States and Territories are involved in a variety of activities to improve the availability and quality of early and school-age care programs. Most often these activities are supported by quality set-aside funds from the Child Care and Development Fund (CCDF). A growing number of States use CCDF funds to create quality rating systems (QRS). A QRS is a systemic approach to assess, improve, and communicate the level of quality in early and school-age care programs. Similar to rating systems for restaurants and hotels, QRS award quality ratings to early and school-age care programs that meet a set of defined program standards. These systems, which may also be called quality rating and improvement systems (QRIS), provide an opportunity for States to increase the quality of care for children, increase parents’ understanding and demand for better care, and increase professional development of child care providers. A QRS can also be a strategy for aligning components of the early and school-age care system for increased accountability in improving quality of care. Additional information about QRS is available on NCCIC’s Web site at http://nccic.acf.hhs.gov/topics/topic/index.cfm?topicId=44.
All QRS are composed of five elements: (1) standards, (2) accountability measures, (3) program and practitioner outreach and support, (4) financing incentives, and (5) parent/ consumer education efforts. Currently, 17 States (Colorado, District of Columbia, Indiana, Iowa, Kentucky, Louisiana, Maine, Maryland, Montana, New Hampshire, New Mexico, North Carolina, Ohio, Oklahoma, Pennsylvania, Tennessee, and Vermont) have statewide QRS.
The following is a sample of resources with research about the impact of QRS on early and school-age care. Also included is a brief description of the States’ QRS. The sample includes summaries of evaluation research conducted in Colorado, Kentucky, North Carolina, Oklahoma, Pennsylvania , and Tennessee. Resources are presented alphabetically by State and chronologically by publication date. Additional sections include information about research on pilot QRS and an evaluation of tiered reimbursement policies, which may be a component of financing incentives for QRS. Also included are general resources that provide an overview on this topic and information about environment rating scales. Additional resources are available via NCCIC’s Online Library, which can be accessed at http://nccic.acf.hhs.gov/library/index.cfm?do=oll.search. NCCIC does not endorse any organization, publication, or resource.
Additional information is available by visiting http://www.qualistar.org or calling Qualistar Early Learning at 303-339-6800.
STARS for KIDS NOW is Kentucky’s voluntary child care QRS. Information about this rating system is available at
www.education.ky.gov/KDE/Instructional+Resources/Early+Childhood+Development/STARS++for+
KIDS+NOW+%28Quality+Rating+System%29.htm.
The 2003-2004 evaluation of the KIDS NOW Initiative demonstrates the rapid implementation of components throughout the state. Additionally, data from this evaluation year reveals the third statewide picture of center-based child care program quality in the state of Kentucky. The Universities of Kentucky and Louisville collaborated to evaluate programs using an integration of data (surveys, face-to-face interviews, and classroom observations) that indicated five key findings:
1. Center-based child care programs in Kentucky have decreased in quality. There is a need for improvement.
For the first time since the Initiative has begun, Infant/toddler [sic] classroom quality was superior to preschool classroom quality. Overall scores on the ITERS-R [Infant/Toddler Environment Rating Scale-Revised] and ECERS-R [Early Childhood Environment Rating Scale-Revised] were lower in previous years. Quality scores were significantly lower in preschool classrooms. Participation in the STARS for KIDS NOW rating system decreased. However, the centers who participated in STARS for KIDS NOW had increased STAR ratings. Quality of care was lower in programs serving large numbers of children on subsidy and minority children despite participation in components of the initiative.
2. Familiarity with and participation in the KIDS NOW Initiative are related to overall center quality.
3. Program differences in quality were found.
4. Issues that impact positive language and literacy environments were discovered.
5. Urban and rural differences exist in the way child care providers participate in and perceive the benefits of the components of the KIDS NOW Initiative. (pp. 1-2)
Additional information is available by calling Annette Bridges, Kentucky Department of Education, at 502-564-7056 or emailing Annette.Bridges@education.ky.gov.
