Returning to Child Care: Big Feelings, Common Behaviors and Practical Strategies for Teachers

It’s August, which means many young children and teachers across Arizona are returning to early education classrooms after an extended time away during the pandemic. Others are coming to the early learning setting for the first time. These changes may result in big feelings and challenging behaviors. Read this month’s blog for strategies to help you support children, while also caring for yourself during these times of transition.

Message from the QF Team

Four Important Updates You’ll Need to Know

A lot is happening in Quality First. Here are four updates you’ll need to know in the coming months. 

1. Quality First Star Rating Scale 

We are excited to announce that we have received approval from the First Things First Board to make updates to the Quality First Star Rating Scale. These updates, based on Quality First programmatic data and the latest research on early childhood education, will ensure the star rating scale measures the quality practices that help children be ready to succeed in school and in life. Please continue to stay tuned for more information about these updates in the coming weeks. As a reminder, formal assessments for star rating will be resuming after Sept. 1.
 

2. Health and Safety Checklists are Back

Your Child Care Health Consultant (CCHC) is now able to conduct your Health and Safety Checklist. This is your opportunity to work with your CCHC to assess the quality of health and safety practices at your program. After completing the checklist, your CCHC will review the results with you and identify areas of strength as well as areas of opportunity for growth. Your CCHC can provide guidance, technical assistance and training to strengthen health and safety practices at your program. Please reach out to your CCHC, if they haven’t already reached out to you, to schedule your on-site Health and Safety Checklist. If you don’t know who your CCHC is, visit the link below and scroll down to the header: Contact your CCHC.

3. New Funding Will  Almost Double Quality First Programs in Arizona

The budget recently signed by Gov. Doug Ducey for state fiscal year 2022 includes $74 million to increase the number of quality child care settings around Arizona.The funding will allow the First Things First signature program, Quality First, to expand by up to 800 providers over the next three years, nearly doubling the number of child care programs enrolled. This is exciting news for providers who have been on the Quality First waitlist or those that wanted to enter the program.

4. Child Care Stabilization Grant

The Department of Economic Security, Child Care Administration has announced the Child Care Stabilization Grant (CCSG) program is available to qualifying child care providers to help cover increased costs and help address challenges due to COVID-19 through June 2023. Child care providers must apply to receive funds and grants are not competitive. Providers may utilize grant funds for a variety of expenses including salaries and benefits for employees, bonus incentives for hiring and retention, licensing fees, liability insurance, tuition and registration relief for families, lease and mortgage payments, utilities, classroom materials, and supplies.

Tips for Families

News for Early Childhood Educators