Early Care & Education

Goals: Provide education, support and encouragement to caregivers to improve the quality of early learning environments in the community. Seek to improve the quality of child care in centers and homes and heighten awareness in our community of the vital role of these providers.

Initiatives

Champions for Children · Community-wide recognition of child care providers	Checklists What to look for when choosing quality care for your children: Child Care Centers Child Care Homes After School Programs
Education & Training · Training for child care providers through Literacy Day at the Library and Early Care Conference.
Mentor Series · Assist child care providers in meeting licensing requirements and increase STAR ratings for facilties
COFEE (Central Oklahoma Friends of Early Education) Website · Foster leadership and support individuals who are early child care providers, educators and parents. Provide professional development opportunities.	Child Care Locator Online child care locator from the Oklahoma Department of Human Services Click Here

For Providers Scholars for Excellence in Child Care Provides opportunties for professional development and financial incentives

Quick Tips

Basic questions to ask child care provider: *Is the center/home licensed? *Can I visit/observe anytime? *What training and education do the teachers have? *How many children are in a class, and what is the ratio of adults to children? *Is the environment clean? *Are the teachers warm and friendly? *Is there enough space to play inside and outside? *Is there a lot of staff turnover? *What are the routines/policies for naps?

Recommendations by early childhood professionals: *Teachers should have specific training in child development and early childhood education *Parents should feel welcome to drop in at any time *Children should have opportunities for physical, social, cognitive and creative activities *Programs should encourage parent involvement *Parents and programs should communicate openly, honestly and professionally

Contact Us

Helpful Links

Success By 6 is a Start Smart community initiative. United Way of Norman serves as lead agency.