{"id":1565,"date":"2019-02-19T18:56:14","date_gmt":"2019-02-19T18:56:14","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/necpa.wpengine.com\/?page_id=1565"},"modified":"2021-03-03T20:48:18","modified_gmt":"2021-03-03T20:48:18","slug":"resourcesbystate","status":"publish","type":"page","link":"https:\/\/necpa.net\/page\/resourcesbystate\/","title":{"rendered":"Resources By State"},"content":{"rendered":"<p><section class=\"kc-elm kc-css-553661 kc_row\"><div class=\"kc-row-container  kc-container\"><div class=\"kc-wrap-columns\"><div class=\"kc-elm kc-css-21841 kc_col-sm-12 kc_column kc_col-sm-12\"><div class=\"kc-col-container\"><div class=\"kc-elm kc-css-211277\" style=\"height: 36px; clear: both; width:100%;\"><\/div>\n<div class=\"kc-elm kc-css-867650 kc-title-wrap \">\n\n\t<p class=\"kc_title\">Early Childhood Education\r\nProgram Resources by State <\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"kc-elm kc-css-964325\" style=\"height: 40px; clear: both; width:100%;\"><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/section><section class=\"kc-elm kc-css-995831 kc_row\"><div class=\"kc-row-container  kc-container\"><div class=\"kc-wrap-columns\"><div class=\"kc-elm kc-css-860432 kc_col-sm-12 kc_column kc_col-sm-12\"><div class=\"kc-col-container\"><div class=\"kc-elm kc-css-60527 kc-raw-code\"><a id=\"topofpage\"><\/a><\/div><div class=\"kc-elm kc-css-405850\" style=\"height: 20px; clear: both; width:100%;\"><\/div><div class=\"kc-elm kc-css-281205 kc_text_block\"><\/p>\n<p>\nAs a non-profit organization, our mission is to encourage and recognize as many high-quality programs as possible. With this mission as a guide, we have kept our Accreditation fees highly competitive and with your financial success in mind. Additionally, many states offer partial, if not full accreditation fee support. Contact your local licensing agency or QRIS office today to see what benefits your state may offer.<\/p>\n<p>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"kc-elm kc-css-922952 kc-title-wrap \">\n\n\t<p class=\"kc_title\">Click On Your State Below for State Resources<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"kc-elm kc-css-695209\" style=\"height: 20px; clear: both; width:100%;\"><\/div><div class=\"kc-elm kc-css-125553 kc_row kc_row_inner\"><div class=\"kc-elm kc-css-476751 kc_col-sm-2 kc_column_inner kc_col-sm-2\"><div class=\"kc_wrapper kc-col-inner-container\"><div class=\"kc-elm kc-css-459282 kc_text_block :lt:h2 id=:quot:\u201calabama\u201d:quot::gt:Alabama:lt:\/h2:gt:\"><\/p>\n<p>\n<a href=\"#alabama\">Alabama<\/a><\/p>\n<p>\n<\/div><\/div><\/div><div class=\"kc-elm kc-css-244789 kc_col-sm-2 kc_column_inner kc_col-sm-2\"><div class=\"kc_wrapper kc-col-inner-container\"><div class=\"kc-elm kc-css-489403 kc_text_block\"><\/p>\n<p id=\"\u201c#alaska\u201d\"><a href=\"#alaska\">Alaska<\/a><\/p>\n<p>\n<\/div><\/div><\/div><div class=\"kc-elm kc-css-557313 kc_col-sm-2 kc_column_inner kc_col-sm-2\"><div class=\"kc_wrapper kc-col-inner-container\"><div class=\"kc-elm kc-css-939031 kc_text_block\"><\/p>\n<p>\n<a href=\"#arizona\">Arizona<\/a><\/p>\n<p>\n<\/div><\/div><\/div><div class=\"kc-elm kc-css-196900 kc_col-sm-2 kc_column_inner kc_col-sm-2\"><div class=\"kc_wrapper kc-col-inner-container\"><div class=\"kc-elm kc-css-817300 kc_text_block\"><\/p>\n<p>\n<a href=\"#arkansas\">Arkansas<\/a><\/p>\n<p>\n<\/div><\/div><\/div><div class=\"kc-elm kc-css-345830 kc_col-sm-2 kc_column_inner kc_col-sm-2\"><div class=\"kc_wrapper kc-col-inner-container\"><div class=\"kc-elm kc-css-453113 kc_text_block\"><\/p>\n<p>\n<a href=\"#california\">California<\/a><\/p>\n<p>\n<\/div><\/div><\/div><div class=\"kc-elm kc-css-697647 kc_col-sm-2 kc_column_inner kc_col-sm-2\"><div class=\"kc_wrapper kc-col-inner-container\"><div class=\"kc-elm kc-css-249057 kc_text_block\"><\/p>\n<p>\n<a href=\"#colorado\">Colorado<\/a><\/p>\n<p>\n<\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><div class=\"kc-elm kc-css-610584 kc_row kc_row_inner\"><div class=\"kc-elm kc-css-677229 kc_col-sm-2 kc_column_inner kc_col-sm-2\"><div class=\"kc_wrapper kc-col-inner-container\"><div class=\"kc-elm kc-css-689693 kc_text_block\"><\/p>\n<p>\n<a href=\"#connecticut\">Connecticut<\/a><\/p>\n<p>\n<\/div><\/div><\/div><div class=\"kc-elm kc-css-991730 kc_col-sm-2 kc_column_inner kc_col-sm-2\"><div class=\"kc_wrapper kc-col-inner-container\"><div class=\"kc-elm kc-css-870763 kc_text_block\"><\/p>\n<p>\n<a href=\"#delaware\">Delaware<\/a><\/p>\n<p>\n<\/div><\/div><\/div><div class=\"kc-elm kc-css-445546 kc_col-sm-2 kc_column_inner kc_col-sm-2\"><div class=\"kc_wrapper kc-col-inner-container\"><div class=\"kc-elm kc-css-220017 kc_text_block\"><\/p>\n<p>\n<a href=\"#florida\">Florida<\/a><\/p>\n<p>\n<\/div><\/div><\/div><div class=\"kc-elm kc-css-279334 kc_col-sm-2 kc_column_inner kc_col-sm-2\"><div class=\"kc_wrapper kc-col-inner-container\"><div class=\"kc-elm kc-css-555059 kc_text_block\"><\/p>\n<p>\n<a href=\"#georgia\">Georgia<\/a><\/p>\n<p>\n<\/div><\/div><\/div><div class=\"kc-elm kc-css-206051 kc_col-sm-2 kc_column_inner kc_col-sm-2\"><div class=\"kc_wrapper kc-col-inner-container\"><div class=\"kc-elm kc-css-139588 kc_text_block\"><\/p>\n<p>\n<a href=\"#hawaii\">Hawaii<\/a><\/p>\n<p>\n<\/div><\/div><\/div><div class=\"kc-elm kc-css-33906 kc_col-sm-2 kc_column_inner kc_col-sm-2\"><div class=\"kc_wrapper kc-col-inner-container\"><div class=\"kc-elm kc-css-203653 kc_text_block\"><\/p>\n<p>\n<a href=\"#idaho\">Idaho<\/a><\/p>\n<p>\n<\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><div class=\"kc-elm kc-css-340233 kc_row kc_row_inner\"><div class=\"kc-elm kc-css-259489 kc_col-sm-2 kc_column_inner kc_col-sm-2\"><div class=\"kc_wrapper kc-col-inner-container\"><div class=\"kc-elm kc-css-416765 kc_text_block\"><\/p>\n<p>\n<a href=\"#illinois\">Illinois<\/a><\/p>\n<p>\n<\/div><\/div><\/div><div class=\"kc-elm kc-css-85651 kc_col-sm-2 kc_column_inner kc_col-sm-2\"><div class=\"kc_wrapper kc-col-inner-container\"><div class=\"kc-elm kc-css-971944 kc_text_block\"><\/p>\n<p>\n<a href=\"#indiana\">Indiana<\/a><\/p>\n<p>\n<\/div><\/div><\/div><div class=\"kc-elm kc-css-111382 kc_col-sm-2 kc_column_inner kc_col-sm-2\"><div class=\"kc_wrapper kc-col-inner-container\"><div class=\"kc-elm kc-css-467406 kc_text_block\"><\/p>\n<p>\n<a