The National Center on Early Childhood Quality Assurance (ECQA Center) supports state and community leaders and their partners in the planning and implementation of rigorous approaches to quality in all early care and education settings for children from birth to school age. The Center works across early childhood sectors, including child care and Head Start. It also collaborates with many national and regional technical assistance partners. The Quality Consortium Framework is supported by national experts from ICF International, the BUILD Initiative, Child Trends, the National Association for Regulatory Administration, and other consultants with specialized expertise.
The ECQA Center's expert staff use collaborative approaches to address the following priorities:
- Advance strong health and safety standards and licensing regulations that align with the Child Care and Development Fund (CCDF) and Head Start Program Performance Standards
- Support the development and enhancement of state quality initiatives, including quality rating and improvement systems (QRIS)
- Enhance quality assurance systems through the use of technology, data analysis, and research that promote continuous quality improvement, efficiency, and innovation
To meet these priorities, the ECQA Center will convene webinars and learning tables on quality assurance topics that bring together national experts and regional, state, and community stakeholders to explore best practices, challenges, and solutions. The Center also will provide individualized support, both on-site and remotely, for problem-solving, facilitating change, and engaging stakeholders in dialogue on policy, implementation, and evaluation. It will develop resources, including innovative online tools and training for trainers, to support early childhood providers across sectors, as well as provide support for and presentations at regional and national events.
To learn more, visit the ECQA Center on the Child Care Technical Assistance Network (CCTAN) website.
Last Updated: April 3, 2019