1Quality Early Childhood Education
Programs that provide safe, responsive, and meaningful learning experiences that support children's
development.
Example: A centre with qualified educators, engaging activities, and positive relationships.
2Structural Quality
The measurable features of an ECE program that support learning.
Example: Appropriate adult-child ratios and qualified educators.
3Process Quality
The quality of daily interactions between educators, children, and families.
Example: An educator warmly responding to a child's questions during play.
4Adult-Child Ratio
The number of children assigned to each educator.
Example: One educator caring for eight preschool children.
5Educator Qualifications
The education, training, and professional knowledge of educators.
Example: An educator with an Early Childhood Education diploma.
6Physical Environment
The indoor and outdoor learning spaces where children play and learn.
Example: A classroom with open-ended materials, learning centres, and outdoor play areas.
7Open-Ended Materials
Materials that children can use in many different ways.
Example: Blocks, loose parts, cardboard boxes, and natural materials.
8Responsiveness
Promptly recognizing and responding to children's needs, interests, and emotions.
Example: Comforting a child who is upset while encouraging them to express their feelings.
9Rating Scale
A tool used to evaluate the quality of early childhood programs.
Example: Using ECERS to assess classroom quality.
10ECERS
Early Childhood Environment Rating Scale used to evaluate preschool programs.
Example: Assessing classroom organization, learning activities, and interactions.
11CLASS
Classroom Assessment Scoring System that measures the quality of educator-child interactions.
Example: Observing emotional support and instructional interactions in a classroom.
12Continuous Quality Improvement (CQI)
An ongoing process of evaluating programs and making improvements.
Example: Educators review family feedback and update learning environments.
13Communities of Practice
Groups of educators who collaborate to improve professional practice.
Example: Educators meet regularly to share teaching strategies and solve challenges together.