Quality Start, a new quality rating and improvement system (QRIS), was launched in San Bernardino County on October 18th. This comprehensive, countywide project helps child care programs and preschools prepare children to succeed in kindergarten and beyond by providing the highest quality early learning experiences possible. 

How does it work?

Quality Start San Bernardino County supports quality early learning by establishing standards that define what quality means and looks like for all types of early care and education programs, and then measuring programs using those standards.

Parents and caregivers gain tools and resources to find and select a quality early learning program for their child. Early educators receive resources and professional development opportunities to continuously improve and elevate the quality of the care they provide.

Which organizations are involved?

Quality Start’s operational partners – First 5 San Bernardino County, San Bernardino County Superintendent of Schools, Child Care Resource Center, and California State University San Bernardino – understand the need for children to access high quality early learning programs so they’re prepared with the skills to succeed in school and in life.

The goal’s to enroll 181 early learning programs in Quality Start over the next two years. Of those programs, 92 will be rated, and all will be provided with quality improvement support.

What’s next?

Quality Start partners are hosting informational sessions for licensed child care and family child care programs, and preschools serving children 0-5. During each informational session, early educators will learn about the benefits of enrolling in Quality Start. 

Educators who enroll in Quality Start will receive:

–       Quality improvement resources

–       Professional development opportunities

–       Peer support

Some programs also receive quality rating and financial incentives.

Visit the Quality Start San Bernardino County website to get more information about Quality Start and the importance of quality early learning.

If you’re a parent or caregiver, you’ll also get to:

–       Learn to build a quality learning environment at home

–       Find out how Quality Start can benefit your children

If you’re an early educator, you’ll also get to:

–       Review the Quality Start participation guidelines

–       Enroll in informational sessions