Program Quality
Program Quality |
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| "Over the longer term, effective early childhood programs enable children to become more creative, adaptable, team-ready employees. The majority of brain development happens between birth and age five, and early experiences have a profound impact on lifelong success. Quality early learning and care programs have been found to maximize this vital period of growth, supporting cognitive, social and emotional development." - The PEW Center on the States, Partnership for America's Economic Success | |
The world of education is increasingly focused on the youngest learners. A growing body of research points to the first five years of a child's life as essential in the development of skills that lead to future health, well-being, and success. As awareness of the impact of these early years grows, so does the demand for high-quality early childhood education and care.
The Collaborative's Early Childhood department helps programs and professionals ensure that children in western Massachusetts receive the highest level of care by supporting public and private early education and care programs and kindergartens in key areas of program quality enhancement, including
- program and provider accreditation and credentialiing
- program and child assessment services
- support in meeting the social-emotional needs of children
We also offer on-site support tailored to the unique needs of individual programs through services such as
- support for program directors in their leadership role
- short-term consultation designed to identify and solve specific classroom problems
- guidance in implementing state curriculum guidelines and quality standards
Our program quality services may be provided for free to high-priority programs in western Massachusetts as part of the EEC Regional Educator and Provider Support grant. Schools and programs may also apply for Universal PreK and Quality Rating Improvement System (QRIS) funding to cover service costs. Alternately, the Early Childhood Department can contract directly with programs, in the event that grant funding is unavailable. We are flexible and will ensure that services are delivered to you in a way that meets your needs.
To learn more, please contact:
Barbara Finlayson, Director of Early Childhood Programs
413-586-4998 ext.101 or 800-519-1882 ext. 101
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