Quality Counts supports early care and education programs in Alameda County that serve children birth to five years. Quality Counts also helps early care and education providers improve their programs so that children are prepared for kindergarten and to succeed in school and life. We work side-by-side with educators who are committed to quality and want to use best practices in early care and education.
We know that quality early care and education programs support early learning. Long-term studies show that children in quality early care and education programs:
Most of a child’s brain development happens in their first five years, so it’s important that young children have the best possible environment for learning and development.
With over 330 participating sites serving over 7,300 children in FY21-22, Quality Counts has supported teachers and caregivers alike. Quality Counts offered 91 professional development opportunities, provided coaching to 54% of CQI and CSPP sites and distributed over $2M in financial incentives to sites and ECE professionals.
When considering ratings, please consider that different early care and education (ECE) programs have different requirements. ECE programs should only be compared to similar programs. For more information, please contact your Resource and Referral Agency.
Quality Counts California periodically evaluates the rating process, which may result in changes to the elements rated, time between re-rating, and rating requirements. Currently, only centers with California State Preschool Program (CSPP) enrollment are being rated in Alameda County.
Beginning July 1, 2023, sites are rated on six(6) quality measures: Child Observation, Developmental and Health Screening, Minimum Qualifications for Lead Teacher, Effective Teacher-Child Interactions, Ratio and Group Size, and Director Qualifications. Prior to July 1, 2023, sites were rated on these 6 measures in addition to a 7th measure, Program Environment, that is no longer included in the rating.
Quality Counts offers incentives, professional development, coaching and rating to providers to support their quality improvement efforts.
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The early years are the foundation for your child’s success in school and life, so it’s important that your childcare offer the best environment for your child’s development.
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