Choosing a child care provider is one of the most important decisions a parent can make. Beyond loving children, great providers possess a set of essential skills that help children grow, learn, and thrive in safe and nurturing environments.
At ABC Quality, South Carolina’s quality rating and improvement system for child care, we help parents identify programs that demonstrate these traits every day. Through rigorous standards, professional development, and continuous support, ABC Quality ensures that the state’s youngest learners receive the very best start in life.
Let’s take a closer look at what makes a great child care provider — and how ABC Quality helps make sure your provider has these skills.
- Strong Communication Skills
The best child care providers communicate clearly with both children and parents. They listen, respond with empathy, and create open dialogue about each child’s needs and progress.
How ABC Quality supports this:
ABC Quality–approved programs encourage open communication between parents and providers through regular check-ins, progress updates, and parent conferences. Providers also receive professional training on effective communication techniques that help build trust and collaboration with families.
- Patience and Flexibility
Every child is unique. Great providers know how to remain calm, understanding, and adaptable, whether they’re guiding a child through a tough day or adjusting lesson plans to meet different needs.
How ABC Quality ensures this:
Programs participating in ABC Quality must follow policies that prioritize children’s emotional well-being and individualized care. Ongoing professional development helps teachers and caregivers strengthen their patience, problem-solving, and adaptability skills.
- Creativity and Problem-Solving
Children learn best through curiosity and play. Exceptional providers find imaginative ways to engage kids, from art and storytelling to hands-on exploration and problem-solving games.
How ABC Quality supports this:
ABC Quality offers coaching and training to help educators design creative, age-appropriate activities that nurture imagination, independence, and learning. Programs are also encouraged to share best practices that make early education fun and meaningful.
- Organization and Time Management
A well-run classroom or center allows children to feel secure and supported. Organized providers manage routines efficiently, maintain safe environments, and balance learning with playtime.
How ABC Quality ensures this:
ABC Quality programs must meet specific health, safety, and operational standards — from maintaining accurate records to managing daily schedules that support both structure and flexibility. The system also provides grants and coaching to help programs improve their facilities and operations.
- Emotional Intelligence and Empathy
Children thrive in environments where they feel understood and valued. Providers with strong emotional intelligence can recognize and respond to children’s emotions, guiding them through challenges with kindness and care.
How ABC Quality supports this:
Every ABC Quality provider agrees to a Code of Ethics centered on compassion, respect, and inclusion. This code ensures caregivers treat every child with dignity and create emotionally safe learning environments that encourage growth and self-confidence.
- Commitment to Continuous Learning
The field of early childhood education is always evolving. Quality providers stay current through ongoing training and education to provide the best care possible.
How ABC Quality ensures this:
ABC Quality requires participating providers to complete regular training — including certifications in pediatric first aid, CPR, and South Carolina’s Health and Safety Pre-Service curriculum. The program also connects educators with workshops, resources, and mentoring to help them grow professionally.
Why ABC Quality Matters for Families
When your child attends an ABC Quality–rated program, you can be confident they’re in a safe, enriching, and developmentally supportive environment. These programs go above and beyond licensing standards, striving every day to make early education in South Carolina more accessible, affordable, and high-quality.
Because when child care works, families work, communities thrive, and children build the foundation for a lifetime of success.
If you would like to nominate an outstanding teacher or child care provider to be a Child Care Hero of the Month, visit abcquality.org/childcareheroes.