Become a Quality Counts Program

Quality Counts is a voluntary rating system for early care and education providers that uses a clearly defined, five-star method to ensure quality standards so children enter school eager and ready to learn.

Six Standards:

Learning Environment
Staff-to-Child Ratio/Group Sizes
Family Engagement
Curriculum
Administration
Staff Qualifications/Professional Development

The Benefits:

Participating in Quality Counts means providers – whether based in centers, at schools or in family child care homes – receive professional support and financial incentives.

Grants for materials and equipment
Educational scholarships for staff
Wage supplements for staff
Early learning coaching/networking
Technical assistance
Financial awards

Are you ready for Quality Counts?

Please review the following checklist to determine your eligibility:

Has your program been licensed for at least a year?
Has your program received no class I violations within the last 24 months, Or
If licensed less than 24 months, during the time period of operation?
Has your program received fewer than two class II violations within the last 24 months, Or
If licensed less than 24 months, during the time period of operation?
Does your program receive public funding (such as Head Start, subsidized, VPK)?
Is your program in compliance with its agreements (service agreement, VPK)?
Are all staff members of the Palm Beach County Registry?

If you can answer yes to the above questions, congratulations! Please complete the Quality Counts checklist, application and site technology survey; we look forward to hearing from you.

If you have any questions about your eligibility status, please contact the Quality Counts Manager at 561-653-2405.

Family Central, Inc. offers a training called "A Roadmap to Quality Counts," which provides a detailed overview of Quality Counts for Child Care Center staff interested in learning more about the program.

Download "A Roadmap to Quality Counts" Course Outline

Download Quality Counts Annual Application/Agreement 2011-2012

Download Site Technology Survey

Download Quality Counts Center Manual Effective 10/1/2011

Download Quality Counts Family Child Care Manual Effective 10/1/2011

Download Quality Counts Family Child Care Annual Application/Agreement 2011-2012