Quality First in Chino Valley

Families will now have more information and tools for finding quality child care and preschool through QualityFirstAZ.com.

 

The new website – launched by First Things First – gives families information about why quality is important in child care and preschool and what quality looks like. It also gives parents tools they can use to find a quality child care and preschool setting that meets their needs.  This choice has never been more important.

 

Children who have quality early education experiences are more prepared when they enter kindergarten, and do better in school. Quality child care and preschool should be healthy, safe environments that also include:

· teachers and caregivers who know how to work with infants, toddlers and preschoolers;

· positive, nurturing relationships that give young kids the individual attention they need;

· learning environments that encourage creativity and imaginative play;

· hands-on activities that stimulate and encourage positive brain connections in children; and,

· caregivers who provide regular feedback to parents on the development of their child.

 

Kelly McCready, owner and director of Valley Learning Center in Chino Valley, is committed to continually strengthening the quality of her center. “Quality care matters because it gives children opportunities that prepare them for the rigors of school. In a quality early learning environment, each child is getting what they need to help them thrive. Quality is about a healthy child, healthy relationships between caregivers and children, and a healthy environment,” said McCready.

 

McCready added that quality preschool and child care centers also help young kids build their social skills, which they will need in school and in life.  “Early learning environments are critical to build the skills that children need to succeed in kindergarten,” McCready said.

 

Because of the launch of QualityFirstAZ.com, McCready is glad that more parents and families in Chino Valley and surrounding areas will have access to the information and tools they need to choose the child care that fits their needs. “The more knowledge you have, the better you can make the best decisions for your child,” McCready said.

 

About First Things First – First Things First is a voter-created, statewide organization that funds early education and health programs to help kids be successful once they enter kindergarten. Decisions about how those funds are spent are made by local councils staffed by community volunteers. To learn more, visit azftf.gov.