Reports (Descriptive)

This report presents findings from a study of the school-based, after-school programs of Stone Soup Child Care Programs in California. A thorough review of the published after-school care literature was carried out to identify practices that are characteristic of good quality. Twenty good practices of after-school programs were identified in three categories: (1) Staff Management Practices, (2) Program Management Practices, and (3) Community Contacts. A data collection effort measured the adherence of the after-school programs to these practices.

This study examined quality differences among family child care homes of various star ratings in Oklahoma. Unlike child care centers in Oklahoma, neither subsidy density nor licensing variables had a significant impact on quality in family child care homes. The factors of specialized education and professional development are most closely linked to differences in quality. Data indicate that family child care home quality varies by star category with higher levels of quality seen in homes with higher star ratings.

This strategic plan presents three recommendations for building a skilled and stable out-of-school time workforce: (1) determine a national set of standards for out-of-school time workers and create training, career development opportunities, and a set of compensation benchmarks; (2) unite stakeholders at local, State, and national levels to advocate for the resources necessary to support high quality programs and a skilled and stable workforce; and (3) build on and replicate successful models like the U.S. Military Child and Youth Care System.

This study examined the quality differences between 189 Oklahoma family child care homes representing the various levels of the "Reaching for the Stars" program. A Statewide sample of One-Star, One-Star Plus, and Two-Star homes was selected. The number of Three-Star homes was too small for meaningful comparisons with other Star levels. Descriptive information on the participating Three-Star homes is included. Data indicate that family child care homes look different across the various Star categories.

This executive summary describes quality differences between child care centers from various levels of the "Reaching for the Stars" program in Oklahoma. Differences in centers by Star category are described on a variety of commonly used measures of child care quality. Data sources include: director interviews, teacher and director surveys, and classroom observations. The increased financial support provided by the Department of Human Services (DHS) to centers with higher Star ratings is a common motivator to participate in the Stars program.

This study examined quality differences between child care centers from various levels of the "Reaching for the Stars" program in Oklahoma. Differences in centers by Star category are described on a variety of commonly used measures of child care quality. Data sources include: director interviews, teacher and director surveys, and classroom observations. The increased financial support provided by the Department of Human Services (DHS) to centers with higher Star ratings is a common motivator to participate in the Stars program.