Learn & Grow, Alaska’s Quality Recognition & Improvement System (QRIS), launched in the summer of 2016 to provide early childhood education (ECE) programs with comprehensive resources and supports to improve their quality of care. Since then, more than 140 child care programs have enrolled in Learn & Grow and are committed to following a path to continuous quality improvement.
As Learn & Grow promotes quality improvement for ECE programs, the system is also improving based on feedback from participating programs.
Beginning November 1, Learn & Grow is pleased to announce exciting updates for new and current programs! These updates include:
- All biennial licensed programs are now eligible to enroll, including Early Head Start, Head Start and Pre-Elementary programs.
- Level 1 and Level 2 Quality Activities are easier for programs and educators to achieve.
- *All Learn & Grow training offered by thread’s Professional Development Specialists are FREE.
- Level 2 training completed outside of thread may be eligible for Alaska SEED reimbursement.
*exception with program on-site trainings.
Learn & Grow Gets Results for Programs & Children
One of the many benefits of programs enrolling in Learn & Grow is the professional development opportunities offered to early educators looking to advance their skills. These opportunities range from educators taking training on early childhood development to receiving technical assistance to develop a classroom plan, and more.
“Before Learn & Grow, I knew we all felt compassion for the children in our care,” said Robin O’Mara, director of Joy Child Development Center. “But the piece we were missing was the education. With the training, coaching and professional development opportunities, I feel really proud of the changes our program has gone through.”
The children at Learn & Grow programs benefit from what their teachers are learning with the latest information and standards for child care.
Benefits to Families
For families, choosing an early childhood education program is an important decision. Families are looking for quality environments that foster learning, promote child development and support a child’s unique skills and culture. Learn & Grow allows families to better evaluate child care options and helps them to choose a high quality program for their children.
- Check out the list of currently enrolled Learn & Grow programs here.
Join now!
With these exciting changes and benefits, now is the time to enroll in Learn & Grow!
Join the more than 140 statewide programs already enrolled and help advance the quality of early care and learning in Alaska!