Additionally, many states have begun to use managed care strategies to administer child welfare services. Early childhood providers have a key role to play in these efforts, as well as a host of new partner with whom to collaborate. Successful negotiations with managed care organizations are likely to require, however, that providers work together and negotiate as a group. The role of practitioner licensing and program accreditation in assessing quality. In all states individual licensure is a minimum requirement to practice as a registered nurse or physician.
States also require individuals who teach in public schools to be licensed.
Research has demonstrated, however, that it the most crucial element of quality is the relationship between the caregiver and the child, a relationship that is strongly effected by the caregiver's understanding of child development. To this end, it makes sense for the early childhood field to consider licensing child care practitioners 27 . The important role that accreditation can play in promoting quality has been discussed previously. Many fields, including health care, rely on the information and analysis provided by accrediting organizations to assist in assessing quality as well as to structure reimbursement rates and policies. Indeed, there are significant differences between accreditation in health care and early education.