One of the links that I had not previously explored on Child Care Aware was for the Best Practices Program: http://www.naccrra.org/programs-services/naccrra-best-practices-program. This program sets standards of excellence for care in the early childhood setting and is voluntary.
Child Care Aware has an entire section devoted to "Quality": http://www.naccrra.org/about-child-care/quality-matters. This section includes reports and statements about quality and equity/inequality in early childhood programs. There is also information about Quality Rating Information Systems (QRIS). Early childhood professionals can utilize these resources to keep themselves up to date on current data and information related to quality and excellence in the early childhood field.
The e-newsletter for Child Care Aware is not released monthly. The latest edition came out in August and was about safety for children in hot cars. However, something relevant to this course was posted recently on Child Care Aware's blog: http://policyblog.usa.childcareaware.org/. The blog post talks about the reauthorization of the Child Care and Development Block Grant and its impact on excellence in child care programs.
I love that Child Care Aware is so comprehensive. It has information for providers as well as parents. I thought that it was particularly helpful that they have a Child Care 101 section for parents, found here: http://www.childcareaware.org/parents-and-guardians/child-care-101. This section lists how to find a provider, what types of providers are available, what parents should look for when trying to find high quality providers, what to do if they can't find a provider, and more.
The information provided in regards to quality and excellence is a great resource that is needed. I also like the fact that they have posted information in regards to child safety in hot cars, this is happening to often,and there needs to be accessible information out there on the subject. I think it's wonderful that the site has a section for parents to research the aspects of quality childcare, that is much needed information.
ReplyDeleteI had never heard of child care aware until I had seen your blog postings for this course. I took a closer look at the link you posted for the "Quality Matters".I really good point was made in this section. Quality matters in child care, because it will affect the way children think learn and behave. Thank you so much for sharing this link this week.
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ReplyDeleteI also have never heard of this website before today. I am going to check it out not only for professional reason but also as a parent I think it will be a great tool for me to learn about daycare in my area. Thank you for sharing.
Hey, I have never heard about this website as well until I read your blog. I will most definitely check it out. I will read it and see what I gain from it and how it will help me and my community.
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