This document provides an overview of assessment scores based on information collected during the first three years of the Star Rated License implementation (September 1, 1999, to August 31, 2002). It is important to note that these findings primarily apply to the quality of care in programs applying for three, four, or five points in program standards. Therefore, these findings are not based on a representative sample of programs in North Carolina partly because the majority of child care facilities in North Carolina and nearly all current programs with one, two, or three stars have not had an assessment using the rating scale. (p. 2)
The report states the following:
Assessment scores provide valuable insight into the areas of achievement and those areas in need of resources and continuing improvement in child care centers across the state. (p. 5)
Ratings are discussed for preschool, infant, and school-age classrooms as well as for family child care homes. The report states the following:
In addition to the rating scale data, information about teacher/provider education was collected to explore the relationship between education of the teacher/provider and the score received on the rating scale. Our findings provide compelling evidence of an increase in rating scale scores in child care centers with increasing levels of teacher education … there was a clear connection between rating scale scores and the amount of education that a teacher had completed. (p. 9)
This resource is available at http://web.uncg.edu/ncrlap/pdf/ExecutiveSummary_Final_5_15_03.pdf.
This resource is available at http://web.uncg.edu/ncrlap/pdf/Measurement_of_Quality_in_Preschool_Child_Care_Classrooms_SRCD_5_2_03.pdf.
Independently gathered data from 84 child care centers validates North Carolina’s new 5-star child care licensing system. Using data collected as part of the Smart Start evaluation, a significant relationship was found between the star rating level of a center and several other indicators of program quality. Parents and policymakers should be assured that centers with higher star ratings are indeed providing a higher quality of care for young children. (p. 2)
This report is available at www.fpg.unc.edu/smartstart/Reports/Validating_Licensing_System_Brochure.pdf.
Over one-third (35.2%) of licensed child care facilities provide high quality care as measured by the “Reaching for the Stars” criteria for Two- and Three-Star programs.
Three-quarters (76.5%) of children whose care is paid by subsidy receive child care in a Two- or Three-Star rated facility, up substantially from the 45.8% reported in the first Child Care Portfolio (February, 2003). (p. 1)
This resource is available from OKCCRRA by calling 405-942-5001 or 888-962-2772.
This examination of child care under “Reaching for the Stars” reveals a generally positive state of affairs coupled with persistent challenges. The intent of the “Reaching for the Stars” program is to improve the quality of individual centers as well as the overall quality of child care in Oklahoma. The findings … show that this goal is being achieved. More high quality programs are enrolling children subsidized by DHS, global quality ratings have risen, and teacher-child interactions are generally positive. In addition, a number of directors queried in this study believe that the goal of quality improvement is being achieved. They indicate that the increased financial support provided by DHS to centers with higher Star ratings is a common motivator to participate in the Stars program. In addition to providing more monetary support and improving the overall quality of child care, directors reported that the Stars program helps centers strive to 1.) provide the best care possible and 2.) increase the educational levels of teachers and directors. (p. 45)
Seventy-one child care centers were visited at one point in time to assess the quality of care and measure children’s outcomes. The sample included 25 one-star centers meeting licensing regulations, 21 two-star centers meeting the enhanced criteria, 15 two-star centers that were nationally accredited, and 10 centers that were nationally accredited but had not requested two-star status.
Accredited centers (whether two-star or not) were more likely than licensed and two-star criteria centers to:
- Pay higher salaries
- Use written evaluations with staff at least annually
- Have directors who had completed higher levels of education
- Have directors with more specialized education in early childhood
- Have master teachers who qualified by education instead of CDA [Child Development Associate] or CCP [Certified Childcare Professional credential]
- Have a better master teacher-to-child ratio
- Have more than one adult in the observed classrooms
- Offer better quality child care
- Have ECERS ratings of 5 or higher
- Have more children with average or above scores on the Test of Early Mathematical Ability
Two-star criteria centers were more likely to:
- Enroll more children with DHS subsidies than the other three groups
- Have a greater percentage of their enrollment receiving DHS subsidies
- Have more children per master teacher
- Include more items in their salary scale
- Have master teachers who qualified by CDA or CCP instead of education
- Have more children scoring below average on the Test of Early Mathematical Ability
- Have more children scoring below average on the Adaptive Language Inventory
Additional information is available by calling Loraine Dunn at 405-325-1509.
This resource is available at www.pakeys.org/docs/Keystone%20STARS%20Evaluation.pdf.
