Early Childhood QRIS Quality Improvement Strategies

This project collects, analyzes, and disseminates information about quality improvement activities that are part of states’ Quality Rating and Improvement Systems (QRIS), also known in some states simply as Quality Rating Systems (QRS). Currently, about 18 QRISs operate statewide, and several more states are developing these systems. These initiatives vary state by state, but all aim to raise the quality of early childhood programs serving children from infancy through preschool; some states also include school-age programs. Most QRISs offer early childhood providers supports to improve program quality, including professional development and on-site coaching or technical assistance.

To learn more about quality improvement activities in QRISs and their potential for improving program quality and outcomes for young children, this project:

1. Conducts a phone survey to obtain more in-depth information from each QRIS about features of the quality improvement supports it provides (such as, types of support, intensity, use of training models or tools) and
2. Conducts site visits in three to five states to gather in-depth information from providers, trainers, and stakeholders who are participating in QRIS quality improvement activities.

Findings from this project will be analyzed and discussed in the context of what is currently known about characteristics of quality improvement initiatives associated with positive changes in quality on dimensions that matter for young children’s development. The report on the project’s findings will present recommendations for ongoing work to strengthen and learn from state QRISs’ efforts to improve the quality of care and early

Early Childhood QRIS Quality Improvement Strategies is funded by the Birth to Five Policy Alliance.