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Free, professional
coaching support

Step Up to Quality offers group and individual coaching opportunities
for participating providers.

Step Up to Quality coaching

You won’t be on this journey alone! Step Up to Quality coaches are provided free of charge to help programs of all types, big or small, create individualized goals and action plans. Your coach will help you identify and maximize your strengths and guide you along your path to quality improvement.

You are not required to have a coach, but many participating programs agree that this is the most beneficial form of support offered by Step Up to Quality. Coaches provide an extra layer of support and encouragement for you and your program staff as you work toward your goals.

There are two different coaching opportunities for enrolled providers: Quality Foundations coaching and one-on-one coaching. Both are completely free and voluntary.

A baby crawls toward a child care provider who is at the baby's level and is smiling.
A baby crawls toward a child care provider who is at the baby’s level and is smiling.

Quality Foundations coaching

Enrolled providers can begin working with a Step Up to Quality coach once they achieve Step 1 (or enter at Step 3). This coaching will be in the form of weekly virtual meetings where providers will come together to learn about high-quality practices, gain motivation, prepare for one-on-one coaching and build a network of support across the state — all while having fun!

Request to join a cohort

One-on-one coaching

Programs enrolled in Step Up to Quality can request one-on-one coaching once they complete the requirements for Step 2. If you are interested in a coach, please fill out this form to request a Coach Interest Questionnaire phone call with Step Up to Quality so we can learn more about your program’s specific interests and needs.

Request a Coach Interest Questionnaire

Become a coach

Step Up to Quality coaches are committed to helping programs understand and implement quality. Coaches provide constructive feedback and strengths-building suggestions to programs, and they collaborate with providers to draft and implement quality-improvement plans, set goals and ultimately grow.
Coach candidates should have a degree in early childhood education or a related field.

Learn more about coach qualifications

Complete the coach application

For questions about becoming a Step Up to Quality coach, contact Lynne Cook at lynne.cook@nebraska.gov or 531-207-2218.