Choosing the right child care program is a significant decision for families. In North Carolina, the Quality Rating and Improvement System (QRIS), often referred to as the star rating system, is a valuable tool designed to help parents make informed choices and to support child care programs in their continuous journey towards excellence. But What Is The Qris In North Carolina Child Care Programs, and how does it benefit children, families, and educators? This article will delve into the details of North Carolina’s QRIS, its recent modernization, and what it means for the future of early childhood education in the state.
What is the Quality Rating and Improvement System (QRIS)?
North Carolina’s QRIS is a systemic approach to assess, improve, and communicate the level of quality in child care facilities. Launched in 1999, North Carolina was a national leader in establishing this star rating system. The fundamental goal of QRIS is to ensure that children have access to high-quality early learning experiences, recognizing that quality early childhood education is crucial for better school and life outcomes. It operates on the principle that skilled early childhood teachers, in partnership with families, are essential to providing children with the nurturing and educational experiences needed for healthy development and a strong foundation for learning.
The QRIS uses a star rating system, ranging from two to five stars, to indicate the level of quality a child care program has achieved. This rating is publicly available, allowing families to easily understand and compare different programs when making child care decisions. Beyond being a rating system, QRIS is also an improvement system. It encourages child care programs to engage in continuous quality improvement by providing a framework for self-assessment, goal setting, and professional development.
Why Modernize the QRIS?
Over time, the needs of children, families, and the early childhood education field evolve. Recognizing this, the North Carolina Child Care Commission has been actively working to modernize the QRIS since February 2023, as mandated by Session Law 2023-40. This modernization effort is rooted in a commitment to continuous improvement and ensuring the QRIS remains relevant and effective in promoting high-quality child care across North Carolina.
A critical aspect of the modernization process has been listening to and incorporating feedback from early childhood professionals, families, communities, and businesses. In 2023, the Commission conducted numerous listening sessions, webinars, and surveys, gathering input from over 1800 early childhood education professionals in North Carolina. This extensive feedback, combined with national research and trends, has informed the recommendations for QRIS reform.
Further solidifying the commitment to QRIS modernization, Session Law 2024-34, signed by Governor Roy Cooper on July 8, 2024, provided further direction and support for these changes. This law established key elements of the modernized QRIS and allowed for certain provisions to be implemented while the formal rulemaking process is underway.
Key Updates in the QRIS Modernization
The modernized QRIS in North Carolina child care programs introduces several significant updates designed to enhance its effectiveness and relevance. These changes are focused on providing more flexible pathways to quality, updating standards, and strengthening family and community engagement. Here are some key highlights:
- Choice of Three Pathways to Quality: The modernized QRIS offers child care programs a choice of three distinct pathways to demonstrate quality and achieve a 2- to 5-star rated license. This pathway approach provides flexibility for programs to choose the route that best aligns with their strengths and goals, while still ensuring rigorous quality standards are met.
- Updated Education Standards for Educators: Recognizing the importance of well-qualified early childhood educators, the modernized QRIS includes updates to education standards. These updates aim to expand options for educators to meet professional development requirements, acknowledging diverse educational backgrounds and experiences within the field.
- Emphasis on Continuous Quality Improvement and Family/Community Engagement: The modernized QRIS places increased emphasis on continuous quality improvement practices within child care facilities. It also adds specific standards for both educators and facilities that promote family and community engagement. This reflects the understanding that strong partnerships between child care programs, families, and the community are vital for children’s holistic development and success.
Rulemaking and Public Comment
Currently, the North Carolina Child Care Commission is actively engaged in the rulemaking process to formally define and implement the modernized QRIS. This process involves a detailed and transparent approach to developing and adopting administrative rules.
As part of this rulemaking, the Office of Administrative Hearings (OAH) published proposed QRIS Modernization Rules in the North Carolina Register on February 3, 2025. This publication initiated a 60-day public comment period, providing an opportunity for interested parties to submit feedback on the proposed rules. A public hearing was also scheduled during the North Carolina Child Care Commission meeting on March 26, 2025, to further facilitate public input.
This public comment period is a crucial step in ensuring that the modernized QRIS rules are well-informed, practical, and effectively address the needs of North Carolina’s child care community. The Administrative Procedure Act (G.S. 150B) governs this rulemaking process, ensuring a uniform and transparent procedure for adopting rules in North Carolina.
Resources for Further Information
To help parents and child care professionals understand the QRIS modernization in more detail, the North Carolina Child Care Commission has provided several valuable resources:
- Webinars: Informational webinars have been conducted for both parents and child care professionals to explain the proposed changes to the Star Rating System. These webinars are available in English and Spanish, ensuring accessibility for a wider audience. Webinar Slides are also available.
- Pathways in Brief: A concise overview of the three pathways to quality in the modernized QRIS is available to help programs understand the different options.
- Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ): A comprehensive FAQ document addresses common questions about the QRIS modernization. This document is regularly updated to provide clear and consistent answers to inquiries from the public. Frequently Asked Questions
For any further questions about the QRIS Modernization, individuals are encouraged to reach out via email to [email protected].
Conclusion
The modernization of the Quality Rating and Improvement System in North Carolina child care programs represents a significant step forward in the state’s commitment to high-quality early childhood education. By understanding what is the QRIS in North Carolina child care programs and the improvements being made, parents can confidently use the star rating system to choose the best care for their children, and child care professionals can leverage the QRIS framework for continuous growth and excellence. This ongoing evolution of the QRIS ensures that North Carolina’s youngest learners have the best possible start in life, setting them on a path to future success.
