Children who attend high-quality early childhood education programs are more likely to be ready to learn when they enter kindergarten.
Research shows all children, and particularly children from lower income families, benefit from high-quality early learning programs in which children have meaningful interactions with qualified staff who are culturally and linguistically responsive.
A critical factor contributing to the quality of an early learning program is the program’s staff. Well-prepared, trained, stable and engaged staff can change a child’s learning trajectory. These earliest teachers in a child’s life can shape their school success for years to come.
Early learning educators who are well trained and supported can:
- Establish warm relationships with children and respond to their needs and learning interests
- Support students who live in households where a language other than English is spoken
- Support students with disabilities or learning differences
- Are responsive to children’s cultural and family backgrounds
- Assess each individual’s skills and adapts learning opportunities accordingly
Partnering for better early learning outcomes:
First 5 Contra Costa works in partnership with other organizations in the county on continuous quality improvement of early learning programs. These efforts benefit the early learning educators and the families whose children enroll in their programs.
Quality improvement programs:
- Quality Matters is a countywide program provides a framework, standards, and learning opportunities for early education sites to continually enhance the quality of their teachers and practice.
- Through the Professional Development Program, early childhood educators can receive financial incentives for college coursework or training in early childhood education, helping them grow in their careers and better serve children. The average stipend earned is a minimum of $500!
Peer mentorship for child care providers:
- The Family Child Care Partner Program, previously funded by First 5 Contra Costa and coordinated by CocoKids, was a peer-to-peer mentorship initiative that connected experienced home-based child care providers with peers looking to enhance the quality of their programs. In its first year, the program matched 17 trained mentors with 39 mentees who received at least 10 hours of individualized support, collaborative learning sessions, and professional development tools. Outcomes included higher enrollment, improved marketing, better staff retention, and increased quality overall.
Supporting inclusive early care and education environments:
- First 5 Contra Costa is leading a project focused on creating more inclusive early care and education environments for children with disabilities, developmental concerns, and social-emotional delays. This effort aims to ensure that early care and education providers have the tools, knowledge, and resources they need to effectively support the diverse needs of all children. Find out more on our Supporting Inclusive Early Care & Education Environments page.
