A girl in a preschool classroom looks at the camera

Defining Quality

High-quality early learning environments can look many different ways, use a variety of curricula and teaching methods and can exist in any setting. Despite these differences, five commonalities exist within any high-quality early learning space.

A child paints a rock in a preschool classroom

Child-Centered Learning

Focuses on the individual needs, interests, and developmental stages of each child.

A group of young children playing in a water table with various household items

Interactive and Engaging Environments

Creates spaces that stimulate exploration, creativity, and social interaction.

Toddlers and a caregiver push lids across a table in an early learning classroom

Strong Relationships

Builds trust and communication between educators, children, and families to foster a sense of belonging and security.

Two young children interacting with board books in a classroom

Holistic Development

Supports cognitive, emotional, social, and physical growth through integrated learning experiences.

Two teachers play with toddlers at a table with blocks

Reflective Practice

Shows educators continuously assessing and adapting their strategies based on observations and feedback to improve learning outcomes.

This website it designed to highlight the various ways those five elements show up in our region through submissions from early learning programs throughout the Greater Kansas City Region.

Share your projects

Does your program have examples of one or more of these high-quality practices? Let us know and you may be featured here.