When you are looking for a preschool for your child, the number of options can be overwhelming. How do you know which preschool is the right one for your family? One way to narrow down your choices is to look at child care ratings. Child care ratings can tell you a lot about a preschool, including what type of program it offers and how well it meets licensing standards. In this comprehensive guide, we will break down what child care ratings mean and how they can help you choose the perfect preschool for your family!
The nuts and bolts of Child Care Quality Ratings…
Child care quality ratings are typically issued by state governments or independent organizations. These ratings take into account several factors, including the preschool’s educational program, health and safety standards, and compliance with licensing requirements. Ratings usually range from one to five stars, with five stars indicating the highest level of quality.
One important thing to keep in mind is that child care quality ratings are not always reliable. In some cases, they may be biased or outdated. It is always a good idea to visit a preschool in person before making a decision about enrolling your child. This will give you a chance to see the facility for yourself and meet the staff members who would be working with your child.
What do Child Care Quality Ratings actually tell you about a preschool?
Child care quality ratings can tell you a lot about a preschool, including what type of program it offers and how well it meets licensing standards. However, they cannot give you a complete picture of the preschool. For instance, they will not tell you whether the teachers are caring and engaging or if the children are happy and thriving in the program.
That being said, child care quality ratings can be a helpful tool in your search. They can help you narrow down your options and choose a preschool that is safe, compliant with licensing requirements, and offers a high-quality educational program.
Take licensing statuses with a grain of salt…they reveal intention, not perfection…
Child care quality ratings don’t always take into account whether a program is accredited.
Accreditation is voluntary, but it does show that a program has gone above and beyond to meet certain standards. Programs that are accredited have been evaluated by an outside organization and found to be of high quality. When you are looking at child care quality ratings, always check to see if the preschool you are interested in is accredited. This can give you peace of mind knowing that your child will likely be receiving a high-quality education because the intention is in place.
How do I find out more about my region’s Child Care Quality Rating system?
If you want to learn more about your state or territory’s child care quality rating system, the best place to start is by contacting your local child care licensing office. They will be able to tell you what factors are used to rate programs in your area and how often ratings are updated.
You can also check out your state’s Child Care Resources here. This guide provides an overview of child care quality rating systems in all 50 states and territories.
Do some states not have a Child Care Quality Rating system?
If your state does not have a child care quality rating system, you can still use other resources to help you choose a preschool. Talk to friends and family members who have children in preschool, read online reviews, or visit the preschools you are considering in person. These steps will help you get a better sense of what each preschool has to offer and whether it is the right fit for your family.