The results from the study were very significant in that the higher a program was in the Keystone STARS system the higher their ERS [environment rating scale] rating. The average ERS scores for Star 4, the highest rating was 5.99 followed by 5.89 for Star 3. Star 1 and 2 attained scores of 4.41 and 4.78 respectively. (p. 2)
These results clearly demonstrate the effectiveness of the Keystone STARS quality rating system. Child Care Programs, both child care centers and homes, improved significantly as they moved up the STAR continuum. The Keystone STARS system has reversed the drop off in quality that was so evident in the late 1990’s and early 2000’s. This is a major reversal that has helped to improve the overall quality of child care in Pennsylvania. (p. 3)
This resource is available at www.pde.state.pa.us/early_childhood/lib/early_childhood/ECQS2_EVALUATION_OF_
KEYSTONE_STARS_2006_Summary1.pdf.
Two-year Results for the Report Card Evaluation and Star-Quality Child Care Programs
- Child care quality across Tennessee has improved at both centers and homes
- More of Tennessee’s children received child care that promotes healthy physical, emotional, and social development and school readiness
- Fewer children were in low-quality care that compromises their development
- Parents across the state had evaluation results and report cards to help them make more informed child care choices
- Caregivers received detailed information about what they were doing well and ways to improve their services (p. 6)
The resource also states the following:
A total of 5,668 observations were conducted across the state in Year 2 … the quality of care rose in each of the three classroom types or homes, from Year 1 to Year 2.
- Average infant and toddler scores rose 9.9 percent
- Average preschool scores rose 6.7 percent
- Average school-age scores rose 4.3 percent
- Average family/group child care home scores rose 6.2 percent (p. 6)
This resource is available at http://www.sworps.utk.edu/PDFs/3-2-04STARSsimplex.pdf. For additional information, call the Tennessee Department of Human Services at 615-313-4700.
Initial results for Year 1 (October 2001 through September 2002) demonstrate that the Tennessee Child Care Evaluation and Report Card Program is meeting the goals and objectives of T.C.A. § 71-3-502. (p. vi)
The Evaluation Program is encouraging and recognizing quality child care programs.
The Evaluation Program is improving the quality of child care in Tennessee.
It is impossible at this early date to explain the rise in scores with certainty. Anecdotal evidence suggests that as the year progressed providers became more knowledgeable about the program assessment and sought more technical assistance in preparation for their assessments. (p. vii)
The Evaluation Program is providing support and information to parents as they seek to secure quality child care for their children.
For additional information, call the Tennessee Department of Human Services at 615-313-4700.
Indiana began statewide implementation of a QRS in January 2008 called Paths to QUALITY, which was originally implemented in one county. The system will be administered by the Indiana Family and Social Services Administration and implemented in partnership with the Indiana Association of Child Care Resource and Referral Agencies and the Indiana Association for the Education of Young Children. Before statewide implementation began, researchers from the Center for Families and Department of Child Development & Family Studies at Purdue University completed a scientific review of the quality standards contained in Paths to QUALITY. Additional information about Paths to QUALITY is available at http://www.in.gov/fssa/carefinder/6447.htm.
This resource is available at http://www.in.gov/fssa/files/PurdueValidityReport2007.pdf.
Although New York does not have a statewide QRS, it did pilot a local QRS. The Child Care Programs of Excellence was a pilot program operating in five counties in New York. This voluntary program was designed to help parents receive information about the quality of care at child care centers, family child care homes, and group child care homes. This pilot project used an objective rating system developed in collaboration with the child care resource and referral agencies in Albany, Onondaga, Ontario, Rensselaer, and Yates Counties. The program was administered by Cornell University, Department of Policy Analysis and Management, and New York State Child Care Coordinating Council, and was funded through DHHS’s Child Care Bureau and the U.S. Department of Agriculture.
QRS have five common elements, including financing incentives specifically linked to compliance with quality standards, such as quality bonus payments, tiered reimbursement rates, contracts, quality grants, and wage supplements. At least 30 States have a statewide tiered reimbursement system where higher rates are paid to programs that meet higher standards than the State’s licensing regulations.
Although Minnesota does not have a QRS, it did have a tiered reimbursement system. The 2003 Legislature passed changes impacting Minnesota’s Child Care Assistance Program (CCAP), and effective July 1, 2003, Minnesota’s tiered reimbursement system was eliminated. Information about these changes is available in the “Child Care Assistance Program Modifications and Funding Changes Enacted by the 2003 Legislature” (June 23, 2003) Bulletin (#03-68-06), by the Minnesota Department of Human Services. To request a copy of this bulletin, email Dhs.Bulletins@state.mn.us or call 800-657-3757.
