Identify the two primary components of childcare quality, and describe at least four questions that parents could ask to determine the quality of care given by a specific childcare facility

Question

What will be an ideal response?

Answer 1

The primary components of childcare are (1) structural quality, and (2) process quality. Structural quality refers to
the quality of objective features of the childcare facility such as the ratio of caregivers to children, the educational
credentials and experience of caregivers, and the size of the facility. In contrast, process quality refers to the quality
of the children's experiences while at the facility, including interactions with caregivers and other children, and
exposure to experiences and materials that enhance children's social, physical, and cognitive development.
Typically, it is easier to assess structural quality than it is to assess process quality. Parents can ask a number of
questions that will help them to assess the quality of a specific childcare facility, including questions regarding
caregivers' experience and educational background, adult-to-child ratio, quality and availability of toys, frequency
of staff meetings, balance of children's activities, caregiver flexibility, and the extent to which caregivers appear to
welcome and respect all parents.