The concept of quality is used frequently in reference to children’s care and education programs. Typically the usage denotes programs as being, or not being, high quality. This entry describes how quality is tied to many different aspects of programs. Additionally, how the concept is defined or used in different ways by researchers, policy makers, and early childhood professionals is explained. Finally, the entry addresses how the concept of quality has been critiqued.

Defining Quality

The colloquial definition of quality comes down to this: Quality programs are those that benefit young children’s learning and development. While quality is widely employed as a concept, it has not been defined in readily available, clear, and precise ways. Rather, there have been various perspectives and purposes to discussions of quality.

For ...

  • Loading...
locked icon

Sign in to access this content

Get a 30 day FREE TRIAL

  • Watch videos from a variety of sources bringing classroom topics to life
  • Read modern, diverse business cases
  • Explore hundreds of books and reference titles