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Podcast episodes

Episode 6 - How Do We Define Quality Child Care?

podcast
PublishedApril 30, 2026

In Episode 6 of Child Care Matters Built to Break, our host Jamee Herbert looks at one of the most complex questions in early childhood education. What does quality child care look like, and how do we define it?

In this episode, we examine why few people can agree on what “quality child care” even means. We also investigate how it’s measured, and why even well-intentioned quality rating systems can create unintended consequences for child care providers.

In this episode:

  • Sonja Castañeda-Cudney — Parent
  • Sarah Rittling — Executive Director, First Five Years Fund
  • Wendy Doyle — President & CEO of United WE.
  • Keller-Anne Ruble — Solutions Architect, BridgeCare
  • Simon Workman — Co-founder & Principal, Prenatal to Five Fiscal Strategies
  • Erica Phillips — Executive Director of The National Association for Family Child Care (NAFCC)

Child Care Matters: Built to Break examines America’s early childhood system from the perspectives of parents, providers, and experts,  one piece of the puzzle at a time. If this episode resonated with you, share it with someone navigating child care or working to improve it in their community, and follow the show so you don’t miss the next chapter of the series.

Coming soon!

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