Chapter 2 Types of Early Childhood Programs
Copyright Goodheart-Willcox Co., Inc.
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representing the National Academy of Early
Childhood Programs.
Studies show that accreditation has
improved program quality. Improvements
are made in a smoother and easier process.
Center directors reported the greatest gains
in the areas of curriculum, followed by
administration, health, and safety. Most
directors also reported that accreditation had
increased the visibility of their programs.
Figure 2.12 contains a list of organizations
that have accepted standards for quality
practice.
Quality Rating Systems
Many states have implemented quality
rating systems (QRS) that can help parents
judge program quality. These systems are
important tools to evaluate and improve
the program effectiveness. The information
collected by using these evaluation instruments
tells teachers what is expected in quality
environments. Many teachers will make
extensive changes in their classroom practices
in preparation for an evaluation.
Figure 2.12 Standards for Quality Practice
Association Types of Programs
National Association for the Education of Young
Children
Birth through kindergarten programs
National After-School Association School-age programs
National Association for Family Child Care Family child care programs
National Association of Child Care Professionals Child care centers
Four rating Early Childhood Educating
Rating Scales (ECERS) were developed at the
University of North Carolina. The purpose of
the instrument is to determine how programs
meet the three basic needs of children:
protecting children’s health and safety,
building positive relationships, and providing
stimulating learning experiences.
Each instrument focuses on a different
setting, and is valid and reliable.
• The Infant/Toddler Environmental Rating
Scale (ITERS-R) is designed to evaluate
programs with children from birth to
two years of age.
• The Early Childhood Environment Rating
Scale is designed to assess programs
with children from two through fi ve
years of age.
• The Family Child Care Environmental
Rating Scale is designed to assess
children in homes that serve infants
through school-aged children.
• The School-Age Care Early Rating Scale is
designed to assess children from 5 to 12
years of age.