Author: Heidi Walton

Information and inspiration for early care and education professionals.

New Levels of Support to Meet You Where You Are

As an early childhood educator, you know that each child has their own unique learning needs. You meet each child where they are and provide the support to help them develop, grow and learn to their fullest potential. At Quality[...]
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N is for Note Impact of New Practices

In Quality First, we use the VISION model to guide the quality improvement journey and the process of quality improvement coaching. This is the sixth in a series about the stages of the VISION model. If you haven’t already, check[...]
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O is for Ongoing Monitoring and Adjustment

We use the VISION model in Quality First to guide the quality improvement journey. This is the fifth in a series about the six stages of the VISION model. If you haven’t already, check out our blogs on vision casting,[...]
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I is for implementing action steps. Five tips to help you on your goals.

In Quality First, we use the VISION model to guide the quality improvement journey. This is the fourth in a series about the six stages of the VISION model. If you haven’t already, check out our blogs on vision casting,[...]
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S is for Setting Goals: Creating an Effective Quality Improvement Plan

In Quality First, we use the VISION model to guide the quality improvement journey, and every journey needs a roadmap. In this third stage, you’ll focus on setting goals and creating action steps for quality improvement. This quality improvement plan[...]
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Keeping Children Safe with Active Supervision

Supervision is key to keeping children safe in an early learning setting with lots of activity. Active supervision means watching, listening and observing children at all times throughout the day. Read on for five strategies for active supervision. Set up[...]
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Boost Your Program’s Improvement Efforts with an Informal Assessment

A Quality First assessment provides feedback to recognize your program’s unique strengths and help you set goals for quality improvements using objective, research-based tools. Formal assessment is a regular part of participating in Quality First, but an informal assessment is[...]
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Earth-Friendly Early Learning

Now more than ever, we are becoming aware of how our choices affect the environment, our health, and the health of our communities. As early childhood professionals, we are leaders who can make a difference in the health of our[...]
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Marvelous, Miraculous Mud: Celebrating Messy Mud Play

Think back to your earliest memories of mud. Did you make mud pies in your imaginary outdoor kitchen? Poke at it with a stick? Jump in a puddle and feel the mud squish and splash under your feet? Mud is[...]
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