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Early Childhood Education Quality Council (ECEQC)

The Early Childhood Education Quality Council (ECEQC) is an independent, grassroots initiative that was formed in our community in 1993. Its mission is to help support the highest quality efforts possible in urban, not-for-profit child care centers in the city of Rochester. Collectively the ECEQC currently serves over 2,000 children in nineteen child care centers. All member centers are either nationally accredited or are in the process of achieving accreditation.

Audience:

  • Urban, not-for-profit child care centers in Rochester, NY

Goals:

  • To increase resources including funding, tangibles, and intangibles that support urban, early childhood education programs in Rochester in achieving the highest quality possible

Benefits:

  • Increases potential for community-based funding
  • Promotes and facilitates achievement of quality standards for centers as requested
  • Provides training for directors and staff
  • Acquires and distributes goods and services to the children and families to promote high quality early learning including field trips, books, and other materials
  • Provides connections to various early childhood community organizations

How it Works:

  • Council members pay yearly dues which entitles them to a full range of benefits
  • The sole paid staff member of the ECEQC is a coordinator who secures funding and other resources for the centers and coordinates council-wide initiatives
  • The ECEQC elects an executive committee from member centers to include two co-chairs, a secretary, two center representatives, two advisors, and the coordinator
  • The executive committee meets monthly to set policy and recommend issues to the general members
  • Community volunteers serve as advisors to the council
  • Additional funding for projects and services for the member centers comes from various local foundations and the United Way
  • Children’s Institute is the fiscal agent for the ECEQC and provides office and meeting space
  • Children’s Institute provides in-house early education and care experts to consult with the ECEQC as needed