STATE QRIS INFORMATION REQUEST...2 ARKANSAS QRIS Program Name Better Beginnings Contact for QRIS...

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QRIS State Profiles: State Participants in the Learning Table On Revising/Developing a Standards-Based QRIS (August 2012)

ALABAMA QRIS Program Name Alabama Quality STARS (Draft)

Contact for QRIS Dr. Calvin Moore, Jr. [email protected]

Service area Statewide

Pilot Phase Beginning October 1, 2012

Date full program launched Not applicable

Voluntary or part of licensing Voluntary

Website and link to current standards Not applicable

ELD Programs Eligible to participate Yes

Total numbers of ELD programs participating and (and % of universe)

Not applicable (QRIS not operational yet)

Number of participating licensed child care centers (and % of universe)


Number of participating regulated family child care programs (and % of universe)


Number of participating Head Start programs


Number of participating public Pre-K programs


Other participating programs (please name)


Percent of programs at each rating level Not applicable (QRIS not operational yet)

Rating structure(block, point, hybrid) Block

Number of levels: Five

Length of time rating is valid 36 months

Different process used to assess family child care

Yes, but in development phase

Different process used to assess Head Start, and/or State Pre-K

No

Different process used to assess accredited programs

Yes

Broad indicator categories Management and Administrative, Family Involvement and Community Partnerships, Learning and Curriculum, and Staff Qualifications and Professional Development

Date of last update to standards Standards are in Draft form; Pilot being implemented in Fall 2012

Licensing compliance included Yes

Ratio and group size indicators included Yes

Observational tools used PAS, ITERS, AND ECKERS

Frequency of observational assessment Once at each level

Financial incentives, describe or provide link to details

Not determined yet

Evaluation of the QRIS completed? If available on the website, list link

No

What other information about the QRIS are you most proud about? (current or working on)

mailto:[email protected]

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ARKANSAS QRIS Program Name Better Beginnings

Contact for QRIS Vicki Mathews 501 320-8913 [email protected]


Pilot Phase Pilot: 10/08 – 12/08 Transition Phase: 7/1/09 – 6/30/10

Date full program launched July 1, 2010


Website and link to current standards

www.ARBetterBeginnings.com

ELD Programs Eligible to participate Center-based, Family Child Care, School Age Care, Head Start/Early Head Start, Public Pre-K


804 31%


748 37%


49 8%


195


366


School age; Registered homes (license exempt), DDTCS, CHMI, RSPMI

Percent of programs at each rating level

Center-based: Level 1: 8% Level 2: 2% Level 3: 27% Home-based: Level 1:6% Level 2: 1% Level 3: 1%

Rating structure(block, point, hybrid) Building Block

Number of levels: 3

Length of time rating is valid 3 years


Yes Separate requirements for Family Child Care


Yes


Yes

Broad indicator categories Administration, Qualifications/professional development ,learning environment, environmental assessment, child/youth health & development

Date of last update to standards 5/2010


Ratio and group size indicators included

No included in licensing requirements

Observational tools used ERS (ECERS-R, ITERS-R, FCCERS, SACERS), YPQA, SAPQA, PAS, BAS

Frequency of observational assessment

3 years


Yes


Yes


Website: Guide book, Tool Kit, Family content Training for providers: Training sessions, Coaching, Mentoring, Webinars Media Kit: News release, Letter for families, Telephone script Promotional materials: Logo sheet, 3x6 banner, Window decal, Certificate, Message Map, Broadcast messages, eBlasts, News releases, Special events Focus group testing Professional Registry: Membership required by participants


http://www.arbetterbeginnings.com/

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CALIFORNIA QRIS Program Name (Race to the Top-Early Learning Challenge) RTT-ELC Quality Continuum Framework

The name varies amongst the17 RTT-ELC Regional Leadership Consortia’s.

Contact for QRIS Jaime Hastings; (916) 445-0969; [email protected]; Contacts for each of the 17 Consortia leads can be found on CDE’s RTT-ELC Web site link shared below.

Service area 17 Consortia in 16 counties: Alameda, Contra Costa, El Dorado, Fresno, Los Angeles, Merced, Orange, Sacramento, San Diego, San Francisco, San Joaquin, Santa Barbara, Santa Clara, Santa Cruz, Ventura, and Yolo.

Pilot Phase Now

Date full program launched January 2013



http://www.cde.ca.gov/sp/cd/rt/index.asp

ELD Programs Eligible to participate

Prioritizes programs serving children with high needs (including infants and toddlers, dual language learners, and children with special needs and other disabilities) including but not limited to: state preschool, subsidized child care; Head Start, Early Head Start, and Migrant Head Start; Part B and C of IDEA funded Early Learning and Development Programs; Title 1 preschool; migrant child care; tribal child care; and First 5 Power of Preschool (PoP) programs.


NA – The 17 Consortia members are currently working on their Action Plans. We will have more information on the projected number of participating programs in the fall. Bi-annual Progress Reports start in January 2013 and will capture number of participating programs.


NA


NA


NA


NA

Other participating programs NA


NA

Rating structure(block, point, hybrid)

Currently a block with hybrid discussions underway.

Number of levels: 3 common tiers; most are planning 5.

Length of time rating is valid 2 years (tentative)


Only at entry tier due to slightly different licensing requirements.


