Program Quality Improvement

Over 50 years of research in child development and neuroscience have established a critical link between high-quality experiences in early care and education (ECE) settings and health, academic, and self-sufficiency outcomes later in life. High-quality early childhood settings are characterized by a well-trained, well-supported, and well-compensated workforce of caregivers who provide warm and responsive interactions and engagement with the children in their care, and who are able to work in settings that have small group sizes and child to caregiver ratios. With these foundational elements in place, caregivers can use age-appropriate curricula and materials to support children’s cognitive, physical, and social-emotional development.