Quality Rating and Improvement Systems
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We know from both current research and day-to-day experience with children that the quality of child care is critical for a child’s growth and development. But how do we measure, maintain and reward high-quality programs?
Quality Rating and Improvement Systems (QRIS) are a recent trend as states work to build early care and education infrastructure. In these systems, child care programs are assessed based on a set of criteria and assigned a rating level. Parents can make choices based on this information. The best QRIS initiatives begin by involving knowledgeable, high-quality providers in establishing the criteria and rating levels, and a system for moving up the levels. Sound QRIS initiatives are fully funded and have knowledgeable staff to back them up; incentives to participate; support to make improvements and achieve higher quality levels over time; and
rewards for reaching higher levels.
ECEC Resources
Resources and Reports
Background
ECEC Resources
Quality Rating and Improvement Systems
ECEC Policy Brief
Resources and Reports
Issues for the Next Decade of Quality Rating and Improvement Systems
Child Trends (May 2009)
“Systemic Approaches to Improving Quality of Care”
National Child Care Information Center (Winter/Spring 2007)
Stair Steps to Quality: A Guide for States and Communities Developing Quality Rating Systems for Early Care and Education
Anne W. Mitchell, Alliance for Early Childhood Finance, United Way Success By Six (July 2005)
Background
Fact Sheet on Quality Rating and Improvement Systems and Accreditation
National Association for the Education of Young Children
Goals and Objectives of State Quality Rating Systems
National Child Care Information Center
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