href=\"#iowa\">Iowa<\/a><\/p>\n<p>\n<\/div><\/div><\/div><div class=\"kc-elm kc-css-950370 kc_col-sm-2 kc_column_inner kc_col-sm-2\"><div class=\"kc_wrapper kc-col-inner-container\"><div class=\"kc-elm kc-css-226171 kc_text_block\"><\/p>\n<p>\n<a href=\"#kansas\">Kansas<\/a><\/p>\n<p>\n<\/div><\/div><\/div><div class=\"kc-elm kc-css-29612 kc_col-sm-2 kc_column_inner kc_col-sm-2\"><div class=\"kc_wrapper kc-col-inner-container\"><div class=\"kc-elm kc-css-804777 kc_text_block\"><\/p>\n<p>\n<a href=\"#kentucky\">Kentucky<\/a><\/p>\n<p>\n<\/div><\/div><\/div><div class=\"kc-elm kc-css-531454 kc_col-sm-2 kc_column_inner kc_col-sm-2\"><div class=\"kc_wrapper kc-col-inner-container\"><div class=\"kc-elm kc-css-841025 kc_text_block\"><\/p>\n<p>\n<a href=\"#louisiana\">Louisiana<\/a><\/p>\n<p>\n<\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><div class=\"kc-elm kc-css-70753 kc_row kc_row_inner\"><div class=\"kc-elm kc-css-320212 kc_col-sm-2 kc_column_inner kc_col-sm-2\"><div class=\"kc_wrapper kc-col-inner-container\"><div class=\"kc-elm kc-css-176169 kc_text_block\"><\/p>\n<p>\n<a href=\"#maine\">Maine<\/a><\/p>\n<p>\n<\/div><\/div><\/div><div class=\"kc-elm kc-css-981190 kc_col-sm-2 kc_column_inner kc_col-sm-2\"><div class=\"kc_wrapper kc-col-inner-container\"><div class=\"kc-elm kc-css-820971 kc_text_block\"><\/p>\n<p>\n<a href=\"#maryland\">Maryland<\/a><\/p>\n<p>\n<\/div><\/div><\/div><div class=\"kc-elm kc-css-647818 kc_col-sm-2 kc_column_inner kc_col-sm-2\"><div class=\"kc_wrapper kc-col-inner-container\"><div class=\"kc-elm kc-css-789598 kc_text_block\"><\/p>\n<p>\n<a href=\"#massachusetts\">Massachusetts<\/a><\/p>\n<p>\n<\/div><\/div><\/div><div class=\"kc-elm kc-css-327702 kc_col-sm-2 kc_column_inner kc_col-sm-2\"><div class=\"kc_wrapper kc-col-inner-container\"><div class=\"kc-elm kc-css-447344 kc_text_block\"><\/p>\n<p>\n<a href=\"#michigan\">Michigan<\/a><\/p>\n<p>\n<\/div><\/div><\/div><div class=\"kc-elm kc-css-935091 kc_col-sm-2 kc_column_inner kc_col-sm-2\"><div class=\"kc_wrapper kc-col-inner-container\"><div class=\"kc-elm kc-css-582538 kc_text_block\"><\/p>\n<p>\n<a href=\"#minnesota\">Minnesota<\/a><\/p>\n<p>\n<\/div><\/div><\/div><div class=\"kc-elm kc-css-948359 kc_col-sm-2 kc_column_inner kc_col-sm-2\"><div class=\"kc_wrapper kc-col-inner-container\"><div class=\"kc-elm kc-css-25962 kc_text_block\"><\/p>\n<p>\n<a href=\"#mississippi\">Mississippi<\/a><\/p>\n<p>\n<\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><div class=\"kc-elm kc-css-258573 kc_row kc_row_inner\"><div class=\"kc-elm kc-css-322817 kc_col-sm-2 kc_column_inner kc_col-sm-2\"><div class=\"kc_wrapper kc-col-inner-container\"><div class=\"kc-elm kc-css-27355 kc_text_block\"><\/p>\n<p>\n<a href=\"#missouri\">Missouri<\/a><\/p>\n<p>\n<\/div><\/div><\/div><div class=\"kc-elm kc-css-334162 kc_col-sm-2 kc_column_inner kc_col-sm-2\"><div class=\"kc_wrapper kc-col-inner-container\"><div class=\"kc-elm kc-css-377196 kc_text_block\"><\/p>\n<p>\n<a href=\"#montana\">Montana<\/a><\/p>\n<p>\n<\/div><\/div><\/div><div class=\"kc-elm kc-css-782257 kc_col-sm-2 kc_column_inner kc_col-sm-2\"><div class=\"kc_wrapper kc-col-inner-container\"><div class=\"kc-elm kc-css-325437 kc_text_block\"><\/p>\n<p>\n<a href=\"#nebraska\">Nebraska<\/a><\/p>\n<p>\n<\/div><\/div><\/div><div class=\"kc-elm kc-css-841813 kc_col-sm-2 kc_column_inner kc_col-sm-2\"><div class=\"kc_wrapper kc-col-inner-container\"><div class=\"kc-elm kc-css-244062 kc_text_block\"><\/p>\n<p>\n<a href=\"#nevada\">Nevada<\/a><\/p>\n<p>\n<\/div><\/div><\/div><div class=\"kc-elm kc-css-131707 kc_col-sm-2 kc_column_inner kc_col-sm-2\"><div class=\"kc_wrapper kc-col-inner-container\"><div class=\"kc-elm kc-css-702154 kc_text_block\"><\/p>\n<p>\n<a href=\"#new-hampshire\">New Hampshire<\/a><\/p>\n<p>\n<\/div><\/div><\/div><div class=\"kc-elm kc-css-841256 kc_col-sm-2 kc_column_inner kc_col-sm-2\"><div class=\"kc_wrapper kc-col-inner-container\"><div class=\"kc-elm kc-css-379933 kc_text_block\"><\/p>\n<p>\n<a href=\"#new-jersey\">New Jersey<\/a><\/p>\n<p>\n<\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><div class=\"kc-elm kc-css-486193 kc_row kc_row_inner\"><div class=\"kc-elm kc-css-806710 kc_col-sm-2 kc_column_inner kc_col-sm-2\"><div class=\"kc_wrapper kc-col-inner-container\"><div class=\"kc-elm kc-css-17581 kc_text_block\"><\/p>\n<p>\n<a href=\"#new-mexico\">New Mexico<\/a><\/p>\n<p>\n<\/div><\/div><\/div><div class=\"kc-elm kc-css-697566 kc_col-sm-2 kc_column_inner kc_col-sm-2\"><div class=\"kc_wrapper kc-col-inner-container\"><div class=\"kc-elm kc-css-177492 kc_text_block\"><\/p>\n<p>\n<a href=\"#new-york\">New York<\/a><\/p>\n<p>\n<\/div><\/div><\/div><div class=\"kc-elm kc-css-37220 kc_col-sm-2 kc_column_inner kc_col-sm-2\"><div class=\"kc_wrapper kc-col-inner-container\"><div class=\"kc-elm kc-css-824124 kc_text_block\"><\/p>\n<p>\n<a href=\"#north-carolina\">North Carolina<\/a><\/p>\n<p>\n<\/div><\/div><\/div><div class=\"kc-elm kc-css-658003 kc_col-sm-2 kc_column_inner kc_col-sm-2\"><div class=\"kc_wrapper kc-col-inner-container\"><div class=\"kc-elm kc-css-867691 kc_text_block\"><\/p>\n<p>\n<a href=\"#north-dakota\">North Dakota<\/a><\/p>\n<p>\n<\/div><\/div><\/div><div class=\"kc-elm kc-css-497458 kc_col-sm-2 kc_column_inner kc_col-sm-2\"><div class=\"kc_wrapper kc-col-inner-container\"><div class=\"kc-elm kc-css-509289 kc_text_block\"><\/p>\n<p>\n<a href=\"#ohio\">Ohio<\/a><\/p>\n<p>\n<\/div><\/div><\/div><div class=\"kc-elm kc-css-465998 kc_col-sm-2 kc_column_inner kc_col-sm-2\"><div class=\"kc_wrapper kc-col-inner-container\"><div class=\"kc-elm kc-css-370360 kc_text_block\"><\/p>\n<p>\n<a href=\"#oklahoma\">Oklahoma<\/a><\/p>\n<p>\n<\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><div class=\"kc-elm kc-css-298170 kc_row kc_row_inner\"><div class=\"kc-elm kc-css-305413 kc_col-sm-2 kc_column_inner kc_col-sm-2\"><div class=\"kc_wrapper kc-col-inner-container\"><div class=\"kc-elm kc-css-463642 kc_text_block\"><\/p>\n<p>\n<a href=\"#oregon\">Oregon<\/a><\/p>\n<p>\n<\/div><\/div><\/div><div class=\"kc-elm kc-css-930083 kc_col-sm-2 kc_column_inner kc_col-sm-2\"><div class=\"kc_wrapper kc-col-inner-container\"><div class=\"kc-elm kc-css-308066 kc_text_block\"><\/p>\n<p>\n<a href=\"#pennsylvania\">Pennsylvania<\/a><\/p>\n<p>\n<\/div><\/div><\/div><div