No


No. In one Consortium accreditation is an element at the top tier.

Broad indicator categories

Three Core areas, 8 Categories, and 15 elements. 1. Child Development & School Readiness: Early Learning & Development Standards

(Foundations/Standards & Child Observation), Comprehensive Assessment System (Developmental & Health Screening Tools), & Health Promotion Practices (CSEFEL & Health & Nutrition)

2. Teachers & Teaching: Early Childhood Educator Qualifications (Education, Experience, & Professional Growth Plan and ECE Competencies) & Effective Teacher-Child Interactions (CLASS)


http://www.cde.ca.gov/sp/cd/rt/index.asp

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California (continued) 3. Program & Environment: Licensing/Regulatory Requirements (Ratios & Group Size), Program Administration & Leadership (Environment Rating Scale, Director Qualifications, Director Experience, & PAS/BAS) & Family Engagement (Resources & Transition Plans)

Date of last update to standards Volume 1: (January 2008)

• Social-Emotional Development • Language and Literacy • English-Language Development • Mathematics

Volume 2: (December 2011)

• Visual and Performing Arts • Physical Development • Health

Volume 3: (Fall/Winter 2012 release planned)

• History-Social Science • Science

Licensing compliance included Yes, at first entry tier.

Ratio and group size indicators? Yes

Observational tools used ERS, CLASS, and PAS/BAS; PITC PARS to a lesser extent; ASQ and ASQ-SE as developmental screening tools for children; a health screen for children; and Desired Results Developmental Profile (DRDP-2010) as a child observation tool.


Every other year


Locally determined by each Consortia. Range from teacher and provider supports for education, classroom supplies, program/agency stipends, scholarships, etc.

Evaluation of the QRIS completed?

If available on the website, list link

RAND conducted a Virtual Pilot evaluation that was released in May 2012. http://www.rand.org/pubs/documented_briefings/DB647.html#abstract


California is implementing QRIS through a unique, very locally driven model. This model draws on significant local resources and expertise. A summary is below: Approximately 74 percent of California’s RTT-ELC grant funding will be spent at the local

level to support a voluntary network of 17 Regional Leadership Consortia (Consortia) in 16

counties, each led by an established organization that is already operating or developing a

QRIS. The number of children under five-years-of-age in these 16 counties is almost 1.9

million which represent almost 70 percent of the total children birth to five in California.

As part of the RTT-ELC grant, the Consortia will bring together organizations in their regions

with the same goal of improving the quality of early learning and will expand their current

areas of impact by inviting other programs to join their QRIS or reaching out to mentor

other communities. By joining California’s Race to the Top effort, the Consortia voluntarily

agree to align their local QRIS to a common “Quality Continuum Framework” (Framework)

based on research-based elements and related assessment and improvement tools. Based

on federal requirements and Consortia group consensus, the Consortia also agree to

implement in their QRISs three common tiers using the Framework as well as additional

locally-determined tiers. They will set local goals to improve the quality of early learning and

development programs in the following three areas:

1. Child development and readiness for school; 2. Teachers and teaching; and 3. Program and environment quality.

The end goal that unites these Consortia is to: Ensure that children in California have access

to high quality programs so that they thrive in their early learning settings and succeed in

kindergarten and beyond.

http://www.rand.org/pubs/documented_briefings/DB647.html#abstract

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CONNECTICUT QRIS Program Name

Contact for QRIS Deb Flis [email protected]; Eileen Ward [email protected]; Gerri Rowell [email protected]


Pilot Phase Fy 2014

Date full program launched

Voluntary or part of licensing











Number of levels:

Length of time rating is valid




Broad indicator categories Learning Environment; Staff qualifications & Professional Development; Health & Safety; Leadership & Management; Family Engagement & Support

Date of last update to standards

Licensing compliance included


Observational tools used








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DELAWARE QRIS Program Name Delaware Stars for Early Success

Contact for QRIS Jim Lesko, Director Early Development and Learning, Delaware Department of Education [email protected]

Service area statewide

Pilot Phase completed

Date full program launched July 8, 2008

Voluntary or part of licensing voluntary

Website and link to current standards [email protected]

ELD Programs Eligible to participate All licensed programs and state funded pre-k programs


314=22% (includes: 59 school-age programs, 28 Head Start, 60 family child care, 4 large family child care)


250=56% (includes Head Start and School-Age programs)


64=7%


28


4


Percent of programs at each rating level Starting with Stars=80 (25%), Star 2= 132 (42%), Star 3=26 (8%), Star 4=55 (18%), Star 5=22 (7%)

Rating structure(block, point, hybrid) hybrid

Number of levels: Star Levels 2-5; entry level is called “Starting with Stars”



no


Yes, alternate pathway; entry at Star 4 with ERS required for move to Star 5


Yes, alternate pathway; entry at Star 5

Broad indicator categories Family & Community Partnerships; Qualifications & Professional Development; Management & Administration; Learning Environment & Curriculum

Date of last update to standards January 2012

Licensing compliance included Entry level is licensing as a baseline and programs must be in good standing with licensing

Ratio and group size indicators included Yes-ratios No-group size

Observational tools used ERS across all program types

Frequency of observational assessment As requested or at minimum every 2 years


Grants, Awards and Tiered Reimbursement (80% of mkt. rate at Star 3, 90% at 4, 100% at 5) [email protected]

