QUALITY RATINGS SCALE PILOT PROJECT
Many states are establishing a way of demarking 2-5 levels of child care quality, often referred to as “star” systems, similar to how hotels or restaurants are rated. Most states consider licensing as a one star level and NAEYC accreditation as a 5 star level. States often use the Qualty Ratings System (QRS) to develop tiered reimbursement for families receiving subsidies. It also provides information about quality for parents so they can select the best placement for their child.
The level of quality would be determined by a criteria with the following sections:
- Teacher Education and Training
- Director Education and Training
- Learning Environment
- Health, Safety and Nutrition
- Parent Involvement
- Administrative Policies and Practices
Family Child Care Providers Star System:
- Provider Education and Training
- Learning Environment
- Health, Safety and Nutrition
- Parent Involvement
- Administrative Policies and Practices
PROGRESS TO DATE
Phase 1 of the QRS was completed in October, 2006. This phase was focused in a rural area (Northeast Nebraska) and an urban area (Lincoln). In Lincoln, 29 family child care providers and 24 center based programs participated. In Northeast Nebraska, 20 family child care providers and 10 centers participated. These volunteers field tested the draft criteria and provided feedback about the process through a survey process. Focus Groups were also formed to gather input on the processes and the forms and these meetings have also been completed. All participants will receive feedback forms, once all the surveys and information has been gathered and tabulated.
Phase 2 began in October, 2006, with the same volunteer providers and centers. In this phase, providers are completing a new survey and a portfolio, documenting their experiences. All volunteers have received a small stipend for their help and support of this project. Phase 2 and the pilot project are expected to be completed in May, 2007. A report, including recommendation, will be prepared.
The Nebraska QRS Committee:
- Helen Raikes, University of Nebraska, Lincoln
- Carolyn Edwards, University of Nebraska, Lincoln
- Julia Torquati, University of Nebraska, Lincoln
- Dawn Davis, Unidersity of Nebraska, Lincoln
- Lori Chleborad, University of Nebraska, Lincoln
- Belle Howell, University of Nebraska, Lincoln
- Heather Babcock, University of Nebraska, Lincoln
- Amanda Malick, University of Nebraska, Lincoln
- Brinn Shjegstad, University of Nebraska, Lincoln
- Marcia Corr, Nebraska Department of Education
- Melody Hobson, Nebraska Department of Education
- Eleanor Kirkland, Nebraska Department of Education
- Carol Fichter, Early Childhood Training Center
- Terry Rohren, Early Childhood Training Center
- Penny Gildea, Early Childhood Training Center
- Jessica LaChere, Early Childhood Training Center
- Susan Strahm, Educational Service Unit #1
- Betty Medinger, Nebraska Department of Health and Human Services
- Pat Urzedowski, Nebraska Department of Health and Human Services
- Sandy Scott, Nebraska Department of Health and Human Services
- Kelly Medwick, Nebraska Children and Families Foundation
- Lisa St. Clair, Munroe-Meyer Institute, UNMC
- Tracy Gordon, Nebraska Association for the Education of Young Children
- Linda Zinke, Nebraska Assocation for the Education of Young Children
With questions, please contact Helen Raikes, Principal Investigator, hraikes2@unl.edu or Dawn Davis, Project Manager, ddavis@ccfl.unl.edu