Child-Care Quality Rating and Improvement Systems in Five Pioneer States: Implementation Issues and Lessons Learned

Abstract

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Identifying baseline and ceiling thresholds within the Qualistar Early Learning Quality Rating and Improvement System

“…QRIS have been designed to serve as a state’s overall ECE accountability system and are largely hinged on a multidimensional assessment of child care program quality (Schaack, Tarrant, Boller, & Tout, 2012). Drawing on decades of research, states have constructed QRIS to measure and improve aspects of child care settings commonly associated with children’s positive cognitive and social development (Zellman& Perlman, 2008). …”

A case study of the effects of privatization of child welfare on services for children and families: The Nebraska experience

“…For example, in the area of early childcare, a large pool of potential providers exists (e.g., in-home daycares, church centers) and many families qualify for federal assistance with covering the cost of childcare. In this area, federal funding agencies have developed successful partnerships with private providers by increasing funding to those demonstrating delivery of high quality care (Zellman & Perlman, 2008).…”

Supporting family child care and quality improvement: findings from an exploratory survey of Illinois child care resource and referral agency staff

“…In the U.S., Head Start and Early Head Start now include FCC as an official option for the delivery of services to children and families, and several states include FCC in their universal pre-K initiatives and quality rating and improvement systems (QRIS) designed to help parents choose high-quality child care and to incentivize providers to enhance quality of care for children (Morrissey 2007;Tout et al 2010;Zellman and Perlman 2008). As a result of these trends, a variety of child care and social service agencies in communities across the country have developed programs to support home-based child care providers-both FCC and FFN caregivers, including child care resource and referral (CCR&R) agencies and networks that offer support services, technical assistance, materials and equipment, and training to providers (Hershfield et al 2005).…”