FSU 10 Components of Quality Care for Infants and Toddlers

FSU 10 Components of Quality Care for Infants and Toddlers logo featuring five infants positioned above a white banner. Below the banner, the text “FSU 10 Components of Quality Care for Infants and Toddlers” appears in blue and multicolored lettering, with the number 10 displayed prominently in a colorful circular design.

FSU 10 Components of Quality Care for Infants & Toddlers

A research-based framework, assessment tool, and professional development system designed to strengthen infant and toddler programs through continuous quality improvement.

Purchase the 10 Components of Quality Care for Infants and Toddlers Tool 

Enroll in the FSU 10 Components e-Learning Modules 

 

✔ Research-Based Framework
|
✔ Continuous Quality Improvement Approach
|
✔ Head Start Aligned
|
✔ Infant & Toddler Focused
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✔ Professional Development Available
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✔ Observation Tool & Training System

 

Why Quality Matters

High-quality infant and toddler programs support healthy development, strengthen families, and create better outcomes for children.

Healthy Brain Development

The earliest years lay the foundation for lifelong learning, growth, and development.

Strong Relationships

Young children learn best through nurturing relationships with caregivers, families, and trusted adults.

Better Program Quality

Continuous improvement helps programs create environments where infants and toddlers can thrive.

Quality Framework

The 10 Components of Quality

High-quality infant and toddler programs are built on these essential components that support healthy development, strong relationships, and positive outcomes for young children and families.

01
Safe & Healthy Program Practices
02
Staff Well Trained
03
Environments for Learning
04
Small Groups with Optimal Ratios
05
Primary Caregiving & Continuity of Care
06
Active & Responsive Caregiving
07
Curriculum & Individualization
08
Emerging Language & Literacy
09
Family Engagement & Cultural Continuity
10
Comprehensive Support Services

How the System Works

A simple continuous quality improvement process designed to help programs assess, strengthen, and sustain quality practices over time.

01
Shared Vision of Quality

Explore the research-based FSU 10 Components framework.

→
02
Needs Assessment

Use the FSU 10 Components Tool to identify strengths and opportunities.

→
03
Quality Improvement Plan

Create a continuous quality improvement plan

→
04
Skills Building & Support

Build knowledge and skills through training and other supports.

↺
Repeat
↺ Continuous Quality Improvement is an ongoing cycle of learning, assessment, professional development, and improvement.

The FSU 10 Components Quality Tool

What Is It?

The FSU 10 Components Quality Tool is a strengths-based observation instrument designed to help infant and toddler programs identify current practices, recognize existing strengths, and establish a starting point for continuous quality improvement.

More Than an Assessment Tool

The FSU 10 Components Quality Tool helps programs examine practices across all 10 Components of Quality Care for Infants and Toddlers. Designed to support reflection, growth, and continuous quality improvement, the tool focuses on identifying strengths and opportunities for improvement rather than assigning scores. It can be used independently, with a coach or mentor, or as part of larger quality improvement initiatives.

Who Uses the 10 Components Quality Tool?

Designed for professionals committed to providing high-quality care to infants and toddlers.

Early childhood teacher playing with toddlers at a classroom table.
Infant & Toddler Teachers

Reflect on practices and identify opportunities for growth.

Teacher smiling while seated at a classroom table.
Program Directors

Support quality improvement and professional development efforts.

Professional coaching conversation between two educators.
Coaches & Mentors

Guide reflective practice and continuous improvement planning.

Two people collaborating at a desk, reviewing notes and working on a laptop together.
Quality Improvement Partners

Strengthen quality initiatives across programs and communities.

Why Programs Choose This Approach

Designed to support reflection, growth, and continuous quality improvement.

✓
Supportive &
Non-Punitive
✓
Focus on Improvement
Rather Than Scores
✓
Open-Ended &
Customizable
✓
Complements Other
Assessment Tools
✓
Head Start
Aligned

How the Quality Tool Supports Improvement

A simple continuous quality improvement process that helps programs build on strengths and plan meaningful improvements.

1
Observe

Review practices across all 10 Components.

2
Identify Strengths

Recognize what is already working well.

3
Create a Plan

Develop practical goals and next steps.

↺
Improve Continuously

Revisit practices and strengthen quality over time.

 

Who Should Enroll in the 10 Components e-Learning Modules?

Designed for professionals and leaders committed to strengthening quality experiences for infants, toddlers, and families.

Adult stands beside a child seated at a desktop computer in a classroom computer lab. Several children work at computers arranged in rows, while the adult provides guidance and support. Classroom furnishings, computer monitors, and educational materials are visible in the background, highlighting technology-based learning and instructional support.
Teachers & Caregivers

Build strong infant and toddler practices.

Person standing in an office environment holding a clipboard and several documents. Desks, shelving, office supplies, and another person working at a computer are visible in the background. The image highlights professional support, administration, and workplace collaboration.
Program Directors

Support quality improvement efforts

"Two professionals reviewing documents and discussing plans in an office setting."
Coaches & Mentors

Guide staff development and continuous improvement.

Person stands and presents to a small group during a meeting in a modern office setting. Several participants are seated around a conference table with notebooks, documents, and a tablet computer visible in the foreground. Glass walls and office furnishings appear in the background, highlighting collaboration, leadership, and professional development.
System Leaders

Strengthen statewide quality initiatives.

 

Professional Development & Training

FSU 10 Components e-Learning Modules

Self-Paced Online Training

Interactive online training modules that address best practices in infant and toddler care, from health and safety to comprehensive support services.

Early Head Start
Teachers, caregivers, and administrators.
Child Care Programs
Public and private providers serving infants and toddlers.
Teen Parent Programs
Programs supporting young families and their children.
Community Partners
Agency staff and professionals working with families.
Enroll in the FSU 10 Components e-Learning Modules →
Training Highlights
✓ Stronger knowledge base in infant & toddler care
✓ Interactive learning experience
✓ Self-paced with one year to complete
✓ Suitable for National CDA Renewal
✓ Eligible for Florida CEUs
✓ Aligns with Head Start Performance Standards
Resources & Crosswalks

Tools to Support Implementation

Download guidance documents, crosswalks, and supporting materials to help your program implement the FSU 10 Components of Quality framework.

Framework Overview ▼

Learn about the purpose, structure, and key elements of the FSU 10 Components of Quality framework.

View Framework Overview

Teen Parent Program Adaption Overview

Introduction Document ▼

A foundational introduction to the framework, its research base, and how programs can use it for continuous quality improvement.

Download Introduction Document
Head Start Alignment ▼

See how the 10 Components of Quality align with Head Start standards and quality improvement priorities.

View Head Start Alignment
CDA Crosswalk ▼

Explore connections between the framework and Child Development Associate (CDA) competencies and professional development requirements.

View CDA Crosswalk
LENA Grow Crosswalk ▼

Review how the 10 Components of Quality complement and align with LENA Grow implementation and language development practices.

LENA Grow Crosswalk

Improve Quality. Strengthen Practice. Support Better Outcomes.

Whether you're building staff knowledge, examining current practices, or leading a quality improvement initiative, the FSU 10 Components provide a practical roadmap for supporting infants, toddlers, and their families.

Purchase the FSU 10 Components of Quality Care for Infants and Toddlers Tool
Enroll in the FSU 10 Components e-Learning Modules