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The Quality Care Program was established by the Department of Human Services (DHS) to promote high quality child care. Those who care for children in their homes (five years old and under) are invited to participate in the program. This includes both licensed family child care providers and license-exempt providers, such as grandparents, other relatives and friends of the family.

All participants in the Quality Care Program will receive a monthly packet of educational materials and early learning activities. In addition, caregivers who serve children receiving a DHS child care subsidy (e.g. First to Work or Child Care Connection) are eligible to earn a monthly incentive payment of $50 per subsidized child for the first twelve months of enrollment (if funds are available).

The Quality Care Program is administered by the Center on the Family at the University of Hawaii. Participants in the program are sent information on child development and care. These materials are easy to read and include tips from other care providers and ideas for activities that promote children's learning. There is no cost for enrollment in the program, however an orientation visit by a PATCH Quality Care Program specialist is mandatory.

We believe that child care providers, family and friends can help children by focusing on twelve Hallmarks of Quality Care. These Hallmarks are based on current knowledge in the early childhood profession. The newsletter and other resources in the packet will focus on a single Hallmark of Quality each month. The newsletter will explain the idea and offer suggestions for simple things you can do to support children's development. A QCP Specialist is available on each island for technical assistance and support. 

12 Hallmarks of Quality Care

1. Build trusting relationships with children
2. Provide consistent care
3. Support children's health
4. Provide a safe environment
5. Be responsive to children's individuality
6. Provide positive guidance
7. Foster curiosity and development through play
8. Provide a language-rich environment
9. Modify opportunities for learning as children grow
10. Partner with parents
11. Increase caregiving knowledge and skills
12. Care for the caregiver.
    

 

Contact your local PATCH office to apply for the Quality Care Program

Hilo               961-3169
Kona             322-3500
Kauai            632-0212
Maui              249-0101
Lanai       800-498-4145
Molokai   800-498-4145
Oahu             791-2129

PATCH will send the application form and arrange for an orientation visit.