SIEOC’s Child Care Resource and Referral (CCR&R) is excited to announce that Meggie’s Kiddie Care and SIEOC’s Rising Sun Head Start Program are enrolled in Paths to QUALITY (TM), Indiana’s free and voluntary quality rating system for regulated child care providers.  Paths to QUALITY (TM) is administered by the Indiana Family and Social Services Administration, Bureau of Child Care, in partnership with the Indiana Association for Child Care Resource and Referral Agencies and the Indiana Association for the Education of Young Children.  The system validates child care programs for ongoing efforts to achieve higher standards of quality and provides incentives and awards for success.
 “At SIEOC Child Care Resource & Referral we try to educate parents on the different types of child care in their community and not everyone is required to be licensed as well as different facilities offer different features,” said Amy Warfield-Zoller, Program Director for SIEOC CCR&R. “With so many choices of child care to choose from this system gives parents a tool to evaluate child care on an even level.”  “As of August 2009, over 1,500 providers have voluntarily joined Paths to QUALITY (TM).”  “At SIEOC CCR&R, we feel these providers are going above and beyond the minimum standards of what is required of them by the state and giving Indiana children the best chance for school readiness as well as future success!”
Research shows that high quality early learning experiences prepare children for future success in school, work, and life.  Birth to age 3 is the most important time for growth of the human brain.  A child’s brain develops by building neurological networks in reaction to his or her environment and experiences.  Meggie’s Kiddie Care and SIEOC’s Rising Sun Head Start participation in Paths to QUALITY (TM) is a statement that they are dedicated to giving children the best experiences possible. 
To find out if your provider is on Paths to QUALITY (TM), contact SIEOC Referral Specialist, Janet Craig, 1-800-755-8558 ext 230.
To learn more about Paths to QUALITY (TM), visit http://www.in.gov/fssa/carefinder/  (click on the Paths to QUALITY (TM) logo) or contact Paths to QUALITY (TM) Specialist, Mary Ann, 1-800-755-8558 ext. 216.