Online-Library - RSS feed for Index term 'Quality Rating and Improvement System (QRIS)'

This publication provides information and considerations for State child care administrators and policymakers for improving access to high quality school-age programs that reflect the unique needs of school-age children. A systems framework is used to illustrate strategic approaches to using the Child Care and Development Fund and other resources to build a strongly aligned system of quality improvement. (publisher abstract)

Report.pdf

This 2009 brief presents nine short- and long-term steps the Federal government can take to support State developments of effective quality rating and improvement systems (QRIS). QRIS are systemic strategies to assess, improve, and communicate the level of quality in early care and education programs. QRIS can be helpful to guide decisions on how to target resources, focus dollars on results, streamline administration, and build quality.

This 2008 Microsoft PowerPoint by Zero to Three presents the implications of quality rating and improvement systems (QRIS) for infant/toddler child care. It is important to define quality, measure quality, support quality, and consider QRIS within the larger early childhood system. States should examine their developing and existing QRIS to assure that their systems do not allow for loopholes in infant/toddler quality. Contact information is included for the National Infant & Toddler Child Care Initiative.

This document offers suggestions for the inclusion of quality indicators for infants and toddlers within Quality Rating Systems (QRS). Quality Rating Systems are being implemented in States, Tribes, and Territories to establish a means to both define and promote quality in child care settings. These rating systems include five common elements: 1) standards, 2) accountability measures, 3) program and practitioner outreach and support, 4) financial incentives, and 5) parent/consumer education. They are program-wide in scope and apply to the care of all children. (author abstract)

Report.pdf

This Microsoft PowerPoint presents data to explore whether the quality of North Carolina child care has improved over time. It is examined whether center participation in Smart Start-funded activities has an effect on quality. Data show a significant relationship between Smart Start participation and classroom quality. The development and testing of a quality rating and improvement system (QRIS) is briefly addressed.

This Microsoft PowerPoint describes the use of technical assistance (TA) to improve the quality of early child care and education programs. The following levels of TA are addressed: (1) individualistic assessment and advice; (2) systematic assessment/individualistic advice; (3) reliable, systematic assessment/consistent advice; and (4) reliable, systematic assessment/consistent, holistic, in-depth advice. An example of a concern, along with a plan of action and follow-up are provided for different levels of TA (e.g., staff never read informally to children).

This report describes the Early Childhood Initiative, which was developed to strengthen families through quality rating and improvement systems (QRIS). The purpose of the work is to embed the Strengthening Families Protective Factor (SF/PF) Framework into all systems that touch the lives of young children and their families.

This report presents the results of a survey of child care center directors on their experiences with quality rating systems (QRS). The directors came from three States with different approaches to QRS: Colorado, Pennsylvania, and Tennessee. While QRS in these States are considered voluntary, many providers commented that because funding is tied to participation in QRS, it is not really voluntary. Directors did recognize the benefits of getting a star rating and were active promoters of QRS. All directors felt that QRS was helpful and worth the effort they put into it.

This evaluation report examined whether the child care quality rating system in Indiana, Paths to QUALITY (PTQ), is effective in its initial implementation phases. The following questions were addressed: (1) Does PTQ actually increase the quality of licensed child care centers, registered child care ministries, and licensed family child care homes that participate? and (2) Are children in higher level PTQ homes or centers learning more or developing more optimally? Copies of the evaluation surveys are appended.

This report presents findings from the Wisconsin Data Sharing Project, which is intended to establish a statewide research infrastructure to strengthen analysis, interpretation, and sharing of critical administrative child care data from multiple State sources. It also intends to create a merged program and provider file and distribute key quality indicators to parents. Research findings that are pertinent to the quality rating system policy are presented. The proposed quality rating system and proposed tiered reimbursement system are described.