The Minnesota Child Care Policy Research Partnership (MCCPRP) is a collaboration among several State agencies, counties, child care resource and referral agencies (CCR&Rs), and university researchers. Coordinated by the Minnesota Department of Children, Families & Learning, the partnership brings together researchers and policy makers from the Minnesota Department of Human Services (DHS) and Department of Economic Security; county child care units from Anoka, Becker, Brown, and Hennepin counties; CCR&R agencies; University of Minnesota; Child Trends; and several nationally prominent researchers. The goal of this broadly based partnership is to foster sound research on child care issues of importance to policymakers at the State, local, and national levels. A grant from DHHS’s Child Care Bureau funds the MCCPRP, with additional support from the Minnesota DHS. Additional information about MCCPRP is available at http://cehd.umn.edu/ceed/projects/ccrp/default.html.
MCCPRP’s research agenda is designed to answer critical questions about how affordability, quality, and accessibility of care affect outcomes for families and children. A key objective is to enhance the understanding of the impact of various State policies on child care quality, including the level of subsidies, tiered reimbursement, and quality regulations or standards. The MCCPRP is conducting six interrelated studies, which will be available online.
Of the states we examined, differential reimbursement had a statistically significant positive effect in six (Florida, Mississippi, Nebraska, New Jersey, New Mexico, and Oklahoma), [and] no statistically significant effect in four others (Kentucky, Ohio, Utah, Wisconsin). The average reimbursement rate difference in the first group of states was 15.8; the average in the second group was 9.2. This suggests a simple but important lesson: HIGHER RATES HAVE HIGHER IMPACTS. Or to put it more emphatically, a state that wants to maximize its chances of having a positive impact should set its rates for accredited centers at least 15 percent higher than its regular rates. (p. 13)
Although differential reimbursement has much to commend it, three caveats need to be stressed. First quality improvements have been linked to NAEYC [National Association for the Education of Young Children] accreditation, but have not been demonstrated for other accrediting bodies. Whether quality improvements actually flow from accreditation by organizations other than NAEYC will depend on their standards. An accrediting body whose standards fail to push the envelope beyond existing state licensing standards is unlikely to yield any quality improvements. (p. 17)
Second, differential reimbursement is likely to prove attractive to good child care centers that want to become excellent, but it is unlikely to appeal to bad or mediocre child care centers that have trouble satisfying state licensing requirements. And yet such centers are precisely the ones where children are at most risk. (p. 17)
Third, differential reimbursement will at best affect a fairly small percentage of child care centers. Even in New Jersey, where differential reimbursement has yielded an annual increase of 46 accredited centers, that figure represents less than 2 percent of all the centers in the state. (p. 17)
For additional information, call the Foundation for Child Development at 212-213-8337 or visit the Web at http://www.fcd-us.org/. To request a copy of a publication, email publication@fcd-us.org.
As state legislatures consider adopting differential reimbursement policies to promote accreditation among relatively good child care facilities, they should also consider ratcheting up their regulatory standards and regulatory enforcement efforts to improve the quality of relatively poor child care facilities. In addition, they should also consider adopting North Carolina’s innovative performance assessment approach. Differential reimbursement is a good strategy for quality improvements at the upper end of the child care scale, but it cannot displace efforts to provide a safety net for all children who find themselves in paid child care arrangements outside the home. (page 26)
For additional information, call William T. Gormley, Jr., Public Policy Institute, Georgetown University, at 202-687-6817 or email gormleyw@georgetown.edu.
There are four environment rating scales (ERS), each designed for a different segment of the early childhood field. Each of the scales has items to evaluate: physical environment; basic care; curriculum; interaction; schedule and program structure; and parent and staff education.
Additional ERS resources include the following:
These publications may be ordered through the Kaplan Early Learning Company by calling 800-334-2014 or visiting http://www.kaplanco.com/index.asp.
Additional information about ERS is available on the Web site of the Frank Porter Graham Child Development Institute, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, at http://www.fpg.unc.edu/~ecers.
Updated September 2008