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12.01.2024

Understanding the Silver State Stars Quality Rating and Improvement System (QRIS): A Guide for Families

The Silver State Stars Quality Rating and Improvement System (QRIS) is an essential initiative in Nevada aimed at enhancing the quality of early childhood education and care programs. 

For families seeking the best educational environments for their children, understanding how QRIS works, what it measures, and its impact on child development is crucial. 

This article provides a comprehensive overview of Silver State Stars QRIS, highlighting what families need to know to make informed decisions about their children's early learning experiences.

What is Silver State Stars QRIS?

Silver State Stars QRIS is a systematic approach designed to assess, improve, and communicate the quality of early childhood education programs in Nevada. It aims to promote high standards of care and education for children from birth to age five, ensuring they receive the foundational skills necessary for future success in school and life.

The program utilizes a rating system that evaluates child care and early learning programs based on a set of quality standards. These standards encompass various aspects of early childhood education, including staff training, learning environments, health and safety practices, supervision, positive interactions, and appropriate child development expectations.

The Importance of QRIS for Families

1. Quality Assurance

One of the primary goals of Silver State Stars QRIS is to provide families with assurance about the quality of early childhood programs. The rating system offers a transparent way to gauge the quality of care and education services available in their communities. Families can look for programs that have received higher ratings, indicating that they meet or exceed established quality standards.

2. Informed Decision-Making

Navigating early childhood education options can be overwhelming for families. Silver State Stars QRIS helps simplify the process by providing a clear and standardized way to evaluate programs. By understanding the rating system, families can make informed choices that align with their educational values and the developmental needs of their children.

3. Promoting Developmental Outcomes

Research shows that high-quality early childhood education positively impacts children’s cognitive, social, and emotional development. By choosing programs that participate in the Silver State Stars QRIS, families can support their children’s growth and learning. 

Higher-rated programs are more likely to implement developmentally appropriate practices, fostering an enriching environment that nurtures children's potential.

Child Care Licensing and QRIS – Understanding the Difference

Licensing and Quality Rating and Improvement Systems (QRIS) are both essential components of early childhood education, but they serve different purposes.

Licensing is a regulatory process that ensures child care programs meet basic health, safety, and operational standards set by the state. It is a mandatory requirement for all child care providers, aimed at protecting the health and safety of children in care. Licensed programs must comply with specific regulations, including staff qualifications, facility standards, and health guidelines.

QRIS, on the other hand, is a state initiative that builds on the foundational standards of licensing to assess and improve the overall quality of early childhood education and care programs. 

QRIS provides a framework for evaluating programs based on a set of quality standards, such as staff training, learning environments, and family engagement. It offers a star rating system to help families identify high-quality programs and encourages providers to continuously enhance their services.

In summary, while licensing ensures that child care programs meet minimum safety standards, QRIS focuses on promoting and recognizing higher levels of quality in early childhood education.

Understanding the QRIS Rating Levels

Silver State Stars uses a five-star rating scale to assess early childhood programs. Here’s a breakdown of the rating levels:

• 1 Star: Programs at this level meet basic health and safety requirements and they are working on getting better. By participating in the QRIS they are working to improve quality and are receiving training and funding to make those improvements.
• 2 Stars: Programs with two stars demonstrate progress in improving quality. They meet certain quality standards beyond basic requirements, indicating a commitment to enhancing educational experiences.
• 3 Stars: At this level, programs meet a significant number of quality standards and show a strong commitment to providing high-quality care and education.
• 4 Stars: Programs that receive four stars exceed many quality standards. They implement best practices in early childhood education, contributing to positive outcomes for children.
• 5 Stars: The highest rating signifies exemplary quality. Five-star programs are recognized for their exceptional standards in care and education, providing children with a rich and engaging learning environment.

