Programs are organized around a specific curriculum or set of principles for learning, and the caregivers are trained in the curriculum. Programs are regularly assessed to ensure that the goals for high quality are being met. Programs are designed, equipped, and set up by trained staff. Play is encouraged by providers because it has been found to be a universal need for normal child development. Parent involvement and a shared relationship between parents and caregivers are encouraged.
Attention is paid to basic health and safety standards, including adequate nutrition.
Provider accreditation which means that the program meets some professionally agreed-upon standards of quality. Accredited programs are not necessarily better that those that are not accredited, but programs that have applied for and received accreditation have a strong interest in quality and have met a set of standards higher than licensing. In Florida, it is required that one teacher for every twenty children in a child care facility have the credential or it's equivalent or higher education. To earn a CDA, the candidate must attend 120 hours of classes in approved subject areas, work with children a minimum of 480 hours within 5 years and develop a resource file of information pertinent to their work. CDA equivalency classes are available from several institutions, including Family Central, Broward Community College, Miami-Dade Community College, and Nova Southeastern University.