensing:
https://www.naeyc.org/sites/default/files/globally-shared/downloads/PDFs/resources/position-statements/PSLIC98.PDF
Here is info about licensure in AZ: https://azdhs.gov/licensing/childcare-facilities/index.php
Here is info about licensure in all states: https://childcareta.acf.hhs.gov/licensing
How to Apply to Become a Licensed Child Care Center or Group Home Provider through DES:
The Arizona Department of Health Services (ADHS) licenses group homes. These are family home child care providers who care for 5 to 10 children in their home. In order to provide care to DES qualified children, group homes must be contracted with DES and be licensed by ADHS.
For information on becoming licensed as a group home, please contact:
ADHS
(602) 364-2539
www.azdhs.gov
For information on becoming contracted as a group home, please contact:
DES
(602) 542-4216 (inside Maricopa County)
1 (877) 822-2322 (outside Maricopa County)
Child Care Centers
The ADHS licenses child care centers. These are child care providers who care for 10 or more children at a location separate from their residence. In order to provide care to DES qualified children, child care centers must be contracted with DES and be licensed by ADHS.
For information on becoming licensed as a child care center, please contact:
ADHS
(602) 364-2539
www.azdhs.gov
For information on becoming contracted as a child care center, please contact:
DES
(602) 542-4216 (inside Maricopa County)
1 (877) 822-2322 (outside Maricopa County).
Federal Regulations
- In addition to state licensing requirements, ECE programs that receive federal funds (Head Start Programs) must comply with an additional set of regulations.
7-3
7-3: Identify the features of high-quality programs and discuss how teachers' educational preparation effects children's development
Many variables play a role in the creation of a high quality program, including:
- Teacher Qualifications
- Staffing Ratios
- Group Size & Composition
- Program Curriculum
- Health Services
Teacher qualifications
Learn through on-the-job training, by completing a CDA credential, basic certificate, advanced certificate, or AAS degree, professional development/in-service training, conferences, participation in professional learning communities.
Program Curriculum
Centers should integrate developmentally appropriate practices that address physical, cognitive, motor, social-emotional, language and self-care development.
Here's an example of a commonly used curriculum, Creative Curriculum:
7-4: Describe at least 10 ways to make children's indoor and outdoor environments safe
7-4
indoor
Indoor safety:
Teachers have an ethical and professional obligation to protect children’s safety and well-being
Young children are especially vulnerable to hazards in their environment, and young children have limited ability to recognize unsafe conditions
When creating safe indoor environments, special attention should be given to:
- Building location and adequate space
- Room arrangement
- Building security
- Fire safety and evacuation plans
- Bathroom facilities and sanitation
- Lighting, ventilation, air quality
outdoor
Outdoor safety
When outdoor environments are carefully planned and supervised they provide all children with unique learning opportunities.
Safe outdoor play areas reduce the risk of unintentional injury and liability issues.
They are also less stressful for teachers to monitor.
Planning safe outdoor environments requires that special attention be given to:
- Providing adequate space to accommodate children’s active play
- Designing play areas so they are easy to supervise
- Selecting play equipment that is developmentally appropriate, safely constructed, properly installed and accessible to all children (Teacher Checklist 7-5, Table 7-4)
- Eliminating poisonous plants and vegetation
- Maintaining play equipment and surface materials in safe condition
- Supervising children’s play at all times
Transportation
Transportation
When programs transport children, children’s safety must always be a major concern.
Programs should be aware of insurance and liability issues.
Vehicles should be equipped with proper safety seats, seat restraints, and fire extinguisher.
The use of privately-owned vehicles should be discouraged to limit a program’s liability. If they are used:
- Drivers should possess the appropriate license and be insured.
- Vehicles should be inspected for safety.
- Travel plans should be developed, reviewed, left with the director, and followed precisely.