Early educators discover the Pathway to Quality in Childcare Resources workshop

More than 100 educators joined Leading for Children’s Judy Jablon and Christine Shrader in exploring what quality means in the early childhood education landscape in a recent virtual seminar presented by Childcare Resources and funded by Indian River County Children’s Services Advisory Committee. Leading for Children is a nonprofit organization that provides guidance in developing a cohesive approach to quality childcare that involves all adults in a child’s life.

More than 100 local educators participated in the live virtual training with Leading for Children’s Judy Jablon and Christine Shrader.

The Pathway to Quality, a concept developed by Jablon, examines three dimensions that promote successful childhood outcomes: relationships and interactions, emotional and physical environment, and learning experiences. By using these dimensions as a foundation, childcare centers can work towards building quality experiences and improving outcomes for children and families.

“Think about the future that you want for them,” noted Shrader. “What might that look like? What do children deserve?”

When asked what children deserve, educators provided answers including “love,” “respect,” “connection,” “empowerment,” and more.

Following the workshop, Leading for Children materials were distributed to participating centers. Funded by PNC Grow Up Great, these materials include literature from Leading for Children that will help centers continue to implement the Pathway to Quality.

Many local center directors first began implementing the Pathway to Quality after participating in a pilot program presented by Childcare Resources in fall 2019. Facilitated by Leading for Children, directors were asked to examine quality, leadership, and how the two work together to create positive outcomes for children.

Childcare Resources’ next workshop, “Getting Unstuck with Conscious Discipline” featuring Conscious Discipline Master Instructor Kim Hughes, is scheduled for April 10th. Registration is open online at ChildcareResourcesIR.org

Childcare Resources of Indian River, a partner agency of the United Way of Indian River County and Indian River County Children’s Services Advisory Committee, elevates and promotes the highest quality early childhood development and education in Indian River County, focusing on economically challenged children and families. To learn more about Childcare Resources, visit ChildcareResourcesIR.org or call 772-567-3202