How to Choose a Quality Program
Choosing a quality early learning and care environment is important to your child’s future. To help you choose the best program for your family, below are the different types of programs available, the quality characteristics you should look for, and questions to ask. Visit our Program Finder to find programs in your area.
Early Learning and Care Environments
You have a choice in the type of program you enroll your child in. Take time to research the different options available to find the one that best suits you and your child. Check out this useful Choosing Quality Child Care Guide, available in English or Spanish to get you started.
- Licensed Center-Based Programs
- For-profit, a faith-based, or non-profit centers
- School district-based subsidized centers
- College-based centers
- Head Start
- Licensed Family Child Care Homes
- Licensed Exempt
- Family Friend and Neighbor Programs
- Military Child and Youth Programs
- Boys & Girls Clubs
What to Look For
Once you have narrowed down a few options, we recommend contacting the program and inquiring about their tour policy. Here is what to look for when visiting and what SDQPI uses for quality improvement efforts. (These are the National Association for the Education of Young Children Program Standards)
- 1. Relationships
- 2. Curriculum
- 3. Teaching
- 4. Assessment of Child Progress
- 5. Health
- 6. Staff Competencies, Preparation, and Support
- 7. Families
- 8. Community Relationships
- 9. Physical Environment
- 10. Leadership and Management
1. Relationships
2. Curriculum
3. Teaching
4. Assessment of Child Progress
5. Health
6. Staff Competencies, Preparation, and Support
7. Families
8. Community Relationships
9. Physical Environment
10. Leadership and Management
Questions to Ask
Other Resources to Help Families Find a Quality Program
To find a preschool, infant/toddler center, or family early learning and care programs participating in the San Diego Quality Preschool Initiative, search here. View our helpful Choosing Quality Child Care Guide.
Community Resources
County of San Diego Child Care Services Early Care and Education
The information on this page applies to families with children ages birth to 5 years of age and Early Care and Education Providers (i.e., Center-Based and Family Child Care Homes).
YMCA Childcare Resource Service with Partners in Prevention
Families can also call the YMCA Childcare Resource Service to determine which programs might meet their needs and can look for quality elements when visiting early learning settings to find the right match. Please call 619-521-3070 or 1-800-481-2151 to speak with an early learning or care consultant or visit the Resource and Referral website.
Quality Counts California Resources