At the Center for Early Success, we believe every child deserves the very best start in life. That’s why we applied to lead the implementation of Virginia’s Quality Birth-to-Five (VQB5) system in Southside Virginia. VQB5 helps childcare and early learning programs like the ones in our region measure and improve the quality of care and learning they provide.
A big part of VQB5 is a tool called CLASS (Classroom Assessment Scoring System), which looks closely at how teachers and children interact. These daily interactions — how we talk, guide, and support children — are the heart of what makes a classroom high-quality.
The Director: Our Leader for Learning and Quality
Our Childcare Directors lead the way when it comes to quality. Think of them as the Chief Learning Architect — someone who makes sure what happens in every classroom matches state standards and gives children the best chance to learn, grow, and succeed.
The Director makes sure our teachers are trained and supported to build warm relationships, run smooth classrooms, and create exciting learning experiences — all things measured by CLASS.
How the Director Supports Quality in Three Key Areas (CLASS Domains)
1. Building a Caring, Supportive Environment (Emotional Support)
- The Director helps create a place where every child feels safe, loved, and respected.
- They guide teachers to use positive behavior strategies, show empathy, and give children choices.
- This supports the Emotional Support area of CLASS, which is key to a child’s well-being and success.
2. Keeping Classrooms Running Smoothly (Classroom Organization)
- Children learn best when routines are clear and classrooms are calm.
- The Director trains teachers to manage transitions, reduce wait times, and keep children focused.
- This boosts our score in Classroom Organization, which shows how well the classroom runs day-to-day.
3. Helping Children Think and Learn More Deeply (Instructional Support)
- The Director encourages activities that help children think, solve problems, and build language.
- Teachers are coached to ask open-ended questions and use rich vocabulary.
- We also use data tools like Virginia Kindergarten Readiness Program (VKRP) and Virginia Language and Literacy Screener (VALLS) to see where children need the most help and adjust teaching to meet their needs.
- This supports the most advanced part of CLASS: Instructional Support.
Everyone Has a Role in Quality
The Director is leading the charge, but high-quality care and education is a team effort. Here’s how each of us contributes:
Who
What They Do to Support Quality
Director
Leads staff training, sets the tone for quality, and uses CLASS and VQB5 to guide improvements.
Teachers & Staff
Bring the vision to life in the classroom every day with warm, organized, and engaging teaching.
Parents
Support routines at home and keep open communication with teachers — this helps children feel safe and supported.
Community Partners
Provide materials, training, or funding that enrich what we can offer children and staff.
Why It Matters
When everyone works together with CLASS and VQB5 in mind, we’re doing more than just meeting standards — we’re giving children a strong, joyful, and meaningful start in life.
Our Directors are committed to making sure quality is our standard — and with community support, we can keep reaching higher.