The last few years have been very hard for child care providers. Challenges with staffing, training needs and finances have made a tough job even tougher. Quality First is here to help.
Through professional development and coaching, funding and specialized assistance, Quality First supports Arizona’s child care and preschool providers so they can help young children learn and grow. Participating in Quality First is free.
More than 1,300 providers currently participate in Quality First, and all regulated child care centers, homes and preschool programs in Arizona are invited to join.
Quality First is a program of First Things First, Arizona’s early childhood agency. Because learning starts from birth, and so many Arizona families need child care, First Things First funds Quality First to help early care and education providers in our state improve the quality of their programs in ways that help young children be ready for kindergarten.
Additional federal funding, administered by the Arizona Department of Economic Security, has made it possible for Quality First to expand by as many as 800 providers over three years. Programs can join by filling out a simple online application.
Quality First helps child care and preschool programs in three main ways, all at no cost to the providers.
Professional Development & Coaching
Providers work closely with a Quality First coach, an experienced early childhood professional, who listens to their needs, offers advice and guidance, and helps staff build skills with things like:
- Classroom management, daily routines and transitions
- Teacher-child interactions
- Supporting children’s learning
- Partnering with families
Early Childhood Experts
Specialized assistance from a team of early childhood experts is available when providers need it. For example, child care health consultants and mental health consultants can help programs:
- Improve health and safety practices
- Reduce the spread of illness
- Manage behaviors
- Promote the emotional health and well-being of children
Funding
Quality First participants get funding to help support quality early learning for young children. Funding for all the following and more:
- Age-appropriate books, toys and learning materials
- New classroom furniture or outdoor equipment
- Renovations that improve the physical space
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If you are a child care provider in Arizona and want to learn more about how Quality First can support your program: Visit QualityFirstAZ.com/apply Email us at QualityFirst@FirstThingsFirst.org or call 602.771.5000 to talk to a Quality First program specialist. If your program has more than one site, each can join Quality First. |