Evaluation of the QRIS completed? If

available on the website, list link

No


Stars Plus is an initiative to offer intensive technical assistance to small group of programs offering services to high needs children with additional supports for grants, professional development and a director’s community of learning

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GEORGIA QRIS Program Name Quality Rated

Contact for QRIS Laura J. Johns, Ph.D. [email protected]


Pilot Phase Completed

Date full program launched January 3, 2012



https://qualityrated.decal.ga.gov/

ELD Programs Eligible to participate Licensed or Registered programs that are compliant ( Child Care Center, Group Day Care Homes, Family Child Care Homes, DOE, DOD, Head Start)


769 programs participating in Quality Rated 6300 Licensed/Registered Programs in GA (12.2%)


571 Child Care Centers participating of 3,081 = 18.5%


168 family child care centers of 2,962 = 5.7%


52


328

Other participating programs ?

Percent of programs at rating level No programs rated – launch was in January 2012

Rating structure(block, point, hybrid) Points

Number of levels: 3

Length of time rating is valid 3 years / With annual review


None – just different criteria and assessment instruments (FCCERS-R)


None


None

Broad indicator categories 1) Ratio/Group size 2) Nutrition, Physical Development and Health, 3) Family Engagement, 4) Intentional Teaching Practices and 5) Teacher/Admin Credentials

Date of last update to standards 1/3/2012

Licensing compliance included Yes –must be compliant to participate


Yes – Ratios count for points, group sizes do not count for points

Observational tools used ITERS – R, ECERS-R, SACCERS, FCCERS- R


3 years to maintain or go up a level required. If you are ready to try to move up a level sooner an observation is required.


1,000 materials and supply grant for participating in technical assistance 500 bonus check for submission of portfolio Bonus packages ranging from $3,500-$6,000 based on level awarded.

Evaluation of the QRIS completed? If

available on the website, list link

Validation study in progress


Enhancements to criteria regarding cultural competency - Private partnerships Targeted TA provided in cohort groups - County Support Larger investments at lower levels to support participation –helping programs begin their process toward higher quality


https://qualityrated.decal.ga.gov/

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HAWAII QRIS Program Name QRIS Pilot

Contact for QRIS Dr. Grace Fong, [email protected] 808-956-5303 Or Janina Martin, [email protected] 808-956-7232

Service area State of Hawaii

Pilot Phase January 2012-June 2013

Date full program launched Currently in pilot phase

Voluntary or part of licensing Voluntary but current license with the State required to participate


http://hawaii.gov/dhs/self-sufficiency/childcare/


Any licensed center-based program or family child care home: Faith-Based, Head Start, Early Head Start, P-3, Pre-Plus, For-profit, Non-profit, Native Hawaiian, Multi-site, Kamehameha Schools, Group Child Care Home, Accredited programs (AMS, AWSNA, NAEYC, NLSA, ASCI, WASC, NECPA), Family Child Care providers. All programs must be licensed to provide childcare through the State of Hawaii Department of Human Services (DHS) licensing division to participate. Pilot sites were selected from a pool of applicants.


Total of 19 licensed ELD programs participating in pilot: 2% of total # of licensed programs in state. Total ELD programs in Hawaii: 928 (as of June 2012)


9 licensed center-based ELD sites are participating in the Hawaii QRIS Pilot program (2.2% of total # of licensed center-based programs in state. Total GCC’s in Hawaii: 418 (as of June 2012)


10 regulated family child care programs are participating in the Hawaii QRIS Pilot program (1.9% of total # of regulated family child care programs in the state. Total FCC’s in Hawaii: 501 (as of June 2012)


1


None. Hawaii does not currently have public Pre-K programs.


Combined three and four-year-old & Infant/Toddler program: 2 sites participating Faith Based three and four-year-old program: 6 sites participating Multi-site program: 1 site participating *NAEYC Accredited center based programs: 2 * Accredited center based programs are also included in the count for Faith Based program count


Information is not yet available.


Block

Number of levels: 5

Length of time rating is valid 1 year


Staff Qualification requirements for administrative/business knowledge is based on clock hours (community based training hours), not credit hours as required for administrators/directors of center based programs. FCERS and BAS assessment tools used.


No


Accredited programs receive the full set of assessments (ERS, CLASS, PAS) during the first round of assessments. This is different from non-accredited sites which receive only the ERS in the first round of assessments, unless the site meets all requirements for a Level 3 rating, at which time the CLASS and PAS assessments are done.

Broad indicator categories Early Childhood Care and Education (with sub-categories), Diversity and Inclusion, Family Partnerships, Staff Qualifications, Program Design and Management



http://hawaii.gov/dhs/self-sufficiency/childcare/

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Hawaii (continued) Date of last update to standards

February 2012. Hawaii is currently in mid-design of comprehensive State early learning standards: Hawaii Early Learning and Development Standards or HELDS; These standards are written into the QRIS Pilot design, and will be implemented once the State adopts the standards.



