Child Care Center Addresses Quality Infant Toddler Child Care

Opportunity:
In September 2001, the state of Iowa launched a training system to improve the quality of child care for infants and toddler. In January 2002, The Iowa Program for Infant & Toddler Caregivers (IA PITC) began offering 40-hours of community-based trainings through regional Child Care Resource and Referral offices. At the same time Iowa State University became involved in the study of child care quality with the Midwest Child Care Consortium comprised of Midwestern universities in Iowa, Nebraska, Kansas, and Missouri. These events were the catalyst for seeking funding through the Scott County Community Empowerment for the Quality Infant/Toddler Child Care Initiative.

Response:
The grant application for the Quality Infant/Toddler Child Care Initiative submitted by ISU Extension family life field specialist, Wendy Peterson, and SDA 5 infant/toddler training and support specialist, Barbara Newcomb, was awarded in the amount of $3200 for FY2004. The goal of the Initiative is to establish a base line for the status of infant/toddler care in Scott County . A second outcome is to assist staff in increasing their knowledge and skills in providing quality care to young children. All centers selected had staff that completed the 40-hour PITC training.

Three centers were observed and reports were prepared based upon the ratings of seven areas of quality child care (Space and Furnishings, Personal Care Routines, Listening and Talking, Activities, Interaction, Program Structure and Adult Needs) using the research based Infant Toddler Environment Rating Scale, Revised. The report included identified strengths and opportunities for enhancing the quality of care. The observer presented the report at a consultation meeting attended by the PITC coordinator, the center director and staff who were observed. The PITC coordinator then briefed the certified PITC trainer assigned to the center. The PITC trainer provided 10-hours of technical assistance based on the report recommendations and PITC training best practices.

Impact:
Little Blessings Daycare, Davenport, is the first of three centers selected for the Initiative to complete the process. Director, Deb Gustafson, and staff have utilized the information in the ITERS-R report and consultation, knowledge gained from PITC training and technical assistance to make significant progress towards improving the quality of care in the infant room.

Space and Furnishings – The space for infant care was evaluated and rearranged to create active and quiet play spaces. There are now cozy areas for quiet play and the addition of soft structures in an active play area for large muscle development. There is more open shelving where children can easily access a wide selection of age-appropriate toys.

Learning Activities – Daily play and learning experiences have increased through the addition of books, nature materials, blocks, dramatic and active play equipment.

Care Routines – Staff now have new equipment for diapering which improved a health and safety situation. Children are developing self-help skills related to feeding with the addition of more child-sized furniture.

The long-term goal of the Quality Infant/Toddler Child Care Initiative is to continue this educational opportunity over time to all centers that provide infant/toddler care. Scott County Community Empowerment awarded a proposal submitted for FY2004-2005 that will expand the baseline from 3 to 9 with funding for 6 more centers. That phase of the Initiative is now in progress. Three centers were selected based on their level of commitment to PITC training. The center director and staff are midway through the 40 hour PITC training. These centers will complete the Quality Infant/Toddler Care Initiative as outlined in 2005.

Contact:
Wendy Peterson
331 E 8th St
De Witt, IA 52742-1736
Phone 319-659-5125
Fax 319-659-5126
Email wpeterso@iastate.edu

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