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Cozy, comforting and clean: Providing softness in today’s early learning settings

The early learning environment is a hub of excitement and energy that includes spaces for young children to actively learn through different types of play. As important as it is to include a variety of stimulating activities for children, it’s just as important to include space for relaxation, comfort and being calm, often referred to

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Child Care Health Consultants help your program achieve healthier environments for children

It’s not easy maintaining a healthy environment for young children. As a child care director or owner, you may need additional support to achieve best health and safety practices in your program. As a Quality First participant, you have access to this kind of help. Quality First offers you the services of Child Care Health

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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 to help you set goals for quality improvements using objective, research-based tools. An informal assessment is offered to all regulated early care and education providers in Arizona. Whether your program is enrolled in Quality First, on the waitlist or if you are

child wearing mask

How will you respond? Preparing for a positive case at your program

As an early education professional in today’s environment, you spend significant time and effort on preventing the spread of germs in your environment.  As important as it is to take action to prevent the spread of viruses such as COVID-19 in your early learning environment, it’s also important to be prepared to respond to a

Baby Bottle Feeding

Caring for Infants and Toddlers During COVID and Beyond

As you work to provide safe and healthy early learning environments for young children, including infants and toddlers, you may find yourself wondering how to adapt for the youngest children in your care. Certain COVID safety recommendations may not apply to infants and toddlers due to their stage of development, but there are still plenty

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Director’s network provides support during challenging times

Managing a center-based or home-based early childhood education program is a demanding job—and can feel isolating at times. Some of Arizona’s program directors have formed director’s networks to build support for themselves. These groups are comprised of early childhood program leaders, directors and administrators within a local geographic region. The groups provide an informal venue