Quality First Blog, Tips and Inspiration

Free inspiration and resources are just an added bonus. Helping you is just what we do. See the latest blogs, tips and research on how you can provide the highest-quality care and improve your early learning setting.

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I am Moving, I am Learning: Partner with your child care health consultant to get kids actively learning today

A group of lively preschoolers dance and sway to music while waving brightly colored scarves.  For Andrea Williams and the children in her programs, it’s more than a fun way to get moving. It’s an intentional teaching practice. Andrea Williams is the early childhood coach for the Washington Elementary School District’s Kid Space Program, a

The Power of Positive Book Times: How Early Educators Can Spark a Love for Reading with Young Children

Whether you work with infants, toddlers or preschoolers, you have the power to share the joy of reading with the children in your care. This means more than having children’s books in your setting. Don’t get us wrong, having books is important, but how you use books makes a world of difference. Positive story times

Child-focused learning: following their lead to new adventures

As an early educator, you know young children are naturally curious about the world around them. As early educators, we can foster that curiosity and nurture a lifelong love for learning. Child-focused learning is all about noticing and following children’s interests in learning experiences. By noticing and following their interests, we can take advantage of

Toilet Learning in the Preschool Room: A Changing Table Story

Early educators understand that every child is unique and that development doesn’t adhere to a strict timetable. But there’s one developmental milestone that comes with a lot of expectations—learning to use the toilet. Families and caregivers alike often feel pressure for children to meet this milestone by their third birthday. The reality, as many early

showing painting

Books and Beyond

Books and Beyond: Infusing Creativity into Reading Experiences A blanket, a snack and a good book. Is there any better way to enjoy a nice day at the park? For Arielle Deloney and the families in her program, it’s not just a great way to spend the day. It’s an intentional literacy practice. Deloney is

decoding minds

Decoding Little Minds

Decoding Little Minds: An Early Educators Guide to Understanding Children’s Behaviors If you have been in early education for any length of time, you’ve navigated behaviors. Behaviors—sometimes called “challenging behaviors,” are when children display a range of difficult actions, emotions or reactions. These behaviors can significantly impact the learning environment. Diverting the teacher’s focus, hindering

playing with children

Quality in Action

Quality in Action At Quality First, we talk about quality early learning every day.  But what does quality look like in action? Check out the clips below to see a few ways that Quality First teachers turn everyday moments into learning moments. Color Sorting Hints and Help Quality in action looks like: Rolling the mat

Child washing hands

Three changes coming soon to Child Care Health Consultation

Three changes coming soon to Child Care Health Consultation At Quality First, we are excited to share that we are making updates to the Child Care Health Consultant (CCHC) service model. These updates will support your continued journey in quality health practices. CCHCs will continue to work with you to provide individualized health and safety