For Families
What does quality look like?
The first five years of a child’s life are so important. It’s when 90% of brain development happens, and it sets the foundation for success in school and life. Quality early childhood education nurtures the physical, intellectual, social, and emotional development of a child from birth through age 8, and the single most important factor is the person who provides that care and education.
Quality is what each child experiences according to their age, needs, strengths, and natural development with the guidance of a trained early childhood educator. Here is what to look for:
- A trained and skilled educator who reflects your values and culture and asks you about your goals for your child.
- An educator who takes the time to really know your child and helps promote their physical and emotional well-being.
- Educators who have a close relationship with your child that builds on their strengths to help them succeed.
- Educators who help your child overcome their challenges with patience and tenderness.
- Educators who provide frequent, warm, one-on-one interactions with your child and who use play-based learning techniques to help your child build physical, intellectual, social, and emotional skills.
- Educators who help each child learn independently and with others, following their interests and introducing them to new things.
- Educators who provide regular updates on your child’s progress.
- Educators who can answer questions you have about what you can do at home to nurture your child’s development.
Resources
Want to learn more? Here are some resources:
- Learning Begins at Birth
Resource booklet for new Nebraska parents that provides information on child development, child care, how children learn and develop, children’s health, services available to children and families, and more. - Choosing Quality Childcare
Guide and checklist on how to choose quality child care in Nebraska. - Step Up to Quality
Components of a quality early education program. - Child Care is a Skilled Profession (Video)
Our Partners
Learn more about our partners and their incredible work that helps Nebraska’s children thrive.
