Child Care Quality System
Care About Childcare supports caregivers in reaching quality care improvement goals both through the Child Care Quality System (CCQS) and through other resources. For assistance in meeting your goals, check out the resources below.
Child Care Quality System
Child care programs participating in the Child Care Quality System may earn a certified quality rating, which designates them as a provider with quality practices related to positive outcomes for children as verified by the Department of Workforce Services Office of Child Care.
Additional information can be found on the CCQS website, which provides webinars, forms, guides and educational aids.
Our CCQS Specialist, Janet Wahlquist, is available to answer your questions about the Child Care Quality System and help you navigate the application process. She can be reached at janetwalquist@weber.edu or 801-626-7861.
Child Health and Safety
Resources
Eco-Healthy Child Care
Learn about how to earn an Eco-Healthy Child Care endorsement for using cleaners and other practices that support a healthy ecosystem.
Nature Explore
Learn about what a Nature Explore Certified Classroom is and how to apply to have your outdoor area certified.
Top Star
The TOP Star program offers information on assisting in the prevention of obesity through nutrition and physical activity.
Enhanced Learning
Resources
Environment Observations
These practices help determine the child care environment and how it supports the child. The state of Utah has chosen the Environment Rating Tools as a way to observe the environment for children in programs.
Family Engagement - Centers
This document is meant to be downloaded and printed for use in child care centers. The activities listed promote family involvement in their child care program to strengthen the family and child connections, as well as the family and caregiver connection.
Family Engagement - Family Child Care
This document is meant to be downloaded and printed for use in family child care facilities. The activities listed promote family involvement in their child care program to strengthen the family and child connections, as well as the family and caregiver connection.
Professional Development
Resources
CDA Credential
CDA is a Child Development Associate credential issued for the Council for Professional Recognition. For the basic steps to obtaining a CDA, visit their website.
CCP Certification
CCP is a certification for child care professionals designed specifically for early childhood educators and teachers, especially those who have not completed a college degree or whose degree is in another field.
Early EdU
Early EdU offers online college-level courses for early childhood educators throughout Utah. Courses are held each spring and fall semester. Contact your local Care About Childcare for more information (earlyedu@utah.gov).
T.E.A.C.H.
T.E.A.C.H. Early Childhood Utah Scholarship is a debt free path to a college education for Utah’s Early Childhood professionals.
Early Childhood Management
Resources
National Administrator Credential
The National Administrator Credential is available to early childhood program administrators to support their role in child care. This credential offers child care and education directors and administrators 45 hours of high-quality, relevant education in a 4-5 day time frame.
National Director Credential
The National Director Credential is available for those wishing to option to demonstrate your dedication to a specific program. This credential goes through nine modules to build competence in multiple areas. College credit is available.
National Accreditation
Resources
Child and Youth Development Accreditation
The council on accreditation offers a Child and Youth Development (CYD) accreditation that evaluates and endorses the early childhood education, after school and youth development services of programs that solely provide these services
National Accreditation Commission
The National Accreditation Commission for Early Care and Education Programs offers early childhood leaders the opportunity to demonstrate and document quality performance using research-based criteria and evidence-based practices.
NAEYC Accreditation
NAEYC offers accreditation and the opportunity to empower your program's success, as well as equipping your program with the tools to provide the best learning experiences for children.
National Association of Family Child Care
The NAFCC administers the only national accreditation system designed specifically for family child care providers. Accreditation is awarded to family child care providers who meet the eligibility requirements and the Quality Standards for NAFCC Accreditation.
National Early Childhood Program Accreditation
The NECPA encourages quality and excellence in early childhood programs throughout the United States and other countries.