Washington, DC, is a national model for high-quality child care, and city leaders know it can have a positive impact on a child’s learning and development. As part of a system to support and improve child care providers, the city has implemented a system to measure the quality of licensed child care programs. Programs are assessed on environment, program structure, and teacher-child interactions; earn a rating based on the assessment’s findings; and receive robust technical assistance and resources to support their continuous improvement. The entire system of evaluations and supports is known as “Capital Quality.”
A recent research brief from Collaborative member the Urban Institute, summarizing work done in partnership with the District of Columbia Office of the State Superintendent of Education’s Division of Early Learning, highlights how Capital Quality uses quality improvement coaches to provide one-on-one support to program directors in licensed child care centers and homes to improve the quality of their services. Based on interviews with child care providers, coaches, and Capital Quality program administrators, the authors learned how individualized coaching positively affects child care directors by boosting their confidence, enhancing their leadership skills, and deepening their understanding of quality improvement practices.
Child care providers expressed strong appreciation for tailored, supportive coaching relationships that directly address their needs and goals. Coaches reported observing significant improvements in instructional and care practices, along with measurable gains in classroom quality assessments. The research suggests that individualized coaching helps providers navigate quality ratings and fosters a sustained culture of professionalism and continuous improvement.
To read more about the findings and recommendations for policy and program development, access the full research brief here: How Coaching Can Help Child Care Program Directors Reach Their Quality Improvement Goals.