class=\"kc-elm kc-css-335851 kc_col-sm-2 kc_column_inner kc_col-sm-2\"><div class=\"kc_wrapper kc-col-inner-container\"><div class=\"kc-elm kc-css-794681 kc_text_block\"><\/p>\n<p>\n<a href=\"#rhode-island\">Rhode Island<\/a><\/p>\n<p>\n<\/div><\/div><\/div><div class=\"kc-elm kc-css-969841 kc_col-sm-2 kc_column_inner kc_col-sm-2\"><div class=\"kc_wrapper kc-col-inner-container\"><div class=\"kc-elm kc-css-402688 kc_text_block\"><\/p>\n<p>\n<a href=\"#south-carolina\">South Carolina<\/a><\/p>\n<p>\n<\/div><\/div><\/div><div class=\"kc-elm kc-css-456091 kc_col-sm-2 kc_column_inner kc_col-sm-2\"><div class=\"kc_wrapper kc-col-inner-container\"><div class=\"kc-elm kc-css-596352 kc_text_block\"><\/p>\n<p>\n<a href=\"#south-dakota\">South Dakota<\/a><\/p>\n<p>\n<\/div><\/div><\/div><div class=\"kc-elm kc-css-308779 kc_col-sm-2 kc_column_inner kc_col-sm-2\"><div class=\"kc_wrapper kc-col-inner-container\"><div class=\"kc-elm kc-css-986650 kc_text_block\"><\/p>\n<p>\n<a href=\"#tennessee\">Tennessee<\/a><\/p>\n<p>\n<\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><div class=\"kc-elm kc-css-290287 kc_row kc_row_inner\"><div class=\"kc-elm kc-css-645651 kc_col-sm-2 kc_column_inner kc_col-sm-2\"><div class=\"kc_wrapper kc-col-inner-container\"><div class=\"kc-elm kc-css-410315 kc_text_block\"><\/p>\n<p>\n<a href=\"#texas\">Texas<\/a><\/p>\n<p>\n<\/div><\/div><\/div><div class=\"kc-elm kc-css-816287 kc_col-sm-2 kc_column_inner kc_col-sm-2\"><div class=\"kc_wrapper kc-col-inner-container\"><div class=\"kc-elm kc-css-618093 kc_text_block\"><\/p>\n<p>\n<a href=\"#utah\">Utah<\/a><\/p>\n<p>\n<\/div><\/div><\/div><div class=\"kc-elm kc-css-470112 kc_col-sm-2 kc_column_inner kc_col-sm-2\"><div class=\"kc_wrapper kc-col-inner-container\"><div class=\"kc-elm kc-css-736993 kc_text_block\"><\/p>\n<p>\n<a href=\"#vermont\">Vermont<\/a><\/p>\n<p>\n<\/div><\/div><\/div><div class=\"kc-elm kc-css-460642 kc_col-sm-2 kc_column_inner kc_col-sm-2\"><div class=\"kc_wrapper kc-col-inner-container\"><div class=\"kc-elm kc-css-742331 kc_text_block\"><\/p>\n<p>\n<a href=\"#virginia\">Virginia<\/a><\/p>\n<p>\n<\/div><\/div><\/div><div class=\"kc-elm kc-css-257425 kc_col-sm-2 kc_column_inner kc_col-sm-2\"><div class=\"kc_wrapper kc-col-inner-container\"><div class=\"kc-elm kc-css-452716 kc_text_block\"><\/p>\n<p>\n<a href=\"#washington\">Washington<\/a><\/p>\n<p>\n<\/div><\/div><\/div><div class=\"kc-elm kc-css-322612 kc_col-sm-2 kc_column_inner kc_col-sm-2\"><div class=\"kc_wrapper kc-col-inner-container\"><div class=\"kc-elm kc-css-620442 kc_text_block\"><\/p>\n<p>\n<a href=\"#west-virginia\">West Virginia<\/a><\/p>\n<p>\n<\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><div class=\"kc-elm kc-css-946702 kc_row kc_row_inner\"><div class=\"kc-elm kc-css-283934 kc_col-sm-2 kc_column_inner kc_col-sm-2\"><div class=\"kc_wrapper kc-col-inner-container\"><div class=\"kc-elm kc-css-266615 kc_text_block\"><\/p>\n<p>\n<a href=\"#wisconsin\">Wisconsin<\/a><\/p>\n<p>\n<\/div><\/div><\/div><div class=\"kc-elm kc-css-491749 kc_col-sm-2 kc_column_inner kc_col-sm-2\"><div class=\"kc_wrapper kc-col-inner-container\"><div class=\"kc-elm kc-css-721407 kc_text_block\"><\/p>\n<p>\n<a href=\"#wyoming\">Wyoming<\/a><\/p>\n<p>\n<\/div><\/div><\/div><div class=\"kc-elm kc-css-6232 kc_col-sm-2 kc_column_inner kc_col-sm-2\"><div class=\"kc_wrapper kc-col-inner-container\"><div class=\"kc-elm kc-css-91715 kc_text_block\"><\/p>\n<p>\n<a href=\"#district-of-columbia\">District of Columbia<\/a><\/p>\n<p>\n<\/div><\/div><\/div><div class=\"kc-elm kc-css-265424 kc_col-sm-2 kc_column_inner kc_col-sm-2\"><div class=\"kc_wrapper kc-col-inner-container\"><div class=\"kc-elm kc-css-790180 kc_text_block\"><\/p>\n<p>\n<a href=\"#department-of-defense\">Department of Defense<\/a><\/p>\n<p>\n<\/div><\/div><\/div><div class=\"kc-elm kc-css-658511 kc_col-sm-2 kc_column_inner kc_col-sm-2\"><div class=\"kc_wrapper kc-col-inner-container\"><\/div><\/div><div class=\"kc-elm kc-css-698189 kc_col-sm-2 kc_column_inner kc_col-sm-2\"><div class=\"kc_wrapper kc-col-inner-container\"><\/div><\/div><\/div><div class=\"kc-elm kc-css-734352\" style=\"height: 20px; clear: both; width:100%;\"><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/section><section class=\"kc-elm kc-css-707816 kc_row\"><div class=\"kc-row-container  kc-container\"><div class=\"kc-wrap-columns\"><div class=\"kc-elm kc-css-633345 kc_col-sm-12 kc_column kc_col-sm-12\"><div class=\"kc-col-container\"><div class=\"kc-elm kc-css-580725 kc_text_block\"><\/p>\n<h2><a id=\"alabama\"><\/a>Alabama<\/h2>\n<p>\n<\/div><div class=\"kc-elm kc-css-799817 kc_text_block\"><\/p>\n<p dir=\"ltr\"><strong>QRIS: Alabama Quality STARS<\/strong><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li dir=\"ltr\">\n<p dir=\"ltr\">A designated STAR rating of an early care and education center may qualify the center for certain incentives, as determined by the Alabama Department of Human Resources<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<li dir=\"ltr\">\n<p dir=\"ltr\">Is a \u201cbuilding block\u201d system. Centers must meet all requirements at a STAR level before moving to the next level. Because Minimum Standards licensing requirements are the foundation on which Alabama Quality STARS is built, participating centers must be licensed. Centers that cannot be licensed by DHR (e.g., military, public school, Alabama Community College System and university, Tribal, etc.) are also eligible for participation and must be evaluated to determine the appropriate STAR rating.<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p><strong>Sources:<\/strong><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li dir=\"ltr\">\n<p dir=\"ltr\"><a href=\"http:\/\/alabamaqualitystars.org\/\">http:\/\/alabamaqualitystars.org\/<\/a><\/p>\n<\/li>\n<li dir=\"ltr\">\n<p dir=\"ltr\"><a href=\"http:\/\/alabamaqualitystars.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2015\/12\/Alabama-QRIS-Guidelines544.pdf\">http:\/\/alabamaqualitystars.