Christine Hernandez
Early childhood educator, writer, and mother. Your friendly neighborhood guide to all things parenting.
As a parent searching for childcare, finding a program that checks off all the boxes for your family is essential. Once you narrow down your search to your shortlist of affordable, conveniently located programs, it is time to consider the quality of each program. From looking up licensing violations to questions to ask during a preschool tour, there are many resources available to help parents assess program quality.
Another tool available to parents in most states is the QRIS, or quality rating and improvement system. QRISs help providers offer the highest quality care possible and help parents view and compare program ratings. Let's take a closer look at everything you need to know about quality rating and improvement systems.
State-by-State Childcare Quality Rating Information
As a parent, how can I determine the quality of a childcare or preschool program?
This is what the QRIS is for! The rating scale takes the guesswork out of determining a program's quality by setting standards and assigning each participating program a "grade." If a school you are looking at does not participate in your state's quality rating scale, you can check their licensing status or read reviews from other parents on the program's Winnie listing.
What is QRIS?
A state's quality rating and improvement system provides guidelines for assessing the quality of a childcare or preschool program. The specific standards measured vary from state to state. Still, many of them build off of local health and safety requirements and set standards for provider qualifications, curriculum and learning activities, staff-to-child ratios, family engagement, and the learning environment.
Uh-oh! The daycare we loved has a low rating. Is this bad?
A low rating does not necessarily indicate that a program is of low quality. When a daycare or preschool first opts into their state's quality rating scale program, they are usually given one star (or the lowest possible rating) after submitting a fairly simple application. If they want to move beyond one star, the daycare or preschool will need to complete a more extensive application, provide proof of meeting specific benchmarks, and often submit to an inspection.
If you come across a program with one star (or a comparable low rating), ask how long they have been with the state's QRIS? If they are relatively new to the process, then that is the reason for the low score. You can also ask them what led to their score and if they've made any effort to improve their program.
Does every state have a QRIS?
Most states have a QRIS, but the individual standards outlined vary from state to state. There are still some states in the process of developing their QRIS. It's important to note that not all childcare and preschool programs will have a quality rating. Typically, a childcare or preschool program has to apply to participate in the rating system. By opting into the rating system, a program receives guidance on improving its offerings and helps families make informed decisions about enrolling their child in daycare or preschool. Here is more information on each state's QRIS.
State-by-state QRIS information
As a parent, you want to feel confident in your decision to enroll your child in a daycare or preschool program. Checking the program's Winnie listing to view their inspection history, quality rating and reviews from other parents can help you make a decision that works for your family.
