For daycare owners and child care professionals, the Quality Rating and Improvement System (QRIS) is a critical benchmark. It indicates the quality of early childhood education and care provided and can significantly influence your reputation and boost enrollment.

Here’s a step-by-step guide to improve your QRIS rating!

What is the QRIS Rating Scale?

Before we jump into improvement strategies, it’s essential to understand what QRIS entails.

Let’s take a look at the QRIS definition from the National Center on Early Childhood Quality Assurance:

“A QRIS is a systemic approach to assess, improve, and communicate the level of quality in early and school-age care and education programs. Similar to rating systems for restaurants and hotels, QRIS award quality ratings to early and school-age care and education programs that meet a set of defined program standards. By participating in their state’s QRIS, early and school-age care providers embark on a path of continuous quality improvement. Even providers that have met the standards of the lowest QRIS levels have achieved a level of quality that is beyond the minimum requirements to operate.”

QRIS typically evaluates a learning environment, teacher qualifications, family engagement and administrative practices. Each state’s QRIS may have different standards and criteria, so make sure you’re familiar with your state’s specific requirements.

Steps to Improve Your QRIS Ranking

1. Enhance Your Learning Environment

The learning environment plays a significant role in QRIS evaluations. Focus on creating a space that is both safe and stimulating for children.

• Safety First: Regularly inspect the premises to ensure it meets all safety regulations.
• Engaging Spaces: Design areas that encourage exploration and learning through play.
• Cleanliness: Maintain a clean and organized space to promote health and well-being.

2. Invest in Teacher Qualifications

Qualified staff are the backbone of any high-quality daycare. Their credentials and ongoing professional development are crucial for improving your QRIS ranking.  (And check out our free template that will help ensure you cover all your bases when you review your child care staff’s performance!)

• Continuing Education: Encourage and support your staff in acquiring higher qualifications and certifications.
• Professional Development: Provide regular training sessions and workshops. Check out this blog to learn tips on hosting a professional development day in your child care center.
• Competitive Compensation: Offer attractive salaries and benefits to retain highly qualified staff.

3. Foster Family Engagement

Family involvement is a key component of a high QRIS rating. Engaged families contribute to a more cohesive and supportive learning environment for children.

• Open Communication: Keep families informed about their child’s progress and upcoming events.
• Family Programs: Organize activities that involve parents and caregivers in the daycare experience.
• Feedback Mechanisms: Implement systems for collecting and acting on parent feedback.

4. Strengthen Administrative Practices

Effective administrative practices ensure that your daycare operates smoothly and meets all regulatory requirements.

• Record Keeping: Maintain accurate and up-to-date records for staff, students and operations.
• Compliance: Ensure adherence to state and local regulations.
• Financial Management: Implement robust financial practices to ensure sustainability and growth. Download our free eBook to learn how you can take control of your child care center’s finances.

5. Implement a Continuous Improvement Plan

Improving your QRIS ranking is an ongoing process. Develop a continuous improvement plan to keep your daycare moving forward.

• Self-Assessment: Regularly evaluate your program against QRIS standards.
• Goal Setting: Set realistic and measurable goals for improvement.
• Monitoring Progress: Track your progress and make adjustments as needed.

6. Seek External Support and Resources

Don’t hesitate to seek external support to boost your QRIS ranking. There are numerous resources available to help you achieve your goals.

• Consultants: Hire early childhood education consultants to provide expert advice.
• Training Programs: Participate in QRIS-specific training programs.
• Grants and Funding: Apply for grants to fund improvements in your daycare.

Learn What Help Is Available in Your State!

Improving your QRIS ranking requires a focused approach to integrate best practices and continual improvement strategies.

There are many resources available for ECE businesses in each state that can lead to improved QRIS ratings.

Check out our page that provides a state-by-state breakdown of child care funding, programs and resources that may be available to you!