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2015\/12\/Alabama-QRIS-Guidelines544.pdf<\/a><\/p>\n<\/li>\n<li dir=\"ltr\">\n<p dir=\"ltr\"><a href=\"http:\/\/www.ccrc-alabama.org\/Testimonials.html\">http:\/\/www.ccrc-alabama.org\/Testimonials.html<\/a><\/p>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p>\n<\/div><div class=\"kc-elm kc-css-564764 kc_text_block\"><\/p>\n<p>\n<strong><u><a href=\"#topofpage\">Return to top of page<\/a><\/u><\/strong><\/p>\n<p>\n<\/div><div class=\"kc-elm kc-css-201577 kc_text_block\"><\/p>\n<h2 id=\"\u201c#alaska\u201d\"><a id=\"alaska\"><\/a>Alaska<\/h2>\n<p>\n<\/div><div class=\"kc-elm kc-css-98353 kc_text_block\"><\/p>\n<p dir=\"ltr\"><strong>QRIS: Learn &#038; Grow<\/strong><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li dir=\"ltr\">\n<p dir=\"ltr\">A voluntary system that provides supports and resources for programs to actively participate in continuous quality improvement activities. Supports include:<\/p>\n<ul>\n<li dir=\"ltr\">\n<p dir=\"ltr\">Coaching, technical assistance, and training<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<li dir=\"ltr\">\n<p dir=\"ltr\">Quality Recognition Awards (financial support)<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<li dir=\"ltr\">\n<p dir=\"ltr\">Marketing and communication materials<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/li>\n<li dir=\"ltr\">\n<p dir=\"ltr\">The Alaska System for Early Education Development (SEED) is Alaska&#039;s early childhood and school-age professional development system.<\/p>\n<ul>\n<li dir=\"ltr\">\n<p dir=\"ltr\">Financial Support Available for SEED Registry Members<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p dir=\"ltr\"><strong>Sources:<\/strong><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li dir=\"ltr\">\n<p dir=\"ltr\"><a href=\"http:\/\/threadalaska.org\/\">http:\/\/threadalaska.org\/<\/a><\/p>\n<\/li>\n<li dir=\"ltr\">\n<p dir=\"ltr\"><a href=\"http:\/\/threadalaska.org\/blog\/index.cfm\/2017\/07\/31\/Financial-Support-Available-for-SEED-Registry-Members\">http:\/\/threadalaska.org\/blog\/index.cfm\/2017\/07\/31\/Financial-Support-Available-for-SEED-Registry-Members<\/a><\/p>\n<\/li>\n<li dir=\"ltr\">\n<p dir=\"ltr\"><a href=\"http:\/\/www.seedalaska.org\/\">www.seedalaska.org<\/a><\/p>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p>\n<\/div><div class=\"kc-elm kc-css-81723 kc_text_block\"><\/p>\n<p>\n<strong><u><a href=\"#topofpage\">Return to top of page<\/a><\/u><\/strong><\/p>\n<p>\n<\/div><div class=\"kc-elm kc-css-975226 kc_text_block\"><\/p>\n<h2><a id=\"arizona\"><\/a>Arizona<\/h2>\n<p>\n<\/div><div class=\"kc-elm kc-css-522557 kc_text_block\"><\/p>\n<p dir=\"ltr\"><strong>QRIS: Quality First<\/strong><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li dir=\"ltr\">\n<p dir=\"ltr\">Accreditation does not move a program higher on the rating scale, but does accelerate the assessment process.\u00a0NECPA accreditation is recognized.<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<li dir=\"ltr\">\n<p dir=\"ltr\">Uses three assessment tools:<\/p>\n<ul>\n<li dir=\"ltr\">\n<p dir=\"ltr\">Environment Rating Scales (ERS)<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<li dir=\"ltr\">\n<p dir=\"ltr\">Classroom Assessment Scoring System (CLASS)<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<li dir=\"ltr\">\n<p dir=\"ltr\">Points Scale Assessment<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/li>\n<li dir=\"ltr\">\n<p dir=\"ltr\">Programs that are accredited by a recognized organization begin their assessment process with the CLASS assessment, bypassing the ERS.<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<li dir=\"ltr\">\n<p dir=\"ltr\">If the program meets the threshold scores on the CLASS, they continue on to the Points Scale Assessment. If they do not meet the threshold scores, they go back and are assessed with the ERS tool(s).<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<li dir=\"ltr\">\n<p dir=\"ltr\">\u201cQuality is an extremely important factor for families in choosing a child care setting for infants, toddlers and preschoolers. Participation in Quality First is a clear sign to families in your community that you are committed to improving the quality of your program to best serve the children in your care. Your program will be provided with a marketing toolkit, including signs and website graphics, to promote your participation in Quality First.\u201d<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<li dir=\"ltr\">\n<p dir=\"ltr\">There are two different types of financial incentives offered to Quality First Participants<\/p>\n<ul>\n<li dir=\"ltr\">\n<p dir=\"ltr\">Licensing fee assistance &#8211; for Quality First providers licensed by the Department of Health Services (DHS)<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<li dir=\"ltr\">\n<p dir=\"ltr\">Quality First Incentives &#8211; for Quality First providers to support improvement efforts.<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/li>\n<li dir=\"ltr\">\n<p dir=\"ltr\">Arizona Self-Study Project<\/p>\n<ul>\n<li dir=\"ltr\">\n<p dir=\"ltr\">The Arizona Self-Study Project (ASSP) is an exciting statewide project for early care and education programs committed to improving the quality of care for Arizona&#039;s children. ASSP assists programs to integrate quality developmentally appropriate practices in a model that meets the needs of all children.<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p dir=\"ltr\"><strong>Sources:<\/strong><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li dir=\"ltr\">\n<p dir=\"ltr\"><a href=\"https:\/\/qrisguide.acf.hhs.gov\/index.cfm?do=qrisstateinfo&#038;stateId=50\">https:\/\/qrisguide.acf.hhs.gov\/index.cfm?do=qrisstateinfo&#038;stateId=50<\/a><\/p>\n<\/li>\n<li dir=\"ltr\">\n<p dir=\"ltr\"><a href=\"http:\/\/qualityfirstaz.com\/\">http:\/\/qualityfirstaz.com\/<\/a><\/p>\n<\/li>\n<li dir=\"ltr\">\n<p dir=\"ltr\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.firstthingsfirst.org\/about-first-things-first\/publications\">https:\/\/www.firstthingsfirst.org\/about-first-things-first\/publications<\/a>\u00a0(Scroll to the bottom and look for the \u201cQuality First Participant Guide\u201d)<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<li dir=\"ltr\">\n<p dir=\"ltr\"><a href=\"http:\/\/www.childfamilyresources.org\/childcare-professionals\">http:\/\/www.childfamilyresources.org\/childcare-professionals<\/a><\/p>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p>\n<\/div><div class=\"kc-elm kc-css-474750 kc_text_block\"><\/p>\n<p>\n<strong><u><a href=\"#topofpage\">Return to top of page<\/a><\/u><\/strong><\/p>\n<p>\n<\/div><div class=\"kc-elm kc-css-184797 kc_text_block\"><\/p>\n<h2 id=\"\u201c#arkansas\u201d\"><a id=\"arkansas\"><\/a>Arkansas<\/h2>\n<p>\n<\/div><div class=\"kc-elm kc-css-355528 kc_text_block\"><\/p>\n<p dir=\"ltr\"><strong>QRIS: Better Beginnings<\/strong><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li dir=\"ltr\">\n<p dir=\"ltr\">Goals:<\/p>\n<ul>\n<li dir=\"ltr\">\n<p dir=\"ltr\">To help the families of Arkansas understand that providers achieving this certification consistently provided a care environment above minimum licensing requirements.