What supports Quality in Early Years Settings? Hint: It’s not regulations

Photo by Nacho Sanchez

By Christine McLean

On October 14, 2025, over 60 participants took part in an Atlantic Canda CAYC panel discussion based on the question of what elements support quality in early years settings. Panelists were from all four Atlantic Provinces and represented ECEs, ECE Professional Associations, Government Policy Makers, and ECE Post-Secondary Instructors and students. The discussion was grounded in critical early childhood studies and was inspired by Dahlberg, Moss, and Pence’s influential book (1999), Beyond Quality in Early Childhood Education and Care.

The panelists were asked to reflect on the question “Aside from regulations, what is one fundamental element of a quality environment for young children?” What followed was a passionate discussion about the importance of children’s perspectives, children’s rights, and the importance of children feeling safe and loved. Core themes that emerged from the discussion were that quality is relational and not just regulatory; that children’s voices and perspectives matter; that emotional safety and love are foundational; and that quality is experienced differently in each community, home, or centre. Quality is a feeling that is shaped by relationships, responsiveness, cultures, values, and rights. And, fundamentally, children’s rights to inclusion, participation, safety, and respect inform and shape quality environments in the early years. 

So – what do we do with this information?  What comes next? It was clear from the discussions that we were only scratching the surface of this important topic and the participants expressed an interest in continuing the conversation. Questions that arose focused on the ‘how-to’s of supporting the kind of quality environments that children need and deserve. Participants wondered how to elevate children’s voices in ways that can influence the design and delivery of quality care in diverse contexts that reflect their lived experiences. So – stay tuned. We’re looking forward to future CAYC conversations in Atlantic Canada and beyond that will help us grapple with our roles and responsibilities related to defining, promoting, and advocating for quality environments and care for young children.

Your Thoughts
How can you include children's voices and perspectives in the design of your early years setting?
How do you and your colleagues define quality as it relates to early childhood education and care?  

A special thanks to the panelists who provided passionate and reflective insight into this important topic:
Newfoundland and Labrador: Shayna Veitch and Sarah Kirby
Nova Scotia: Cheryl Crocker
Prince Edward Island: Megan McPhee and Erin Pilling
New Brunswick: Lindsay Webb 

Thank you also for the support provided during this event to:
Kim Stewart, New Brunswick CAYC Director and
Gabriela Arias de Sanchez, Prince Edward Island CAYC Director