Quality Initiatives

Children who participate in quality early care programs are more likely to succeed in school. The ELCFV continually works to help our child care providers increase program quality. Here’s how:

Environment Rating Scale (ERS) Assessments - Using the internationally recognized ERS assessment tool, all child care providers are assessed prior to initially becoming contracted ELCFV School Readiness providers and then are re-assessed every 1, 2 or 3 years depending on the outcome of their last assessment and/or Gold Seal status. A requirement that providers score at least a 3 on a 1-7 point scale allows the ELCFV to ensure all providers receiving school readiness funds are providing quality child care based on developmentally appropriate practices.

Mentoring – providers who need additional technical assistance in enhancing their environment are given the opportunity to have an early childhood mentor. The mentors work directly to develop action plans, timelines and establish goals on quality practices. This is provided through training, meetings, technical assistance, modeling and a variety of ways to improve overall practices.

Professional Development and Education – sponsoring courses, trainings and workshops, this department brings the latest in developmentally appropriate child care information directly to the providers in the community. Sessions are conducted in a variety of ways throughout the Flagler and Volusia areas, and culminate in a yearly conference which has been regularly attended by over 500 early childhood staff.

Child Assessment – the children in our community receive screenings and assessments using a variety of tools. Every family completes an Ages and Stages Questionnaire (ASQ), with the ability to receive further evaluation and/or referrals for services. This also includes hearing and vision screenings.

Child Flight - a quarterly TV show which offers parents of young children and child care providers valuable information regarding early childhood development and education.

Copyright 2008 Early Learning Coalition of Flagler Volusia