Program Evaluation

Explore More believes that regular evaluations helps ensure high quality childcare. Annual evaluations are primarily conducted by Brooke, with input from families through annual surveys on program quality. These surveys, along with child assessment trends are compiled and assessed against the National Association for Family Childcare Quality Standards to determine our strengths and challenges in the key areas of relationships, the environment, developmental learning activities, safety and health, and professional and business practices. Evaluation results are analyzed to determine compliance with programs and areas for improvement. A Quality Improvement Plan is created using the data collected, including a timeline for changes and resources needed. The plan is shared with families, minus the timeline and resource information, on our family board.

Professional Development

At Explore More, we value professional development which includes continuing education, training in specific topic areas, membership in professional organizations/associations, and coaching. We feel that a quality childcare program begins with caregivers who are continually gaining knowledge in the following core competencies, as defined by the National Association for Family Child Care: relationships, interactions and guidance, child growth and development, learning environments and curriculum, health, safety and nutrition, assessment and screening, special needs and inclusion, and professional and business practices.

A yearly professional development plan for Brooke will be created in January. Professional Development planning will include a review of program evaluations, job descriptions, required yearly training, CPR and First Aid certification, FBI background check, current trainings/coursework, association memberships and requirements from Quality for ME, National Association for Family Child Care Quality Standards, Family Child Care Environment Rating Scale, and the Business Administration Scale. When timeline goals are met, documentation (training certificates, transcripts, etc.) will be verified and indicated on the timeline as met.