No (required by licensing)

Observational tools used ERS (ECERS-R, ITERS, FCCERS) CLASS PreK, PAS, BAS


1st

round of assessments is conducted after an initial provider orientation. 2

nd round of assessments may be conducted as early as 6 months after the initial assessment

and receipt of the program’s quality improvement plan, when a program requests a Level advancement. Alternately, one year after the initial round of assessments, a site can request a level maintenance status (instead of Level Advancement), which does not require assessments to be done. * CLASS and PAS/BAS observations are conducted as initial assessments for accredited programs; all other programs receive these observations if the site meets all other level 3 criteria prior to a CLASS and PAS/BAS assessment.


http://hawaii.gov/dhs/self-sufficiency/childcare/Working%20Draft%20QIRS%20Pilot%20Policies%20and%20Procedures.pdf Pages 34-36 explains the QRIS Awards and QRIS Grant process


No


A comprehensive Database has been built with the capability of capturing information from assessments and generating multiple reports for participant sites. The database also allows coach support to log face-to-face hours with practitioners, practitioners are able access the site information in real time, assessors input data directly into the database after assessments, and the QRIS Administrative team has the ability to maintain quality control measures around data entries and storage of data over time. The QRIS Pilot process has also stimulated discussions regarding Registry Framework requirements which have resulted in development of a QRIS Pilot Framework for Early Care and Education Professionals. While this pilot Framework is only being used for the Pilot, it may serve as a model for future revisions to Hawaii’s Registry Framework.

http://hawaii.gov/dhs/self-sufficiency/childcare/Working%20Draft%20QIRS%20Pilot%20Policies%20and%20Procedures.pdf

http://hawaii.gov/dhs/self-sufficiency/childcare/Working%20Draft%20QIRS%20Pilot%20Policies%20and%20Procedures.pdf

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KENTUCKY QRIS Program Name STARS for KIDS NOW

Contact for QRIS Phillip Smith, Quality Initiatives Section Supervisor [email protected]


Pilot Phase January 2001-July2001; Type I Centers January 2002-July 2002; Type II and Certified Family homes

Date full program launched Continued from pilot programs



Website: http://chfs.ky.gov/dcbs/dcc/stars Participation guidelines for providers: http://chfs.ky.gov/dcbs/dcc/stars/starsproviderinfo.htm


Total numbers of ELD programs participating and % of universe)

Number of participating licensed child care centers and % of universe

952; 41.30% of total licensed providers

Number of participating regulated family child care programs and % of universe

113; 18.74% of total certified providers



Other participating programs ?


1 STAR – 13.52% 2 STARS – 58.03% 3 STARS – 25.92% 4 STARS – 2.54%


Block Standards + ERS Score

Number of levels: 4

Length of time rating is valid 1 STAR = 1 year 2 STARS = 2 years 3 STARS = 3 years 4 STARS = 4 years


No, process of assessment is the same but Environmental Rating Scoring is based on the FCCERS-R scoring tool.


No


No, but accredited programs can potentially be awarded a higher STAR level since is it a requirement of the Level 4 STAR rating.

Broad indicator categories – Child to Caregiver Ratios – Program Curriculum – Child Care Staff Training – Program Regulatory Compliance – Personnel Policies

Date of last update to standards July 2008

Licensing compliance included Yes, licensing approval is required and Civil Monetary Penalties and other licensing sanctions are reviewed during entry and participation in program.


Yes, included in each level’s standard requirements


http://chfs.ky.gov/dcbs/dcc/stars

http://chfs.ky.gov/dcbs/dcc/stars/starsproviderinfo.htm

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Kentucky (continued) Observational tools used

Yes, Harms, Cryer & Clifford ERS tools used


Required at each new and renewal rating; Frequency varies according to STAR level




Yes, a recent evaluation was completed in June 2012. That information has not been made public via website, but is currently under review by the Division of Child Care.


Due to program changes to streamline participation and entry in mid-2010, program participation has increased by 221 providers as of June 30, 2012.


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MISSISSIPPI QRIS Program Name Quality Stars

Contact for QRIS Monica May [email protected]

Service area statewide

Pilot Phase 2007-2009

Date full program launched January 2009

Voluntary or part of licensing voluntary


http://www.earlychildhood.msstate.edu/programs/qualitystars/index.php


1684


537 – 32%


537 - 32%


Piloting family child care program


72


Piloting in 2 public PreK programs in 2012-2013

Other participating programs


5 star – 1% (5), 2 star – 4% (16), 3 star – 12% (47), 2 star – 20% (82), 1 star – 63% (255) Currently 132 enrolled centers have not completed the process


block

Number of levels: 5

Length of time rating is valid 1 year


Piloting family child care


Same process for Head Start; no statewide PreK


Same process for accredited programs

Broad indicator categories Program administration; professional qualifications; program evaluation; classroom learning environments; parent involvement

Date of last update to standards Developed in 2006 prior to pilot year

Licensing compliance included Valid license required for participation


no

Observational tools used ITERS-R, ECERS-R


annually


Bonus for centers serving children on certificates based on star level; http://www.earlychildhood.msstate.edu/programs/qualitystars/assistanceprog/index.php


Pending RFP for external evaluation


http://www.earlychildhood.msstate.edu/programs/qualitystars/index.php

http://www.earlychildhood.msstate.edu/programs/qualitystars/assistanceprog/index.php

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Mississippi (continued) What other information about the QRIS are you most proud about? (current or working on)

32% participation rate The overall image of Quality Stars is improving Providers and agencies are seeking information directly from Quality Stars staff and not

solely listening to information circulating within the communities. Providers are participating in Quality Stars who want quality and seeking what it best for the

children and families they serve and not just for getting materials The revision of the current Quality Stars Manual The public awareness of Quality Stars implemented through the Quality Stars Parent

