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.
To receive inspiration directly to your inbox, sign up for our newsletter today.
Join us for the Join us for the 2026 Quality First Forums! These virtual sessions are your chance to get the latest program updates, ask questions, and connect with fellow educators in your local community. Not yet in Quality First? We invite non-participating providers to join a special information session breakout room to learn how
Quality improvement is all about consistent progress. To help you hit the ground running, we’ve gathered our best free resources in one place. Explore the tools below and start your quality improvement journey today, no waiting required. Self Reflection Guides Developed by Quality First assessors, the Self-Reflection Guides help you dive into the CLASS® and
Attention Child Care Providers: The Arizona Child Care Resource and Referral (CCR&R) enhanced provider search is now available for you to create your account and provide your program’s availability. Check your email: Search your email inbox for this subject line: “Action Required: Create Your Arizona Child Care Provider Search Account”. Your invitation email to set
Although accreditation is not required to participate in Quality First, Quality First recognizes accredited programs through a different assessment process. Accredited programs are assessed using the Classroom Assessment Scoring System (CLASS) only and are not assessed using the Environment Rating Scales (ERS) as part of the formal assessment process. Accredited programs that do not meet CLASS
View announcements and updates from the Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) to help keep you keep kids safe. Read important warnings and safety recalls here. To view more safety information and recalls, visit the CPSC website.
Find everything you need to support your Quality First Rating Only participation, all in one place. This page includes key resources, guides, tools and required forms to help you make the most of your participation. Understanding Rating Only Want to learn more about Rating Only, including what it is, the benefits it offers and what
We are proud to introduce a brand-new suite of resources for you! Developed by Quality First assessors, the Self-Reflection Guides help you dive into the CLASS® and ERS guidelines and think about your own daily practices. Use the guides on your own, with a colleague, or even with the help of your coach and support
Because learning starts from birth, First Things First funds Quality First to help early care and education providers improve the quality of their programs. Since funding is limited, there is a waitlist to participate in Quality First’s system of quality improvement support. While on the waitlist, a program can participate in Quality First through Rating
First Things First (FTF) is excited to share that we are launching a new statewide evaluation study focusing on the outcomes of Quality First! The study will help us understand how quality early experiences such as participating in Quality First, contribute to positive outcomes for young children and their school readiness, and support their families
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.
Participation in Quality First is free. Apply now to get the support you need to make your program the best it can be.
Apply Now