You are here: Home / Providers / Better Beginnings Guide

Better Beginnings Guide

The Better Beginnings Guide leads you through the certification process to become a recognized Better Beginnings provider.

PDF FileDownload (PDF)

Overview of the Certification Process

The certification process consists of seven steps. Each step will be explained in more detail on pages 4-

  1. Complete the Better Beginnings Application Checklist to find out which requirements you already meet and how you can meet additional requirements.
  2. Prepare for the program review and environmental assessment. Review the Better Beginnings requirements and the Program Administration Scale (center-based and school- age programs) or the Business Administration Scale (family child care programs). Review the environment rating scale(s) that applies to your program or the YPQA (for some school- age programs).
  3. Gather documents for Better Beginnings requirements and PAS/BAS indicators. This Guide provides information about documentation that you will need. Some documents will be attached to your application form and others will be compiled in a program portfolio.
  4. Submit your Better Beginnings application, along with the required supporting documents. At the time you submit your application, you should be ready for the program review and the environmental assessment. Be sure your program portfolio is complete before you submit your application.
  5. Program review and environmental assessment.
    • A PAS/BAS assessor will contact you to schedule an appointment for your program review. A summary report will be e-mailed to you.
    • A consultant will call to notify you of the time frame for your environmental assessment. A summary report will be e-mailed to you.
  6. Notification of Better Beginnings level assigned. When the program review and environmental assessment have been completed, you will receive notification of the Better Beginnings Level for which your program qualifies.
  7. Recertification. Your Better Beginnings level is valid for three years. Go to www.arbetterbeginnings.com for information about the recertification process.

PDF FileDownload (PDF) – 586 KB