And parents should look for programs that provide more than custodial care, hot meals and a fenced yard. The extra cost should not deter most parents, who find ways to afford luxuries like cable tv, new cars and restaurant food. Some teachers work in settings that expect quality, but many teachers don't. Just because no one is expecting it of you, that doesn't mean you shouldn't expect it of yourself. Even the best teachers will have a hard time providing quality education under poor leadership.
Directors are the backbone of any good program.
They support, guide and encourage their staff to do their best. They help get parents involved, garner community support, and make the best of whatever budget they have. They insist on hiring quality minded professionals who are qualified in experience, education and temperament. While not every child care regulation affects quality directly, most do, and many communities do not provide ample funding or staff to enforce their regulations. Communities must recognize that all child care settings, including churches and family providers should meet basic quality standards.