Child care centers delivering Strong Beginnings programming agree to specific program components that are in addition to Parent Aware rating and NAEYC accreditation. The constellation of these Strong Beginnings program components were evaluated and found that children showed developmental gains, increased kindergarten readiness, and increased family engagement.
Strong Beginnings program components
The program has received a 4-star Parent Aware rating for early childhood services.
65% of enrolled children are low-income, special needs, and/or in foster care.
The program includes culturally responsive child care practices, such as representative staffing, using children’s first language, and culturally relevant environment
There is a higher staff-to-child ratio than required by state licensing.
We hold the belief that parents are their child’s first teacher. A Family Coordinator greets, engages and assists families with participating in their child’s education and accessing services as needed.
The program holds twice annual assessments of physical, social and emotional well-being. A Child Development Specialist assists teachers in developing child-specific goals based on assessments, and directs the center’s curriculum planning.
There is a child-specific transition plan to kindergarten. The Child Development Specialist coordinates services with the local school district and the transition to kindergarten.
There is ongoing staff training and coaching with a focus on trauma, building social-emotional skills, strategies for working with challenging behaviors, practices for culturally responsive care, and empowering parents to become full partners in their child’s education.