From 4C's Executive Director...

'Thank you' to all those striving to improve the quality of early childhood care and education

It is spreading across America, and it is alive and well in the Miami Valley, Southwest Ohio and Northern Kentucky. “It” is the understanding that what happens to children in their early years has a lifelong impact. Whether considering cognitive development, social skills or emotional well-being, there is abundant evidence that the role of the early learning environment can be a make-or-break proposition.

Early childhood education and care providers—owners, directors, family child care providers and individual professionals—are all taking it upon themselves to learn more, improve professionally and achieve standards to ensure that the children they serve have the very best opportunities.
In this special issue of Pathways to Quality, 4C wants to say “thank you” to all those who have strived to be and give their best when it comes to their role in supporting children and families: • Thank you for going back to school.

• Thank you for improving your program.
• Thank you for the hard work involved in becoming quality-rated.
• Thank you for seeking accreditation.
• Thank you, as well, to those who support others in this hard work through your encouragement, time and money.

In this first-ever appreciation issue of Pathways to Quality, we sing the praises of those who have accomplished milestones—become accredited, obtained a quality rating (STARS in Kentucky and Step Up To Quality in Ohio) and achieved their Child Development Associate credential.

What you do makes a difference every day. You should be very proud of your accomplishments. We, at 4C, are grateful.

Sallie Westheimer
Executive Director

This letter originally appeared in the Spring 2008 Pathways to Quality newsletter
* All listings are current as of March 25, 2008.