Why Quality Matters — and How Children’s Day Preschool Puts It Into Practice
October 24, 2025
We’re proud to share that this year, Children’s Day Preschool & Family Center has earned a 5-Star Rating from Grow NJ Kids, joining a select group of programs recognized for their excellence in early education. Our commitment to quality was also celebrated by the New Jersey Association for the Education of Young Children NJAEYC with the 2025 Commitment to Quality Center Award, honors that reflect the dedication of our teachers, staff, and families. While accolades are nice, what matters most is the everyday experience of children, families, and educators in our classrooms. Quality isn’t just a rating; it comes from intentional choices, thoughtful planning, and consistent care. In celebration of these achievements, we’d like to share a few key lessons that helped us reach 5 stars:
For other early childhood centers, families looking for programs, or anyone invested in early education, here are five practical tips to strengthen program quality:
1. Invest in Your People
Our educators are the heart of our school. We provide regular professional development workshops, one-on-one mentorship, and collaborative planning time twice a month. Teachers share strategies and reflect on their practice together. At Children’s Day, we also invest in our team’s well-being through enrichment activities, self-care opportunities, and access to art therapy services that nurture creativity and emotional balance. Celebrate their creativity, listen to challenges, and give them ownership of classroom decisions. When teachers feel valued, children benefit every day.
2. Be Intentional About Environment
Every classroom is designed to inspire curiosity and independence. We create hands-on learning experiences that encourage problem-solving, exploration, and active participation. From clearly defined learning centers to sensory-rich materials and engaging outdoor play areas, our spaces foster cognitive, social, and motor development. Other centers can enhance quality by regularly rotating materials and learning activities to keep spaces fresh and engaging, supporting children’s curiosity and sustained attention.
3. Prioritize Family Engagement
Families are essential partners in learning at Children’s Day. We host regular parent-teacher conferences, send detailed daily reports, and offer family events in the evenings to ensure parents can participate fully. Teachers often invite parents to join classroom lessons, and our family workers provide individualized support to help families stay closely connected to their child’s learning. We also host family workshops designed to strengthen parenting skills, provide child development insights, and offer practical strategies families can use at home. This partnership ensures that parents are actively involved at school and empowered to reinforce learning at home. When families feel supported and involved, children thrive academically, socially, and emotionally.
4. Use Assessment as a Growth Tool
Observations and program evaluations guide our continuous improvement. Teachers use child assessments and the HighScope Key Developmental Indicators (KDIs) to tailor activities to each student’s needs, while program-level reviews help refine curriculum and teaching methods. We approach every observation with curiosity, using data to make thoughtful, practical improvements. Other centers can strengthen quality by regularly reviewing assessment data with their staff, identifying trends or gaps, and collaboratively planning targeted strategies to support children’s growth.
5. Celebrate Small Wins
At Children’s Day, we recognize and celebrate each improvement, whether it’s a new classroom routine, a curriculum enhancement, or a successful family engagement activity. These celebrations build staff morale, reinforce a culture of excellence, and remind everyone that quality develops over time. Other centers can adopt a similar approach by regularly highlighting achievements in staff meetings, newsletters, or parent communications, creating a positive feedback loop that encourages continuous improvement and engagement.
Quality in early childhood education is not a single milestone, but a continuous journey. At Children’s Day, our commitment to thoughtful planning, dedicated educators, intentional environments, family partnerships, and reflective assessment ensures that every child experiences a nurturing and enriching learning environment. By sharing these lessons and practical strategies, we hope to inspire other early childhood programs to elevate their own practice. When centers invest in people, spaces, and relationships, they create a lasting impact that supports children’s growth, empowers families, and strengthens communities.