Campaign rolled out by Department of Human Services, Division of Early Childhood Care and Development

Quality Star Ratings have gone public as of May 15, 2012 Our new name Quality Stars, logo, decals and certificates to rated centers Educational materials provided to Quality Stars rated centers Training opportunities of the Environmental Rating Scales (ITERS-R & ECERS-R) components

to participating centers Collaboration and Referral efforts in our state

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NEVADA QRIS Program Name Silver State Stars

Contact for QRIS Patti Oya [email protected]

Service area Southern Nevada

Pilot Phase Completed July 1, 2009 - June 30, 2012

Date full program launched July 1, 2012 (Southern Nevada, centers only)

Voluntary or part of licensing Voluntary, but licensed centers are considered one-star


www.nvsilverstatestars.org


Licensed child care centers, Early Head Start programs, and Head Start programs

Total numbers of ELD programs participating and % of universe

We have not currently rated any centers (230 total centers in Southern Nevada)

Number of participating licensed child care centers and % of universe

Three in the coaching program

Number of participating regulated family child care programs and % of universe

N/A


11 in the coaching program


Zero, but will be meeting with Pre-k directors soon

Other participating programs N/A


N/A


Hybrid

Number of levels Five

Length of time rating is valid Two years


N/A, but yes, there will be in the future

Different process used to assess Head Start or Pre-K

No


A center can only be a five-star rated program if they are NAEYC or NECPA accredited and meet additional requirements

Broad indicator categories Policies & Procedures, Administration & Staff Development, Health & Safety, and Family & Community Partners


June 30, 2012



Yes

Observational tools used ITERS-R and ECERS-R


Every two years


Centers in the coaching program can receive a grant ($4,000-$8,500) based on their licensing capacity. Centers receive a small bonus ($250-$1,000) if they increase to star level 3, 4, or 5 at their renewal. Tiered reimbursement at star levels 3, 4, and 5 (6%, 9%, and 12%).


Evaluation of the pilot project was completed. Report will be on website soon – www.nvsilverstatestars.org


When developing our system, we had a committee of over 75 people, representing over 40 agencies participate. We had good representation from center directors, owners, community and educational organizations. We were able to use the information from the pilot project and input from the committee to make changes before implementing phase 1 this July.


http://www.nvsilverstatestars.org/

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NEW HAMPSHIRE QRIS Program Name NH QRIS

Contact for QRIS Ellen Wheatley, Child Development Bureau, Administrator [email protected] Jessica Locke, Awards Licensed-Plus designation and tracks participation Kristin Booth, Leading the Task Force to revise NH's QRIS [email protected]


Pilot Phase None

Date full program launched 2006

Voluntary or part of licensing Voluntary, but licensing is considered the first level and compliance is a requirement.


Standards for the Licensed-Plus level can be found at the http://www.dhhs.nh.gov/dcyf/licensedplus/index.htm


All licensed programs, including Centers, Family Homes and Family Group Homes


129 hold the Licensed-Plus designation. 59 programs hold the NAEYC Accreditation designation. 0 hold the NAFCC or the NAA/COA Accreditation designation. Total number of programs participating is 188 of 1048 licensed programs is 18%


124 licensed centers (including Head Start) hold the Licensed-Plus designation 59 licensed centers (including Head Start) hold the NAEYC Accreditation designation Total number of licensed centers participating is 183 of 763 licensed centers is 24%


5 family child care programs hold the Licensed Plus designation. Total number of licensed family child care providers participating is 5 of 285 is 2%


7 Head Start programs hold the Licensed-Plus designation. 17 Head Start programs hold the NAEYC Accreditation designation 24 total Head Start programs are participating.


NH does not have public Pre-K.


No other programs are participating.


Licensed-Plus: 129/1048 = 12% Accredited: 59/1048 =6%

Rating structure (block, point, hybrid)

New Hampshire QRS does not use a traditional rating structure. Programs who are in good standing with licensing (do not have any violations without a corrective action plan) and do not have a license that is suspended or revoked are at the foundational level of the QRIS with the designation of licensed. The Licensed-Plus designation has 22 standards, 11 of which are required. Programs must choose and meet 5 additional standards to achieve the Licensed-Plus designation. The licensed standards above are one of the 11 criteria. Programs achieving accreditation status are recognized with the accreditation designation. Participating programs are designated as either Licensed-Plus OR accredited, but not both.

Number of levels: Three: Licensed, Licensed-Plus and Accredited (NAEYC, NAFCC, COA)

Length of time rating is valid The Licensed-Plus designation is valid for 3 years. Accreditation is the length that a program remains accredited according to the accreditation standards (typically 5 years)


Staff performance evaluations are not required. However, family child care providers must 1) Document that he or she has completed a one-year operating budget and has liability insurance coverage, or 2) initial a statement that applicable taxes have been/will be filed annually.

Only family group child care homes (not family child care homes) are required to have personnel policies and a handbook.

