Our vision for quality & safety contains three areas of focus that are vital to the creation and operation of a healthy, successful program: child-centered, growth-minded, and safety-focused. Using this vision as a framework for best practices will ensure great experiences for children, achievement of professional goals for program directors, and facilitate trusting relationships with parents. These components are at the center of high-quality child care and early learning experiences.
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Children are at the center of everything we do, we have a shared goal of creating the best environments and experiences for children, and we are committed to working as a team to do so.
A key component of high-quality early learning programs is the continued professional growth and development of the teachers and directors working within those programs.
When a citation, complaint, or investigation is initiated for any child care program or provider using the Wonderschool platform, we will always cooperate fully with the agency or agencies to ensure full resolution.
Children are at the center of everything we do — whether you’re a provider, a parent, a Wonderschool team member, or a partnering organization, we have a shared goal of creating the best environments and experiences for children, and we are committed to working as a team to do so.
Our goal is to help support child care programs that welcome children into an enriching physical space that sparks curiosity, learning, and independence. We know that a high-quality child care program allows for flexibility in schedule, environment, materials, and activities, and includes positive and caring relationships with caregivers. We also know that none of these things is completely fixed. We provide a variety of resources and support to Program Directors, so they are never alone in the process of creating a high-quality and responsive program.
Research shows outdoor time is beneficial to children in many ways. Regular outdoor play has been shown to decrease stress, increase attention span, improve the quality of sleep, reduce risk of childhood obesity, and help with vitamin D levels. It is healthy –and fun– for children to experience different weather sensations as long as they have the appropriate clothing.
Wonderschool recommends that screen time is not included in any child care program. This ensures that children are engaging in exploration and learning instead of passive media consumption. If a parent allows screen time for their child, this time should take place at home and not at their child care or early learning program. For reference, please check out the recommendations of the American Academy of Pediatrics.
A key component of high-quality early learning programs is the continued professional growth and development of the teachers and directors working within those programs. These growth opportunities can and should be tailored to the specific needs and interests of a program, educator, classroom, or community.
Highly qualified early care and education teachers are a key focal point when ensuring high-quality early learning programs. Providers may utilize Wonderschool training opportunities, local training opportunities, participation in regional or statewide quality systems, and participation in quality systems or programs offered by Wonderschool partners.
Working with a community of practice (a group of peers who share learning and experiences) helps produce positive changes in teaching practices. Using the power of technology, combined with the power of community, today’s ECE leaders have the opportunity to engage with each other in a variety of ways. This helps ensure providers can build relationships with one another, seek and provide support, and engage in quality-enhancing programs when available.
Open, strong, and frequent communication between parents and directors is a good thing. A great thing, in fact! Wonderschool views a partnership relationship between parents and directors as a critical element for a positive experience for everyone.
All license-eligible programs must operate within their state’s regulations for child care programs. If a program is found to be in violation of their state’s regulations, their listing may be removed from the Wonderschool marketplace. When a citation, complaint, or investigation is initiated for any child care program or provider using the Wonderschool platform, Wonderschool will always cooperate fully with the agency or agencies to ensure full resolution.
Passing a background check is one of the most important steps in the child care licensing process. Most state licensing requirements include a background check for every adult, and sometimes children, living or working in the home or center where the program will operate. Additionally, if a program director moves from one state to another, background checks are a consistent identifier of a licensed program across states.
Licensure ensures the health and safety of the children, provides a baseline of quality of the program and allows for peace of mind for parents. Programs in compliance with licensing offer safe, healthy care for children and families. They know the regulations well enough to ensure compliance on a day-to-day and long term basis, and have systems in place to support compliance.
We offer ongoing training and professional development opportunities to help our providers learn and grow as caregivers and educators as well as weekly and monthly webinars on a variety of relevant topics for early care and education professionals. We’ve offered everything from mindfulness training, to mandated reporter refresher training, literacy workshops, STEM training, a series on challenging behavior, anti-bias resources, tax preparation 101 for child care business owners, school readiness, and more! We partner with local ECE organizations to provide enhanced quality support and local networking opportunities.
