The following list contains qualities that you would expect to find in a high-quality high-quality childhood education program:

	Children spend most of their playing and working with materials or other children.
	Children have access to various activities throughout the day. Look for assorted building blocks and other construction materials, props for pretend play, picture books, paints and other art materials, and table toys such as matching games, pegboards, and puzzles.
	Teachers work with individual children, small groups, and the whole group at different times during the day.
	The classroom is decorated with children’s original artwork, their own writing with invented spelling, and stories dictated by children to teachers.
	Children learn numbers and the alphabet in the context of their everyday experiences. The natural world of plants and animals and meaningful activities like cooking, taking attendance, or serving snack provide the basis for learning activities.
	Children work on projects and have long periods of time (at least one hour) to play and explore. Worksheets are used little if at all.
	Children have an opportunity to play outside every day , weather permitting. (Outdoor play is never sacrificed for more instructional time)
	Teachers read books to children individually or in small groups throughout the day, not just at group story time.
	Curriculum is adapted for those who are ahead as well as those who need additional help. Teachers recognize that children’s different background and experiences mean that they do not learn the same things at the same time in the same way.
	Children and their parents look forward to school. Parents feel secure about sending their child to the program. Children are happy to attend; they do not cry regularly or complain of feeling upset.

** According to the National Association for Educators of Young Children

TANF-EZ GUIDELINE CHART
NSCED Worksheet on Family Income
Eligibility for TANF-Funded Services

(Current as of 5/04/09)