<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<li dir=\"ltr\">\n<p dir=\"ltr\">To encourage and achieve better life long outcomes for children by helping to assure their time in child care and early childhood education is enriching and meaningful.<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/li>\n<li dir=\"ltr\">\n<p dir=\"ltr\">Designation of certified status for any child care facility will qualify taxpayers for specific exemptions and credits, per the Better Beginnings Rule Book<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p dir=\"ltr\"><strong>Sources:<\/strong><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li dir=\"ltr\">\n<p dir=\"ltr\"><a href=\"https:\/\/qrisguide.acf.hhs.gov\/index.cfm?do=qrisstateinfo&#038;stateId=51\">https:\/\/qrisguide.acf.hhs.gov\/index.cfm?do=qrisstateinfo&#038;stateId=51<\/a><\/p>\n<\/li>\n<li dir=\"ltr\">\n<p dir=\"ltr\"><a href=\"http:\/\/www.arbetterbeginnings.com\/\">http:\/\/www.arbetterbeginnings.com\/<\/a><\/p>\n<\/li>\n<li dir=\"ltr\">\n<p dir=\"ltr\"><a href=\"http:\/\/www.arbetterbeginnings.com\/sites\/default\/files\/BB-Rule-Book.pdf\">http:\/\/www.arbetterbeginnings.com\/sites\/default\/files\/BB-Rule-Book.pdf<\/a><\/p>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p>\n<\/div><div class=\"kc-elm kc-css-904673 kc_text_block\"><\/p>\n<p>\n<strong><u><a href=\"#topofpage\">Return to top of page<\/a><\/u><\/strong><\/p>\n<p>\n<\/div><div class=\"kc-elm kc-css-126976 kc_text_block\"><\/p>\n<h2 id=\"\u201c#california\u201d\"><a id=\"california\"><\/a>California<\/h2>\n<p>\n<\/div><div class=\"kc-elm kc-css-632767 kc_text_block\"><\/p>\n<p dir=\"ltr\"><strong>CA\u2013QRIS Consortium<\/strong><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li dir=\"ltr\">\n<p dir=\"ltr\">California has a collective of county and regional QRISs<\/p>\n<ul>\n<li dir=\"ltr\">\n<p dir=\"ltr\">Assesses program quality comparably across provider types (publicly and privately funded, centers and family child care homes) throughout the state;<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<li dir=\"ltr\">\n<p dir=\"ltr\">Aligns program standards with early learning and practitioner standards;<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<li dir=\"ltr\">\n<p dir=\"ltr\">Supports continuous quality improvement for participating programs and their staff;<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<li dir=\"ltr\">\n<p dir=\"ltr\">Provides families with information about program quality to assist them in making informed choices<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/li>\n<li dir=\"ltr\">\n<p dir=\"ltr\">If you are a licensed family child care home provider or a child care center in a county that is operating a QRIS, you can contact the lead agency for information on participation or the application process. Priority I agencies and their mentees are the current lead agencies.<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<li dir=\"ltr\">\n<p dir=\"ltr\">Rating Elements by Points<\/p>\n<ul>\n<li dir=\"ltr\">\n<p dir=\"ltr\">5 POINTS: Independent ERS assessment. All subscales completed and averaged to meet overall score of 5.5 OR Current National Accreditation approved by the California Department of Education<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p dir=\"ltr\"><strong>Sources:<\/strong><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li dir=\"ltr\">\n<p dir=\"ltr\"><a href=\"http:\/\/www.ccfc.ca.gov\/programs\/programs_ca-qris.html\">http:\/\/www.ccfc.ca.gov\/programs\/programs_ca-qris.html<\/a><\/p>\n<\/li>\n<li dir=\"ltr\">\n<p dir=\"ltr\"><a href=\"http:\/\/www.cde.ca.gov\/sp\/cd\/rt\/\">http:\/\/www.cde.ca.gov\/sp\/cd\/rt\/<\/a><\/p>\n<\/li>\n<li dir=\"ltr\">\n<p dir=\"ltr\"><a href=\"http:\/\/www.cde.ca.gov\/sp\/cd\/op\/csppqrisblockgrant.asp\">http:\/\/www.cde.ca.gov\/sp\/cd\/op\/csppqrisblockgrant.asp<\/a><\/p>\n<\/li>\n<li dir=\"ltr\">\n<p dir=\"ltr\"><a href=\"http:\/\/www.cde.ca.gov\/sp\/cd\/rt\/rttelccontactlist.asp\">http:\/\/www.cde.ca.gov\/sp\/cd\/rt\/rttelccontactlist.asp<\/a>\u00a0(Lead Agencies)<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<li dir=\"ltr\"><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p>\n<\/div><div class=\"kc-elm kc-css-554601 kc_text_block\"><\/p>\n<p>\n<strong><u><a href=\"#topofpage\">Return to top of page<\/a><\/u><\/strong><\/p>\n<p>\n<\/div><div class=\"kc-elm kc-css-541048 kc_text_block\"><\/p>\n<h2 id=\"\u201c#colorado\u201d\"><a id=\"colorado\"><\/a>Colorado<\/h2>\n<p>\n<\/div><div class=\"kc-elm kc-css-487833 kc_text_block\"><\/p>\n<p dir=\"ltr\"><strong>QRIS: Colorado Shines<\/strong><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li dir=\"ltr\">\n<p dir=\"ltr\">Honors those programs that choose accreditation for meeting their quality goals.<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<li dir=\"ltr\">\n<p dir=\"ltr\">NECPA accreditation is recognized\u00a0at a high quality Level 3.<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<li dir=\"ltr\">\n<p dir=\"ltr\">QRIS is embedded in the Colorado\u2019s licensing system and all ratings are published on the public website for the public to search (and in particular for parents seeking child care options to search).<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<li dir=\"ltr\">\n<p dir=\"ltr\">Programs who participate in NECPA are required to register in the state QRIS portal to receive public recognition. This registration also allows programs the option to personalize their public snapshot, thus providing no cost ways to market their program.