Choosing the right program for your child is one of the most important parenting decisions you will make.

Early learning is important for young children. Your child’s best teachers are skilled brain builders.

Teachers:

• Work closely with families to provide a place for your young child to learn that is safe, inspiring and fun.
• Develop a strong positive relationship with your child, interacting with the child during the day through learning, exploration, activities and playtime.
• Encourage children to cooperate with each other and talk with you often about your child’s growth and learning.

As the latest science shows, early experiences shape how the brain gets built. When babies, toddlers and preschoolers are given a strong foundation, the benefits are life long.

Delaware Stars 

• Delaware Stars promotes high-quality early learning for young children through a Quality Rating and Improvement System (QRIS).  The Stars Level of a child care program can help guide families find the best program for their child.
  You can find quality early childhood programs by looking for Delaware Stars Programs. 
  • Delaware Stars is a reference for quality in early child care programs in the state.
  • Each Star reflects the hard work a program has done to continuously improve the quality of care for young children.
  • Programs can earn up to five stars with five being the highest level. There are hundreds of Delaware Stars programs, so it is easy to pick a Stars program close to your home or work.
  • And with Purchase of Care available for many families, no child needs to miss out on a Delaware Stars experience due to cost.

Please click here for more ways to find quality child care for you and your family.

Other Helpful Resources for Selecting Child Care:

 Zero To Three

Because the way children are treated by care-giving adults shapes their development in important ways, it is crucial to find a child care professional who both understands and nurtures children’s learning through the everyday moments they share.

“Why 0-3?”

Transition to Preschool 

If your child is starting preschool this fall, you may be approaching this major milestone with conflicting emotions. You’re probably excited about all the fun your child will have and the new friends he or she will make. At the same time, you may feel a little sad that your baby is venturing out into the big world without you. These emotions are normal. Your child is also bound to have a host of feelings about this transition, feeling proud to be a big kid but at the same time worried about being separated from you and starting something unfamiliar. 

“Preschool Prep: Helping Toddlers Prepare for Preschool”