Only family child care homes must communicate program policies to the parents/families of enrolled children via a parent handbook/family information packet or handbook, enrollment materials, contract, welcome letter or other written communication. This standard is optional for centers and family group homes.



http://www.dhhs.nh.gov/dcyf/licensedplus/index.htm

16

New Hampshire (continued) Different process used to assess Head Start, and/or State Pre-K

For option 1 of Licensed-Plus or Accreditation, no different process(es) are used to evaluate Head Start programs. For option 2 of Licensed-Plus, Head Start programs may meet licensing standards, show that at least one staff member has attended an Early Learning Guidelines workshop in the past 12 months, and document participation in the Head Start Review without a deficiency.


No different process is used to evaluate accredited programs. Holding accreditation status meets the requirement. For option 2 of Licensed-Plus, programs who are actively pursuing accreditation may meet licensing standards, show that at least one staff member has attended an Early Learning Guidelines workshop in the past 12 months, and document either: 1) request of an observation visit from NAFCC or 2) participation in "Step Two: Becoming an Applicant for NAEYC Accreditation."


Regulation, Administration & Business Practices, Learning Environment, Parent/Family Involvement, Children with Special Needs, Professional Development, Staff Qualifications and Compensation, and Program Evaluation.


The Licensed-Plus level was created in 2005 and has not been updated. We are currently revising our QRIS.

Licensing compliance included Yes, all programs must be licensed (and in good standing) by the Department of Health and Human Services, Child Care Licensing Unit. Programs with suspended or conditional licenses may not apply.


No, not above those required by DHHS, Child Care Licensing Unit.

Observational tools used No observational tools are required for the Licensed-Plus level. However, one of the optional requirements that programs can choose from is to complete a self-assessment of an environmental rating scale (ITERS, ECERS, FCERS or SACERS). The accreditation observation is used for the accredited level.


Not required.


NH has a tiered reimbursement structure of 5% above the licensed rate of the NH Child Care Scholarship (subsidy) rate for Licensed-Plus programs, and 10% above the licensed rate of the NH Child Care Scholarship (subsidy) rate to accredited programs. However, these tired reimbursements were suspended on January 1, 2010.


An evaluation of the QRIS has not been attempted.


We are proud to have included standards around family involvement and children with special needs from the beginning. We are currently proud to be working on a revision of NH's QRIS with a variety of stakeholders with (selected) guiding principles of keeping children and families at the core, ensuring that standards and supports are meaningful, promoting access for all families, and ensuring that programs are able to maintain levels or quality that they achieve.

17

NEW MEXICO QRIS Program Name Look for the STARS (Current QRIS system) FOCUS (revised TQRIS system)

Contact for QRIS Judy Fifield [email protected] Judy Fifield [email protected]

Service area Statewide Statewide

Pilot Phase January 2013 – June 2014 Pilot phase of FOCUS TQRIS

Date full program launched 1999 Proposed date for implementation is July 1, 2014

Voluntary or part of licensing Voluntary Voluntary


www.newmexicokids.org www.newmexicokids.org


Licensed programs with priority given to those who meet identified eligibility criteria (i.e. serve a high percentage of children receiving subsidy, infants/toddlers, non-traditional hours, etc.)

Licensed programs with a 2-STAR or higher level license from all settings. Selection criteria to be determined for programs who apply to participate in the pilot phases of FOCUS.


937 programs with a 2 STAR to 5 STAR license designation 91 % of total number of licensed programs

315 programs during pilot phase: 45 programs - Cohort 1 of Year 1 of pilot phase. 120 programs - Cohort 2 of Year 1 of pilot phase. 150 programs - Cohort 3 of Year 2 of pilot phase.


63 % 0 % at this time


28% 0% at this time


23: 1 STAR, 41: 2 STAR, 9: 3 STAR, 7: 4 STAR, 41: 5 STAR

0% at this time


70 (100% of programs operating in community based, licensed child care facilities)

0 at this time


n/a


7%: 1 STAR 51%: 2 STAR 9%: 3 STAR 7%: 4 STAR 26 %: 5 STAR

100% of programs will be at 2-STAR or higher. Programs will continue with their current STAR license designation as they fully transition into FOCUS.


Block Block

Number of levels: 5 3

Length of time rating is valid Annual from license expiration date Annual from license expiration date


No No


No No


Programs accredited by a state approved accrediting body are not assessed

Programs accredited by a state approved accrediting body will not be assessed. State has developed FOCUS criteria as an alternative option to accreditation that will also be recognized at a 5-STAR level – the highest quality level in FOCUS.



http://www.newmexicokids.org/

http://www.newmexicokids.org/

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New Mexico (continued) Broad indicator categories

- Social responsive environment - Physical environment - Child assessment and curriculum planning - Family involvement - Ratios - Accreditation

- The Authentic Child Assessment Process and

Early Learning Guidelines

- Family Engagement Strategies

- Health, Safety, and Health Promotion

Practices

- Comprehensive Program Assessment and

Continuous Improvement System

- Early Childhood Educator Qualifications


Initially in 1998. Several revisions have taken place. The last update was completed in 2005.

2011


Yes Yes


Yes Yes

Observational tools used Environment Rating Scales Initially the Environment Rating Scales, CLASS, Program Administration Scale/Business Administration Scale will be used. During pilot phase, the state will be developing one tool that will be validated by a national research organization. This tool will replace the other three tools listed above.


Criteria verified annually Criteria will be verified annually


The department pays a differential rate to providers achieving higher Star levels as follows: 3-Star at $70.00; 4-Star at $104.50 and 5-Star at $132.00, per child per month for full time care above the base reimbursement rate.

