If you are part of Quality First, you know that quality improvement is a journey. But when it’s time for an assessment, it can feel high-stakes—especially since ratings are tied to funding and scholarships.
It’s easy to think in terms of “pass” or “fail.” In Quality First, there is no pass or fail, only opportunities to grow. Assessment results are not a performance review. They are a tool that shows where you are now and where support can help you improve.
Why support matters
When you support your team, the whole program benefits:
- Less anxiety: Supported teachers feel calmer and more present with children, leading to stronger interactions that fuel children’s development.
- Better retention: Keeping and coaching current staff is less disruptive—and more cost-effective—than replacing them.
- New ideas: Teachers who feel safe to learn from mistakes are more open to trying new ideas.
Shifting from “test” to “tool”
An assessment score is a snapshot in time. It shows where a program is right now so the team can plan for tomorrow. If a result isn’t what was expected, it is rarely because of a lack of effort. More often, it shows a need for:
- Adjustments to the structure: Does the schedule work for the children? Is there ample time for free play and active physical play? Do expectations match the children’s development?
- Professional development: Do teachers understand the “why” behind practices and have chances to practice new strategies and get feedback?
- Changes to the environment: Are there enough toys and books accessible for children to reach and use? Is the space set up for easy supervision?
- Staffing: Is an extra set of hands needed during busy times, like lunch or nap transitions? Is there a backup person who can help when needed?
Moving forward together
If an assessment doesn’t go as planned, take a breath. This is a chance to grow as a team.
- Celebrate effort: Going through an assessment can be stressful. Acknowledge the work it took to prepare.
- Start the conversation:. Ask open questions like “What felt the most challenging?”
- Make a plan: Use results to set small, achievable goals. If you work with a Quality First Coach or Child Care Health Consultant, they can help you with this.
- Build reflection into routines: Use self reflection guides as a part of your routine. Reviewing these regularly with teaching teams helps keep quality practices fresh in everyone’s mind.
Building a culture of growth
Quality improvement is not a straight line—it’s an ongoing process of learning and adjusting. Each assessment is a chance to ask: What do we need to succeed? How can we make our program even better for children?
By focusing on support, you’re doing more than working toward a higher rating—you’re building a stronger, more resilient team that is committed to continuous quality improvement.