How QRIS Works: The Process for Programs

Early childhood education programs interested in participating in Silver State Stars QRIS must undergo a thorough evaluation process. This involves:

1. Onboarding: Programs participate in mandatory training and undergo an initial assessment, which will serve as the coaching baseline for the next two years. 
2. Quality Improvement Plan: Programs develop a quality improvement plan that outlines specific goals and strategies to enhance their services. This may include staff training, curriculum development, and family engagement initiatives.
3. Site Evaluation: A trained assessor visits the program to evaluate its practices against the QRIS standards. The evaluation covers various aspects, including classroom environment, teacher-child interactions, and family involvement.
4. Rating Determination: Based on the evaluation results, the program receives a star rating. This rating is updated periodically to reflect ongoing improvements and changes.
5. Support and Resources: Programs that participate in Silver State Stars QRIS gain access to resources and support to help them implement their quality improvement plans. This may include training opportunities, technical assistance, and networking with other early childhood educators. Participating programs also receive money to help them make their classrooms better.

Every two years, the QRIS team visits schools to see how they are doing. They use a tool called the “Environmental Rating Scale” to help assessors see what the school is doing well and where they might need help.

Benefits for Families

1. Access to High-Quality Programs

Families can access a directory of early childhood programs that are participating in Silver State Stars QRIS. This resource allows parents to find quality care and education options that fit their needs, ensuring their children are in environments that promote learning and development.

2. Enhanced Family Engagement

Programs that participate in QRIS often prioritize family engagement and communication. Families can expect to be involved in their child’s learning journey, with opportunities to participate in workshops, events, and regular updates on their child’s progress.

3. Support for Diverse Needs

Silver State Stars QRIS recognizes that every child is unique. Programs are encouraged to adopt inclusive practices that meet the diverse needs of all children, including those with special needs or from varied cultural backgrounds. Families can find programs that offer tailored support and resources.

4. Community Connection

Participating in Silver State Stars fosters a sense of community among families and early childhood programs. Parents can connect with other families, share experiences, and support one another in navigating the early learning landscape.

How Families Can Get Involved

Families play a crucial role in the success of the Silver State Stars QRIS initiative. Here are ways families can get involved:

1. Research Programs: Utilize the Silver State Stars website to explore available early childhood programs in your area. Pay attention to their ratings and reviews.
2. Ask Questions: When visiting a program, ask about their participation in QRIS and how they incorporate the quality standards into their daily practices.
3. Engage with Staff: Build relationships with educators and staff members. Open communication helps foster a supportive learning environment for your child.
4. Participate in Activities: Attend family events, workshops, and community gatherings hosted by your child’s program. This involvement strengthens your connection to the program and enhances your child’s learning experience.
5. Provide Feedback: Share your experiences and feedback with the program staff. Your insights can help improve the quality of care and education provided to your child and others.

How to Find QRIS Ratings and Participating Schools

Families can find a QRIS school on NevadaChildCare.org:

• Select “Portal” in the toolbar at the top of the page and then “Parents” on the dropdown menu. 
• You can either create an account or log in as a guest to search for providers. 
• To search for your current school, use the “Quick Find” tool or “Search Location” to enter an address or school name.
• To search for schools near you, use the “Search Location” using your home address and any additional filters you’d like to use.
• Once you select “Find” you will see a list of schools with their QRIS star rating indicated by stars in the light green section on the right hand side. If you click on the “Nevada Silver State Stars QRIS” logo,  you will be able to view the star rating scale.

The Silver State Stars Quality Rating and Improvement System is a vital resource for families seeking high-quality early childhood education in Nevada. By understanding how QRIS works and its benefits, families can make informed choices that support their children’s growth and development. As Nevada continues to prioritize early childhood education through initiatives like Silver State Stars, families can feel confident in their ability to find enriching environments that foster their children’s potential. Together, we can ensure that every child in Nevada has access to the quality early learning experiences they deserve.

If you have any questions or would like additional information, contact the Silver State Stars QRIS team at [email protected].