<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<li dir=\"ltr\">\n<p dir=\"ltr\">All counties within the state offer some level of tiered reimbursement for high quality programs who serve children eligible for child care subsidy funds.<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<li dir=\"ltr\">\n<p dir=\"ltr\">Quality funds are allocated based on program type (center\/home), number of classrooms, and program quality level. These stipends support the provision of coaching to include in-person, intensive support offered by subject matter experts to enhance particular aspects of quality; non-consumable materials for the child care learning environment; or to compensate for professional development (qualifying Early Childhood Education college coursework, conferences or trainings).<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p dir=\"ltr\"><strong>Sources:<\/strong><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li dir=\"ltr\">\n<p dir=\"ltr\"><a href=\"http:\/\/coloradoshines.force.com\/ColoradoShines\">http:\/\/coloradoshines.force.com\/ColoradoShines<\/a><\/p>\n<\/li>\n<li dir=\"ltr\">\n<p dir=\"ltr\"><a href=\"http:\/\/coloradoshines.force.com\/ColoradoShines\/programs?p=Program-Resources\">http:\/\/coloradoshines.force.com\/ColoradoShines\/programs?p=Program-Resources<\/a><\/p>\n<\/li>\n<li dir=\"ltr\">\n<p dir=\"ltr\"><a href=\"http:\/\/coloradoofficeofearlychildhood.force.com\/oec\/OEC_Providers?p=Providers&#038;s=Quality-Rating-and-Improvement&#038;lang=en\">http:\/\/coloradoofficeofearlychildhood.force.com\/oec\/OEC_Providers?p=Providers&#038;s=Quality-Rating-and-Improvement&#038;lang=en<\/a><\/p>\n<\/li>\n<li dir=\"ltr\">\n<p dir=\"ltr\"><a href=\"http:\/\/coloradoshines.force.com\/programs?p=Frequently-Asked-Questions-Program\">http:\/\/coloradoshines.force.com\/programs?p=Frequently-Asked-Questions-Program<\/a><\/p>\n<\/li>\n<li dir=\"ltr\">\n<p dir=\"ltr\"><a href=\"http:\/\/coloradoshines.force.com\/login\">http:\/\/coloradoshines.force.com\/login<\/a>\u00a0(Apply and Prepare)<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<li dir=\"ltr\">\n<p dir=\"ltr\"><a href=\"https:\/\/ecpd.costartstrong.org\/ets\/home\">https:\/\/ecpd.costartstrong.org\/ets\/home<\/a>\u00a0(Professional Development)<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<li dir=\"ltr\">\n<p dir=\"ltr\"><a href=\"https:\/\/denverearlychildhood.org\/\">https:\/\/denverearlychildhood.org\/<\/a><\/p>\n<\/li>\n<li dir=\"ltr\">\n<p dir=\"ltr\"><a href=\"https:\/\/qualistar.org\/t-e-a-c-h-ece-scholarship\/\">https:\/\/qualistar.org\/t-e-a-c-h-ece-scholarship\/<\/a>\u00a0(Eligibility and applications for scholarships)<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p>\n<\/div><div class=\"kc-elm kc-css-200882 kc_text_block\"><\/p>\n<p>\n<strong><u><a href=\"#topofpage\">Return to top of page<\/a><\/u><\/strong><\/p>\n<p>\n<\/div><div class=\"kc-elm kc-css-951395 kc_text_block\"><\/p>\n<h2 id=\"\u201c#connecticut\u201d\"><a id=\"connecticut\"><\/a>Connecticut<\/h2>\n<p>\n<\/div><div class=\"kc-elm kc-css-270370 kc_text_block\"><\/p>\n<p dir=\"ltr\"><strong>QRIS Workgroup (Pilot)<\/strong><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li dir=\"ltr\">\n<p dir=\"ltr\">The Early Childhood Cabinet, originally created in 2005 as the Early Childhood Education Cabinet, was renamed the Early Childhood Cabinet in the 2014 legislative session to reflect the cabinet&#039;s renewed interest in all areas that impact young children and their families.<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<li dir=\"ltr\">\n<p dir=\"ltr\">CT Early Childhood Cabinet Meeting Minutes April 27, 2017:<\/p>\n<ul>\n<li dir=\"ltr\">\n<p dir=\"ltr\">Thrive! will be piloted throughout the coming year with early adopters in 2018, voluntary statewide participation beginning in 2019, and required for state-funded programs in 2020. Family engagement will roll out in 2021 and Leadership in 2022. A set of forums statewide will be held this spring to share the Thrive! recognition rubric and pilot plans and receive feedback<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<li dir=\"ltr\">\n<p dir=\"ltr\">The Thrive! recognition rubric will be star-based with five categories scored separately and combined for an overall score. The categories rated will be Health and Safety, Learning and Environment, Workforce, and in the future Family Engagement, and Leadership.<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p dir=\"ltr\"><strong>Sources:<\/strong><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li dir=\"ltr\">\n<p dir=\"ltr\"><a href=\"http:\/\/www.ctearlychildhood.org\/qris.html\">http:\/\/www.ctearlychildhood.org\/qris.html<\/a><\/p>\n<\/li>\n<li dir=\"ltr\">\n<p dir=\"ltr\"><a href=\"http:\/\/www.ctcare4kids.com\/\">http:\/\/www.ctcare4kids.com\/<\/a>\u00a0(Care 4 Kids helps low to moderate income families in Connecticut pay for child care costs. This program is sponsored by the Connecticut Office of Early Childhood.)<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<li dir=\"ltr\">\n<p dir=\"ltr\"><a href=\"http:\/\/www.ctearlychildhood.org\/uploads\/6\/3\/3\/7\/6337139\/early_care_and_education_programs_and_services_in_connecticut.pdf\">http:\/\/www.ctearlychildhood.org\/uploads\/6\/3\/3\/7\/6337139\/early_care_and_education_programs_and_services_in_connecticut.pdf<\/a><\/p>\n<\/li>\n<li dir=\"ltr\">\n<p dir=\"ltr\"><a href=\"http:\/\/www.ctearlychildhood.org\/uploads\/6\/3\/3\/7\/6337139\/early_childhood_cabinet_minutes_3.27.17-jmj.pdf\">http:\/\/www.ctearlychildhood.org\/uploads\/6\/3\/3\/7\/6337139\/early_childhood_cabinet_minutes_3.27.17-jmj.pdf<\/a><\/p>\n<\/li>\n<li dir=\"ltr\">\n<p dir=\"ltr\"><a href=\"http:\/\/www.ct.gov\/oec\/cwp\/view.asp?a=4542&#038;q=544636\">http:\/\/www.ct.gov\/oec\/cwp\/view.asp?a=4542&#038;q=544636<\/a>\u00a0(Licensing)<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<li dir=\"ltr\">\n<p dir=\"ltr\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.ccacregistry.org\/_forms_documents\/FY18_scholarship_at_a_glance.pdf\">https:\/\/www.ccacregistry.org\/_forms_documents\/FY18_scholarship_at_a_glance.pdf<\/a>\u00a0(Office of Early Childhood (OEC) Scholarship)<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p>\n<\/div><div class=\"kc-elm kc-css-556751 kc_text_block\"><\/p>\n<p>\n<strong><u><a href=\"#topofpage\">Return to top of page<\/a><\/u><\/strong><\/p>\n<p>\n<\/div><div class=\"kc-elm kc-css-746097 kc_text_block\"><\/p>\n<h2 id=\"\u201c#delaware\u201d\"><a id=\"delaware\"><\/a>Delaware<\/h2>\n<p>\n<\/div><div class=\"kc-elm kc-css-722985 kc_text_block\"><\/p>\n<p dir=\"ltr\"><strong>QRIS: Delaware Stars for Early Success<\/strong><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li dir=\"ltr\">\n<p dir=\"ltr\">The goal of Delaware Stars is to invest in participating programs to increase access to high quality care for all of Delaware\u2019s children, especially those from low-income families.