Our approach to achieving quality is constantly evolving. This means we occasionally make updates to Quality First along the way. As a current participant, you can keep up with program-wide updates, explore helpful tools, or even rewatch meetings you may have missed—it’s all here to help our participants succeed.
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This guide provides a comprehensive overview of Quality First, including the supports available to you, policies and updates and tips for making the most of your quality improvement efforts.
Here are a few reminders for participant programs allocated Quality First scholarships for State Fiscal Year 2025 (July 1, 2024- June 30, 2025): Things First’s (FTF) state Board voted to raise the reimbursement rates for Quality First Scholarships to align with the 2021 cost of quality study beginning on July 1, 2024. This will help
Did you miss the 2024 Quality First Forums? Click here to view the recording and learn about program funding and participation updates as we head into a new fiscal year. This recording covers how federal COVID-19 relief funding allowed Arizona to further invest in child care by temporarily expanding FTF strategies such as QF participation,
Beginning on July 1, 2024, programs that joined Quality First through temporary federal pandemic relief funding, known as expansion-funded programs, will transition to one of three statuses. All expansion-funded programs will be notified about their transition by the end of May. You can find your funding source on the extranet profile summary. Your QF coordinator, coach and
Free resources and tools are available to Arizona’s early childhood education providers. Providers are encouraged to use these resources to support their efforts to provide quality care for children and families. This digital guide includes resources for: Guía de Recursos para la Primera Infancia Se presentan herramientas y recursos gratuitos disponibles para los proveedores de
As a Quality First participant, your program earns a star rating following the assessment process. Your rating may be public or non-public, depending on where you are in your quality improvement journey. Your Initial Rating Your initial rating is completed at the very beginning of your participation. It provides the starting point of your quality
Informal Assessment is available to all regulated Arizona child care providers. Informal assessment provides you with valuable feedback while keeping the pressure low. You choose the classroom, timeframe, and assessment tool, making it as convenient as possible for you! Please submit the form below and an assessor will contact you to schedule your assessment.
One major focus of Quality Fist is offering three levels of support to participants. These levels of support provide a different level of assistance based on the needs of your program. You’ll be placed in a level based on your star rating and quality improvement needs. Learn more about each level and download the handouts.
The Arizona Department of Education Early Childhood Education (ECE) team offers a comprehensive list of synchronous (live) and asynchronous (on-demand) professional learning opportunities. All ADE-ECE professional learning opportunities meet the requirements for continuing education units (CEUs). English and Spanish options are available.
Participation in Quality First is free. Apply now to get the support you need to make your program the best it can be.
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