In your child care search, you will be able to see how far along each program is in their journey. Every program will appear at one of these five levels in the process. Here’s a look at what each level in the process means:
Families have access to Validation results when searching for care in a report called the Program Quality Guide. The Program Quality Guide shows families which indicators the program is meeting, not meeting, has set a goal for improvement around, or are not aligned to the program’s philosophy. Families can use this information to see what high quality practices the program is currently implementing and if the program meets the needs of their family. For additional information on the Quality Indicators included in the Self-Reflection, review the Quality Indicator Guidance Document.
Reflecting on Quality
In this quality level, programs evaluate their practices using research-based standards. This helps programs reflect on quality, highlight their strengths, and find areas to improve.
Enhancing Quality
In the Enhancing Quality level, programs can work with Quality Improvement Coaches at their local Great Start to Quality Resource Center to take steps to reach their goals.
Enhancing Quality – Validated
- At this level, a Validator reviews documentation to verify the program has proof of meeting high-quality practices. Results are shared on the program’s public profile so families can view and compare programs. The Self-Reflection is comprised of 40 indicators to measure the overall quality that programs provide across five categories in the Self-Reflection.
- Families have access to Validation results when searching for care in a report called the Program Quality Guide. The Program Quality Guide shows families which indicators the program is meeting, not meeting, has set a goal for improvement around, or are not aligned to the program’s philosophy. Families can use this information to see what high quality practices the program is currently implementing and if the program meets the needs of their family. For additional information on the Quality Indicators included in the Self-Reflection, review the Quality Indicator Guidance Document.
Demonstrating Quality
- Programs at this level have had an Assessor observe the program and met quality scores set by the state. The Assessor uses assessment tools to measure high-quality environments, practices, and how adults interact with children. The results of on-site observations, that are conducted by objective observers, give programs another tool to reflect on program quality improvement. The tools used for Great Start to Quality are research-based and used in many other states; some internationally.
- If a program receives an On-Site Observation and does not meet the threshold scores, it simply maintains the Enhancing Quality-Validated level and can be supported by Quality Improvement Coaches to create goals based on the results.
- While Demonstrating Quality may seem like the highest level of quality in the improvement process, quality improvement is a continuous cycle, and programs are encouraged to make goals in the Quality Improvement Plan any time.
Effective February 25, 2024, Michigan has removed the requirement to work with the Office of Child Support to receive help paying for child care. Check to see if you are now eligible!