Our approach to achieving quality is constantly evolving. This means we occasionally make updates to Quality First along the way. As a current participant, you can keep up with program-wide updates, explore helpful tools, or even rewatch meetings you may have missed—it’s all here to help our participants succeed.
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Beginning on July 1, 2024, programs that joined Quality First through temporary federal pandemic relief funding, known as expansion-funded programs, will transition to one of three statuses. All expansion-funded programs will be notified about their transition by the end of May. You can find your funding source on the extranet profile summary. Your QF coordinator, coach and
Free resources and tools are available to Arizona’s early childhood education providers. Providers are encouraged to use these resources to support their efforts to provide quality care for children and families. This digital guide includes resources for: Guía de Recursos para la Primera Infancia Se presentan herramientas y recursos gratuitos disponibles para los proveedores de
Did you miss the monthly QF Update or want to share it with your staff? Click below to read each edition from this calendar year.
As a Quality First participant, your program earns a star rating following the assessment process. Your rating may be public or non-public, depending on where you are in your quality improvement journey. Your Initial Rating Your initial rating is completed at the very beginning of your participation. It provides the starting point of your quality
Informal Assessment is available to all regulated Arizona child care providers. Informal assessment provides you with valuable feedback while keeping the pressure low. You choose the classroom, timeframe, and assessment tool, making it as convenient as possible for you! Please submit the form below and an assessor will contact you to schedule your assessment.
One major focus of Quality Fist is offering three levels of support to participants. These levels of support provide a different level of assistance based on the needs of your program. You’ll be placed in a level based on your star rating and quality improvement needs. Learn more about each level and download the handouts.
The Arizona Department of Education Early Childhood Education (ECE) team offers a comprehensive list of synchronous (live) and asynchronous (on-demand) professional learning opportunities. All ADE-ECE professional learning opportunities meet the requirements for continuing education units (CEUs). English and Spanish options are available.
A playlist to help you throughout your quality improvement journey.
As an early care and education professional, you care for Arizona’s youngest learners daily. That’s why we’re constantly looking for new ways to support you in providing the best possible care. For State Fiscal Year 24 (SFY24, we announce a revision to Quality First. This means we are making changes, and through this revision, our
Participation in Quality First is free. Apply now to get the support you need to make your program the best it can be.
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