Quality Rating & Improvement System

Quality Rating and Improvement System

QRIS is a means to help me set goals and provides funds and mentoring to meet those goals and then validates that my goals have been met. I have held a vision for improved quality in my in-home preschool that I didn't have the means to produce and QRIS is making that possible. I am hoping that QRIS will also educate the public on quality standards so that they will demand that quality when making their child care choices.

— QRIS Participant

Quality Rating and Improvement System
Orientation to the Environment Rating Scales
Documents
Environment Rating Scales Orientation Review
More Information about QRIS
Inclusion Self-Reflection

Quality Rating and Improvement System

The Quality Rating and Improvement System (QRIS) is a voluntary quality rating and improvement system for child care facilities in Idaho. The quality of the facility is rated through a system of five stars, similar to ratings for hotels, movies, and restaurants. The QRIS includes a built-in system for improvement in each of the eight Quality Standards. In this way, the QRIS credits facilities for the quality practices already in place while providing a roadmap to increased quality.

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Orientation to the Environment Rating Scales

The Orientation to the Environment Rating Scales (ERS) is the first step in the assessment process for facility directors and owners in the QRIS. This Orientation to the ERS shares valuable information for all child care providers and describes how to request an assessment through IdahoSTARS.

QRIS directors or owners need to:

Watch the Orientation to the Environment Rating Scales Video
Complete the Environment Rating Scale Orientation Review

Child care providers are welcome and encouraged to watch the video.

Orientation to the Environment Rating Scales Video

The Orientation to the Environment Rating Scales video is a 19-minute introduction to the ERS. The scales measure the quality of early childhood environments.

View the video to learn about:

The scales
The environment assessment
The assessment process
How you can use the scales to benefit your program

ERS Orientation Video Part 1

ERS Orientation Video Part 2

Documents

Title	File Type	Updated
The 7 Subscales of the Environment Rating Scales		12/21/2010
Las 7 sub-escalas de calificación del ambiente		3/28/2011
Understanding the Meaning of Environment Rating Scale Scores		12/21/2010
CPSC Playground Guidelines Playground Guidelines		12/21/2010
Sample ECERS-R Summary Report		9/12/2011
Ejemplo del Resumen del informe ECERS-R		9/12/2011
Orientation to the Environment Rating Scales		2/15/2011
Diapering and Handwashing Procedures		11/9/2010
Table Washing Handout		12/21/2010
USDA Infant & Toddler Meal Guidelines		10/3/2011
USDA Meal Guidelines Ages 1 - 12		10/3/2011

ERS Orientation Review

For QRIS directors or owners
ERS Orientation Review
The IdahoSTARS Assessment Specialist will contact QRIS directors and owners who completed the review to begin assessments and answer questions.

Please direct any questions or concerns to:
Tracy Gagnon
IdahoSTARS Assessment Specialist
Phone: 208-345-1090 ext. 11
Email: tgagnon@idahoaeyc.org

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More information about QRIS

For more information about the process of becoming a QRIS participant and for information about the QRIS standards and ratings, visit QRIS.

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