PATHS TO QUALITY

The standards for Paths to QUALITY are consistent but tailored for family child care homes and for licensed centers and unlicensed registered ministries. Paths to QUALITY is a system where each level builds on the foundation of the previous one, resulting in significant quality improvements at each stage and resulting in national accreditation at the highest level. The system validates programs and providers for ongoing efforts to achieve higher standards of quality and provides incentives and awards for success. The four levels address:

• Level One: Health and safety needs of children met.

• Level Two: Environment supports childrens learning.

• Level Three: Planned curriculum guides child development and school readiness.

• Level Four: National accreditation (the highest indicator of quality) is achieved