The department will continue to pay a differential rate to providers achieving higher Star levels as follows: 3-Star at $70.00; 4-Star at $104.50 and 5-Star at $132.00, per child per month for full time care above the base reimbursement rate.

Evaluation of the QRIS

completed? If available on

the website, list link

No New Mexico will be contracting with a national research organization during the pilot phase. This organization will be validating the FOCUS TQRIS criteria and verification process.


-This is the 2nd

generation of the New Mexico Quality Rating and Improvement System initially started with 5 ascending levels of quality. - Once 70% of licensed programs met the quality criteria, the criteria became embedded into basic licensing regulations. Criteria for level 1 and level 2 have been incorporated into basic licensing regulations – thus raising the quality of care for all programs. The 3 remaining higher levels of quality are in the current system. - There has been a significant increase in the number of programs at higher levels of quality serving more children who receive subsidy. - This work has positioned our state to continue to raise the level of quality and prepared us for development of the 3rd generation of TQRIS called FOCUS.

- This is the 3rd

generation of New Mexico’s Tiered Quality Rating and Improvement System. - The focus is on children’s learning using an authentic child assessment process to develop curriculum that is tied to the state’s Early Learning Guidelines for children from birth through age 5. - The observation tool/s will be used by programs for self-assessment and to develop a program quality improvement plan. - Family engagement materials that are based on the Early Learning Guidelines are being developed to support children’s learning at home.

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OKLAHOMA QRIS Program Name Reaching for the Stars

Contact for QRIS Jennifer Towell, 405-522-0526, [email protected]


Pilot Phase

Date full program launched February 1998

Voluntary or part of licensing

Licensing is issued One Star Status, Voluntary for higher levels (1+, 2, 3)


www.okdhs.org


Licensed programs: child care center, homes, part-day and school age, Early Head Start & Head Start, Pre-K as well as Exempt Tribal, Military and Out of State child care programs


4077 as all programs are issued a Star status. 2180 participate as a 1+ or higher, which is 53% of the population


1707 Child Care Centers—As all facilities are given a Star status 1177 Child Care Centers, which is 69% of center population participating as 1+ or higher


2370 Family Child Care Homes—As all facilities are given a Star Status 1003 Family Child Care Homes, which is 42% of home population participating as 1+ or higher


59


0


Exempt Military: 5 child care centers, 4 School-age and 1 Family Child Care Home. Exempt Out of State: 1 Child Care Center


47% One Star, .04% 1+ Star, 43% 2 Star, .05% 3 Star


Currently a block, planning for a redesign of the system to a hybrid with additional levels

Number of levels: 4--One Star, One Star Plus, Two Star, Three Star

Length of time rating is

valid

No expiration, valid as long as programs maintain compliance with licensing requirements and Stars criteria.


Same application process/similar criteria, use FCCERS for program evaluation


Same application process/similar criteria, use ECERS, ITERS-R, SACERS for program evaluation, but may use CLASS as well. Head Start Standards as considered the same as Accreditation.


Same application process/similar criteria, are exempt from use of ERS

Broad indicator categories Yes, with criteria specific to homes or centers. Categories are: License/Compliance, Administrative practices, Learning Environment, Family Engagement, Qualifications, Professional Development and Program Evaluation


7/1/12


Yes as foundation


http://www.okdhs.org/

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Oklahoma (continued) Ratio and group size indicators included

Only in relation to number of staff required to have specific Qualifications

Observational tools used Environment Rating Scales and On-going Monitoring by Licensing


ERS due every 3 years, Monitoring due by licensing at least Annual, with follow-up or partial visits as needed.


Tiered Reimbursement, Professional Development Vouchers, www.okdhs.org Scholarships, http://www.okhighered.org/scholars/ REWARD, www.cecpd.org


completed? If available on

the website, list link

Last evaluation was 2003


Implementation of Consultation and Technical Support Specialist has made a difference in program quality and understanding the why/how/what of quality criteria and practice. As well as increased the ability to tailor training to site specific issues and improvements. They have been able to build relationships and influence change. QRIS has caused facilities to be more aware of their licensing compliance to ensure minimum Health and Safety in order to build higher quality. Increased focus on the learning environment and have added additional professional

development requirements (ELG training, additional hours).

Increase in criteria that embed the Oklahoma Early Learning Guidelines and Oklahoma Core

Competencies.

QRIS has raised the education level of staff in child care facilities and allows for a focus on workforce development by adding criteria for participation on Oklahoma’s Professional Development Registry. We continue to modify criteria to raise the bar for what quality care should be as well as increase minimum requirements accordingly.

http://www.okdhs.org/

http://www.okhighered.org/scholars/

http://www.cecpd.org/

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OREGON QRIS Program Name Oregon Programs of Quality (Working w/Governor’s office toward securing name)

Contact for QRIS Dawn Woods (503) 947-1418 [email protected]

Service area Entire state (13 service delivery areas)

Pilot Phase Begins January 1, 2013

Date full program launched Begins January 1, 2015

Voluntary or part of licensing Built on foundation of licensing. Moving up is voluntary.


n/a


Must be licensed programs.

