Choosing Quality Child Care

QualityFirstAZ.com helps families find and select preschool and child care

Gabriela Sanchez and  her parents Rubi and Gerardo at St. Joseph’s Preschool in Cottonwood

 

 

Families in Arizona can now access the information they need to choose a child care center or preschool for their child by visiting QualityFirstAZ.com. The website, launched by First Things First, gives families information about why quality is important in child care and preschool and what quality looks like.

 Rubi Pedrego of Cottonwood had a hard time looking for a child care center for her daughter Gabriela. She didn’t just want a safe place to put her daughter while she and her husband Gerardo worked, she also wanted her daughter to receive a quality early education.

“In a child care center, the safety and protection of children are most important,” said Pedrego. But after the necessary health and safety, Pedrego said that what she looked for next was the environment the teachers were creating for the children- a secure place of play, learning and laughter. She also wanted a center that communicated well with parents. “It’s important for parents to be informed of their child’s progress,” she said.

Pedrego’s mother suggested that she visit St. Joseph’s preschool, a child care center in Cottonwood.  When she visited, Pedrego knew it would be a good fit for her daughter. “Walking into St. Joseph’s, I could see the children were happy, comfortable, and learning,” said Pedrego. “I was very impressed with the teacher’s interactions with the children.”

Gabriela, now four, has attended St. Joseph’s preschool for almost two years. At the center, the daily schedule includes circle time with books, healthy snacks, explorative play and skill-building activities. “Gabriela has learned so much,” said Pedrego.  “When she’s here, I know she’ll have a good day.”

Pedrego said that preschool hasn’t just helped her daughter academically; it has also helped Gabriela build critical social and behavioral skills she needs, such as motivation, focus, and healthy peer relationships. When Gabriela began attending St. Joseph’s preschool, she was very shy and reluctant to interact with children her age. Now, the preschooler can be seen playing energetically with her peers. “She’s able to connect with other kids, and she knows it’s ok to be herself,” said Pedrego. “These things are priceless, and will help her in school later on.”

With the launch of QualityFirstAZ.com, families have access to the information they need to make the best decisions for their young children, making sure they are in a child care environment that will prepare them for success in school and life. 

QualityFirstAZ.com is website launched by First Things First. For more information about First Things First, please visit ReadyAZKids.com