Raising the Bar is a community initiative that was introduced in Haldimand and Norfolk in January 2008. to promote and support observance of community standards in:

• Licensed, centre-based Early Learning and Child Care programs
• Licensed School-Age Child Care programs
• Licensed Home Child Care Agencies

This is a "grass roots" engagement strategy as opposed to an enforcement process, with a focus on increasing the quality of care provided by our licensed centre based and licensed home child care operators in Haldimand and Norfolk Counties.

We want the parents in our community to know that our early learning and care providers are focusing on raising the bar on quality.  We encourage parents to ask their child care provider about their participation in Raising the Bar.

 
Raising the Bar has three achievement levels:

                                                                                                           


Bronze level programs follow fundamental quality indicators and are also in full compliance with Ontario's Day Nurseries Act.

Silver level programs have additional strategies to enhance quality.

Gold level programs demonstrate a long-term commitment to high quality  in early childhood education.

In April 2009, 12 of the participating centres were awarded the Bronze level of achievement and in 2010, 6 participating centres achieved their Silver level. 

The levels address 3 standards:

Quality Monitoring:

• Quality is monitored through frequent on-site observations
• Parent and / or Caregiver feedback is collected each year.
• Action plans are developed to address areas of need and to plan for improvement.
• In addition to annual provincial licensing reviews and local public health inspections, Raising the Bar programs undergo site visits by Early Childhood Education Consultants.

 Best Practices:

• The program offers information for parents and promotes opportunities for community involvement.
• There are detailed policies, procedures and management practices to guide day-to-day operations.

 Professional Development:

• The team of Early Years professionals in Raising the Bar programs maintain credentials and commit to additional training each year.
• First aid and CPR are kept current.
• Cooks have Food Handlers' Certificate training
• All directors and staff attend workshops and conferences to enhance their understanding of early childhood education and care.
• Raising the Bar programs support teacher training through mentorship and by providing practical training opportunities for cooperative education students.

Raising the Bar is delivered to Haldimand and Norfolk Counties through Ontario Early Years Centre, a unit of HN REACH. 

If you would like further information on participating in this initiative, In House Training & Mentoring, or professional development opportunities or call Kathy Wardell 519-429-2875 ext. 250.

If you are looking for Quality Child Care in your area and would like a copy of our package on "what is Quality Child Care" call Ontario Early Years Centre at 1-866-463-2759 or visit the Ministry of Education website.