The determinants of quality care: review and

There is consensus around the world that young children must experience high quality services, not only to ensure the best possible future outcomes, but because children have the right to the best possible present (Elliott 2004; Myers 2004; Wylie & Thompson 2003). All children are found to benefit from high quality early childhood programs, but those from disadvantaged backgrounds demonstrate stronger advantages (Myers 2004). The catchphrase ‘the importance of the early years ’ has now become a call to arms: it is recognised worldwide that we must provide the best possible services to young children and their families (Stanley, Prior & Richardson 2005). However, there is not universal agreement as to what constitutes best possible early childhood services. Understandings of quality are value-based and change as values change (Childcare Resource and Research Unit 2004). Understandings are also different across cultures, religions