Recommendations and Issues Relating to the Planning Phase of Implementing a Quality Rating and Improvement System in Washington State

This report develops definitions and presents recommendations to consider in preparing for and designing the pilot implementation of the quality rating and improvement system (QRIS) in Washington State. The report includes recommendations for time frames for incremental successes throughout the design and pilot phases of the QRIS implementation. How to involve communities in defining success for the QRIS is discussed. The elements that the Department of Early Learning should include to help communities answer questions regarding the feasibility and success of the QRIS are also discussed. Recommendations are offered on how to measure success in both the design and pilot phases.