Quality Rating Systems: The Experiences of Center Directors

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. For many directors, the main benefit was access to funding for things that would improve their programs (e.g., materials and playgrounds). While all but one director planned to continue with QRS, they all had ides for how to improve the system. Many program directors thought that there should be greater consistency among validators (i.e., those who come and score the program for a star rating).