<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<li dir=\"ltr\">\n<p dir=\"ltr\">The standards are based on a framework that supports best and developmentally appropriate practices in the classroom and across a child care program in four areas: Learning Environment and Curriculum, Family and Community Partnerships, Management and Administration, and Professional Development and Qualifications.<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p dir=\"ltr\"><strong>Sources:<\/strong><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li dir=\"ltr\">\n<p dir=\"ltr\"><a href=\"http:\/\/www.delawarestars.udel.edu\/\">http:\/\/www.delawarestars.udel.edu\/<\/a><\/p>\n<\/li>\n<li dir=\"ltr\">\n<p dir=\"ltr\"><a href=\"http:\/\/www.delawarestars.udel.edu\/standards\/\">http:\/\/www.delawarestars.udel.edu\/standards\/<\/a><\/p>\n<\/li>\n<li dir=\"ltr\">\n<p dir=\"ltr\"><a href=\"http:\/\/www.delawarestars.udel.edu\/wp-content\/uploads\/2014\/02\/DE-Stars-Policy-Guide-9-3-2014.pdf\">http:\/\/www.delawarestars.udel.edu\/wp-content\/uploads\/2014\/02\/DE-Stars-Policy-Guide-9-3-2014.pdf<\/a><\/p>\n<\/li>\n<li dir=\"ltr\">\n<p dir=\"ltr\"><a href=\"http:\/\/www.delawarestars.udel.edu\/providers\/applying-to-stars\/\">http:\/\/www.delawarestars.udel.edu\/providers\/applying-to-stars\/<\/a>\u00a0(Apply)<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<li dir=\"ltr\">\n<p dir=\"ltr\"><a href=\"http:\/\/dhss.delaware.gov\/dhss\/dss\/childcr.html\">http:\/\/dhss.delaware.gov\/dhss\/dss\/childcr.html<\/a><\/p>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p>\n<\/div><div class=\"kc-elm kc-css-802407 kc_text_block\"><\/p>\n<p>\n<strong><u><a href=\"#topofpage\">Return to top of page<\/a><\/u><\/strong><\/p>\n<p>\n<\/div><div class=\"kc-elm kc-css-34455 kc_text_block\"><\/p>\n<h2 id=\"\u201c#Florida\u201d\"><a id=\"florida\"><\/a>Florida<\/h2>\n<p>\n<\/div><div class=\"kc-elm kc-css-795405 kc_text_block\"><\/p>\n<p dir=\"ltr\"><strong>Gold Seal Quality Care<\/strong><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li dir=\"ltr\">\n<p dir=\"ltr\">Florida Legislature established the Gold Seal Quality Care program to acknowledge child care facilities and family day care homes that are accredited by recognized agencies and whose standards reflect quality in the level of care and supervision provided to children.\u00a0NECPA accreditation is recognized.<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<li dir=\"ltr\">\n<p dir=\"ltr\">Gold Seal accrediting agencies are approved for a period of 5 years. It is the responsibility of the accrediting agencies to update the Office of Child Care Regulation on a quarterly basis as to their accredited child care providers. This includes, but is not limited to: new providers, renewed providers, terminated providers, and providers on provisional accreditation.<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<li dir=\"ltr\">\n<p dir=\"ltr\">Coalitions<\/p>\n<ul>\n<li dir=\"ltr\">\n<p dir=\"ltr\">14 local early learning coalitions operate or are piloting voluntary QRIS programs. There are 30 local coalitions, each operating under a plan approved by the Office of Early Learning representing all of Florida\u2019s 67 counties.<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<li dir=\"ltr\">\n<p dir=\"ltr\">While OEL governs day-to-day operations of statewide early learning programs and administers federal and state child care funds, across the state 30 regional early learning coalitions and the Redlands Christian Migrant Association are responsible for delivering local services.<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p dir=\"ltr\"><strong>Sources:<\/strong><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li dir=\"ltr\">\n<p dir=\"ltr\"><a href=\"http:\/\/www.myflfamilies.com\/service-programs\/child-care\/goldseal\">http:\/\/www.myflfamilies.com\/service-programs\/child-care\/goldseal<\/a><\/p>\n<\/li>\n<li dir=\"ltr\">\n<p dir=\"ltr\"><a href=\"https:\/\/qrisguide.acf.hhs.gov\/index.cfm?do=qrisstateinfo&#038;stateid=58\">https:\/\/qrisguide.acf.hhs.gov\/index.cfm?do=qrisstateinfo&#038;stateid=58<\/a><\/p>\n<\/li>\n<li dir=\"ltr\">\n<p dir=\"ltr\"><a href=\"http:\/\/www.floridaearlylearning.com\/coalitions.aspx\">http:\/\/www.floridaearlylearning.com\/coalitions.aspx<\/a><\/p>\n<\/li>\n<li dir=\"ltr\">\n<p dir=\"ltr\"><a href=\"http:\/\/www.myflfamilies.com\/service-programs\/child-care\/goldseal-process\">http:\/\/www.myflfamilies.com\/service-programs\/child-care\/goldseal-process<\/a>\u00a0(Steps and Application)<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p>\n<\/div><div class=\"kc-elm kc-css-757015 kc_text_block\"><\/p>\n<p>\n<strong><u><a href=\"#topofpage\">Return to top of page<\/a><\/u><\/strong><\/p>\n<p>\n<\/div><div class=\"kc-elm kc-css-147191 kc_text_block\"><\/p>\n<h2 id=\"\u201c#Georgia\u201d\"><a id=\"georgia\"><\/a>Georgia<\/h2>\n<p>\n<\/div><div class=\"kc-elm kc-css-115479 kc_text_block\"><\/p>\n<p dir=\"ltr\"><strong>QRIS: Quality Rated<\/strong><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li dir=\"ltr\">\n<p dir=\"ltr\">Quality Rated is a systemic approach to assess, improve, and communicate the level of quality in early and school\u2010age care and education programs. Similar to rating systems for other service related industries, Quality Rated assigns a quality rating to early and school\u2010age care and education programs that meet a set of defined program standards.<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<li dir=\"ltr\">\n<p dir=\"ltr\">Program can earn bonus points accreditation.