Intentional Planning and Quality Improvement in Family Child Care

Thoughtful planning is critical to high-quality programming. There are many resources and materials available to guide programs through their five-year grant. They focus on a wide range of topics, including program planning, building achievable goals, self- and community assessments, and data-based decision-making. Explore resources to support Head Start staff and family child care providers as they plan to deliver services in their settings.

Find more resources and materials to support high-quality programming on the Early Childhood Knowledge and Learning Center and Early Childhood Training and Technical Assistance System websites.

Head Start Programs

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Make the Most of Program Planning and Service System Design

Learn how program planning and service system design help programs through their five-year grant. This resource includes service plans that directly impact children and families.

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Use Data and Evaluation to Inform Decision-Making

Data and evaluation are key components of Head Start programs. Use these interactive learning modules, videos, and other resources to learn about quality data and how it informs decision-making.

Support Ongoing Monitoring and Continuous Improvement

Programs need to regularly monitor their progress toward goals and ensure they comply with regulations and requirements. Use this resource to learn how to use ongoing monitoring to assess progress toward program goals and objectives.

Build on a Responsive Community Assessment

The community assessment can jumpstart the program planning process. Learn how the assessment helps programs provide key services to children and families.

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Dual Language Learners Program Assessment (DLLPA): Users' Guide

Use the DLLPA to assess program management systems and services to ensure the full and effective participation of children who are DLLs and their families. Explore the Users' Guide to get started.

Family Child Care

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National Resources About Family Child Care

Family child care programs have many unique qualities that set them apart from other early care and education settings. Explore these resources to learn new ways to support family child care settings.

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Resource Guide: Starting and Operating a Child Care Business

Starting and operating a child care program is both a personal and a business decision. Child care providers must take the right steps to ensure their businesses are profitable and sustainable. This resource presents some basic steps to help plan and operate a child care business.

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Provider Cost of Quality Calculator

The Provider Cost of Quality Calculator calculates the cost of care by levels of quality based on site-level provider data. Review its capabilities, instructions on entering data, and information about how specific program elements influence net revenue.

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Foundations for Quality: A Consumer Education and Engagement Resource Series

Informed, equipped, and engaged families can drive quality—influencing and improving education settings. Use these resources to develop and implement effective, family-friendly consumer education and engagement strategies.

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Emergency Preparedness Manual for Early Childhood Programs

Use this tool to develop emergency plans to keep children, families, and staff safe if disaster strikes. The manual addresses the needs of center-based and home care settings.

Program Planning

Program Planning