Raising Quality! is a Quality Improvement System for early care and education programs in San Joaquin County. Funded by quality initiatives and coordinated by First 5 San Joaquin, Raising Quality! helps improve childcare in our community by:

  • Emphasizing the value of quality in early care and education
  • Empowering parents to make well-informed decisions about the quality of care their children receive
  • Giving all childcare providers valuable tools for improving their care
  • Establishing uniform standards of excellence in early care
  • Helping to build networks of childcare providers

Mother holding baby

Starting down the right path during the first five years of life is important for your child’s future success. Raising Quality! helps San Joaquin County parents, just like you, find quality child care and early learning opportunities that will help unlock a lifetime of learning and development for your children.

We get it… choosing high-quality childcare can be expensive, confusing, frustrating, and not to mention—stressful! But the care they receive from ages 0 to 5 creates a foundation for a lifetime of learning and success!

This Raising Quality! guide will help you navigate child care and early learning options, so that you can ultimately choose the best fit for your family. Download our parent brochure for a quick and handy checklist for finding a high-quality provider or download our mini-guides for infant, toddler, and preschooler childcare information, tips, and resources.

Raising Quality! Parent Brochure: English and Spanish

Mother holding baby

infant keys

Infants (0 to 18 months)

English and Spanish

Your infant’s brain grows faster in the first year than at any other time in their life. What your baby sees, hears, and feels during this period will affect what they learn and how they feel about the world.

Studies show that babies do best when they have the same caregivers over time, and when they are able to develop safely in a clean and enriching environment. Look for a quality childcare provider that will pay careful, loving attention to your baby so that they can learn to feel secure and can thrive.

toddlers keys

Toddlers (18 to 36 months)

English and Spanish

Toddlers begin to explore their independence, have strong preferences, and start to talk in phrases to have conversations with you. They will also begin testing their limits, and more than ever, need guidance to learn self-control. Next to love, guidance is one of the biggest gifts you can give your toddler.

Quality childcare will help your toddler develop in a clean, safe, and enriching environment. Look for a quality childcare provider that will encourage your child’s interests and social skills.

preschoolers keys

Preschoolers (3 to 5 years)

English and Spanish

Preschoolers continue learning many new skills – even daring ones. They play games, pretend, tell stories, run, and climb! Even though they may seem more grown-up, they still need your help, guidance, and nurturing.

Children who go to a quality preschool are more likely to do better in school. Preschool should be organized with activities with plenty of free time for exploring and learning on their own. Look for a preschool program that will help your child develop the skills they need in school and in life.

grandparents keys

Grandparents

English and Spanish

The first five years of your grandchild’s life are critical to their growth and development. Whether a full- or part-time caregiver, grandparents can play a significant role in helping a child reach their full potential. The Raising Quality! Grandparents’ Guide to Caring for Young Children provides current information on child development, the importance of early literacy, and other helpful resources.