Total numbers of ELD programs participating and % of universe

Currently, 21 programs 2013 field test, 250 programs


Currently, 10 programs 2013 field test, 80 programs= 8%


Currently, 11 certified and registered family child care programs 2013 field test, 3,650 programs=4.5%


25, phase 2 of rollout, March 1, 2013


25 (In Oregon, Head Start and Pre-K are the same thing)

Other participating programs NAYEC and NAFCC accredited programs


5 yr targets: 40% licensed level, 30% C2Q, 15% 3Star, 10% 4 Star, 5% 5 Star


Block structure

Number of levels Five



Same process


Modified process based on crosswalk of standards, more streamlined process recognizing they have met national Head Start standards.


Modified process based on crosswalk of standards, more streamlined process recognizing they have met national accreditation standards.

Broad indicator categories 5 Domains: Collaborative Family Partnerships, Child Development and Learning, Physical Environment, Highly Qualified Personnel, Administration and Business Practices


August, 2012


Yes


Yes

Observational tools used Yes, CLASS Observation Tool


3 years, with 1 year ongoing monitoring (exploring the use of licensure)


Incremental, web, program and practitioner incentives


Yes, see attached* EQUIP evaluation

What other information about the QRIS are you most proud about?

Efficiency as a guiding principle; sustainability as a guiding principle; collaboration across partners, and Governor’s support.


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TEXAS QRIS Program Name Texas Rising Star

Contact for QRIS Philip Warner [email protected]

Service area Statewide (All 28 Workforce Development Boards)

Pilot Phase Developing /Revising

Date full program launched 1991



http://www.twc.state.tx.us/svcs/childcare/provcert.html


10,407 (July 2012 only)


1,515/10,407 = 15%


16.61% (1,285) = Number of centers that are TRS-certified


6.09% (230) = Number of licensed and registered homes that are TRS-certified


Data unavailable


NA


NA


0.13% TRS Provisional (Licensed/Registered Homes) 4.88% TRS 2 Star 0.26% TRS Deferred Status 23.50% TRS 3 Star 79.74% TRS 4 Star 6.14% TRS Fully Certified (Licensed/Registered Homes) 1,515 Total


Hybrid

Number of levels: Centers - 3 Homes - 2 (Provisional or Full Certification)

Length of time rating is valid Licensed Centers: For accredited (verify good standing with military and/or accreditation entity) and 4-star providers the recertification time is every 3 years, for 3-star providers recertification takes place every 2 years and for 2-star providers recertification occurs on an annual basis. Licensed and Registered Homes: For fully certified providers, recertification time is every 2 years, for provisionally certified, recertification occurs on an annual basis.


A separate tool is used for registered and licensed homes


The licensed center tool would be used for Head Start, if licensed. State Pre-K is regulated by the Texas Education Agency, therefore, not eligible for participation in TRS.


Child care providers who are regulated by the military or who have attained one of the following national accreditations may be certified as a TRS Provider without going through the TRS Provider assessment process and are initially enrolled as a Four-Star or fully certified provider: ♦ National Association for the Education of Young Children (NAEYC) ♦ National Early Childhood Program Accreditation (NECPA) ♦ National Accreditation Commission for Early Child Care and Education Program (NAC)


http://www.twc.state.tx.us/svcs/childcare/provcert.html

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Texas (continued) ♦ Association of Christian School International (ACSI) ♦ National Association of Family Child Care (NAFCC) ♦ National AfterSchool Association (NAA)

Broad indicator categories TRS Certification Criteria: Licensing Compliance, Director Qualifications (Centers only), Staff/Caregiver Qualifications, Staff/Caregiver Orientation, Staff/Caregiver Training, Group Size, Curriculum/Activities, Caregiver-Child Interaction, Physical Environment, Health/Safety, Nutrition/Meal time, Parental Involvement


The standards were last updated in July 2012; the number of annual training hours was increased for caregivers and directors, to reflect the recent Child Care Licensing (CCL) training hour requirement increase.

Licensing compliance included Yes. Prescreening forms are used to determine if providers are eligible for TRS certification/recertification. Providers must have 12 months of licensing history, be in good standing (not on Corrective or Adverse action through CCL), and be on a minimum of an 8 month inspection frequency for centers and licensed homes, and a minimum of a 24 month inspection frequency for registered homes. Additionally, regarding licensing history, in order to be eligible, there are 7 citations that a provider cannot have on their licensing history and cannot have more 9 total deficiencies or exceed 4 deficiencies in the high -risk or medium-high risk standards in the last 12 months of their licensing history.


Currently, only group sizes are included in the standards. Ratio requirements may be added in the future.

Observational tools used Standards were developed by a State workgroup using research on the specific indicators of quality in the child care field.


NA


Enhanced reimbursement (minimum 5 %) tied to quality for children receiving subsidy. Some Boards provide grants, bonuses, and/or onetime awards or purchase child care equipment.


completed? If available on the

website, list link

NA


TRS Certification can be used as a stepping stone for national accreditation.

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VIRGIN ISLANDS Program Name VI Steps to Quality: Improving Early Care and Education

Contact for QRIS Olga Santos [email protected]

Service area St. Croix/St. Thomas/St. John

Pilot

Date full program launched Will launch Fall 2012



Not yet available


Child Care, Head Start, After School









Number of levels: 5

Length of time rating is valid








Observational tools used






STATE QRIS INFORMATION REQUEST...2 ARKANSAS QRIS Program Name Better Beginnings Contact for QRIS...

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