\u00a0NECPA accreditation is recognized\u00a0&#8211; 1 additional point<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<li dir=\"ltr\">\n<p dir=\"ltr\">Once programs receive a rating, they may select a Bonus Package<\/p>\n<ul>\n<li dir=\"ltr\">\n<p dir=\"ltr\">Child Care Learning Center (CCLC) with Capacity of 19 or more<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<li dir=\"ltr\">\n<p dir=\"ltr\">Child Care Learning Center (CCLC) with Capacity of 18 or less<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<li dir=\"ltr\">\n<p dir=\"ltr\">Family Child Care Learning Home (FCCLH)<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<li dir=\"ltr\">\n<p dir=\"ltr\">Stand-alone School-Age Program<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p dir=\"ltr\"><strong>Sources:<\/strong><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li dir=\"ltr\">\n<p dir=\"ltr\"><a href=\"https:\/\/qualityrated.decal.ga.gov\/Default.aspx\">https:\/\/qualityrated.decal.ga.gov\/Default.aspx<\/a><\/p>\n<\/li>\n<li dir=\"ltr\">\n<p dir=\"ltr\"><a href=\"https:\/\/qualityrated.decal.ga.gov\/Shared\/Help.aspx?v=bp\">https:\/\/qualityrated.decal.ga.gov\/Shared\/Help.aspx?v=bp<\/a><\/p>\n<\/li>\n<li dir=\"ltr\">\n<p dir=\"ltr\"><a href=\"https:\/\/qualityrated.decal.ga.gov\/Content\/Documents\/PM_ProgramManual.pdf\">https:\/\/qualityrated.decal.ga.gov\/Content\/Documents\/PM_ProgramManual.pdf<\/a><\/p>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p class=\"p1\">r an additional fee ($300.00) and shorten the review time to\u00a0<u>2 weeks from the date the NECPA Office has both the visit materials and the expedited request.<\/u> To download the\u00a0NECPA Expedited National Accreditation Council (NAC) Result Request Form, please click\u00a0<a href=\"https:\/\/necpa.wpengine.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/PDF\/NECPA\/NAC\/NECPA_Expedited_National_Acc.pdf\">HERE<\/a>.<\/p>\n<p>\n<\/div><div class=\"kc-elm kc-css-96654 kc_text_block\"><\/p>\n<p>\n<strong><u><a href=\"#topofpage\">Return to top of page<\/a><\/u><\/strong><\/p>\n<p>\n<\/div><div class=\"kc-elm kc-css-922943 kc_text_block\"><\/p>\n<h2 id=\"\u201c#Hawaii\u201d\"><a id=\"hawaii\"><\/a>Hawaii<\/h2>\n<p>\n<\/div><div class=\"kc-elm kc-css-634850 kc_text_block\"><\/p>\n<p dir=\"ltr\"><strong>Quality Rating and Improvement System (QRIS) Pilot<\/strong><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li dir=\"ltr\">\n<p dir=\"ltr\">QRIS is Hawai\u2018i\u2019s voluntary quality rating and improvement system for center-based and home-based (family child care) early childhood care and education programs licensed by the Department of Human Services (DHS).<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<li dir=\"ltr\">\n<p dir=\"ltr\">Assesses and provides programs with a Quality Assessment Report that includes a Rating Level to help identify their strengths (what is working well), and areas for improvement (what could be strengthened) in their efforts toward continuous quality improvement<\/p>\n<ul>\n<li dir=\"ltr\">\n<p dir=\"ltr\">Rating Level (1-5) is based on a program\u2019s performance on specified assessment measures: assessment scores, staff qualifications, and required supporting evidence<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<li dir=\"ltr\">\n<p dir=\"ltr\">NECPA accreditation is recognized\u00a0&#8211; Level 5 and Tiered rate\/rate add-on<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/li>\n<li dir=\"ltr\">\n<p dir=\"ltr\">Supports programs with resources to help with their continuous quality improvement efforts. These resources include:<\/p>\n<ul>\n<li dir=\"ltr\">\n<p dir=\"ltr\">coaching \u2014provided by highly skilled and knowledgeable early childhood professionals to help programs identify and implement quality improvement goals and concrete actions to bring about desired changes<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<li dir=\"ltr\">\n<p dir=\"ltr\">financial supports\u2014provided by public and private funders to allow programs to move toward achieving their quality improvement goals. There are two forms of financial supports:<\/p>\n<ul>\n<li dir=\"ltr\">\n<p dir=\"ltr\">Quality Award\u2014an award made based on a program\u2019s Rating Level, size of program and number of children receiving subsidies for child care, to be used to support quality improvement efforts<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<li dir=\"ltr\">\n<p dir=\"ltr\">Quality Improvement Grant\u2014supplemental funds for which a program can apply to support quality improvement efforts<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p dir=\"ltr\"><strong>Sources:<\/strong><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li dir=\"ltr\">\n<p dir=\"ltr\"><a href=\"http:\/\/humanservices.hawaii.gov\/bessd\/child-care-program\/qris\/\">http:\/\/humanservices.hawaii.gov\/bessd\/child-care-program\/qris\/<\/a><\/p>\n<\/li>\n<li dir=\"ltr\">\n<p dir=\"ltr\"><a href=\"http:\/\/humanservices.hawaii.gov\/bessd\/files\/2013\/01\/What-is-QRIS_7.18.12.pdf\">http:\/\/humanservices.hawaii.gov\/bessd\/files\/2013\/01\/What-is-QRIS_7.18.12.pdf<\/a><\/p>\n<\/li>\n<li dir=\"ltr\">\n<p dir=\"ltr\"><a href=\"http:\/\/childcareaware.org\/state\/hawaii\/\">http:\/\/childcareaware.org\/state\/hawaii\/<\/a><\/p>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p>\n<\/div><div class=\"kc-elm kc-css-82229 kc_text_block\"><\/p>\n<p>\n<strong><u><a href=\"#topofpage\">Return to top of page<\/a><\/u><\/strong><\/p>\n<p>\n<\/div><div class=\"kc-elm kc-css-165280 kc_text_block\"><\/p>\n<h2 id=\"\u201c#Idaho\u201d\"><a id=\"idaho\"><\/a>Idaho<\/h2>\n<p>\n<\/div><div class=\"kc-elm kc-css-360118 kc_text_block\"><\/p>\n<p dir=\"ltr\"><strong>QRIS: IdahoSTARS<\/strong><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li dir=\"ltr\">\n<p dir=\"ltr\">IdahoSTARS is a voluntary program that provides training in child development, education, health, and safety and assessment of child care facilities based on national quality standards.\u00a0NECPA accreditation is recognized\u00a0&#8211; Level 5 and Tiered rate\/rate add-on.<\/p>\n<ul>\n<li dir=\"ltr\">\n<p dir=\"ltr\">Helps build revenue for child care businesses by offering incentives and grant opportunities to participating early care and education providers<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<li dir=\"ltr\">\n<p dir=\"ltr\">Encourages business success by offering professional development and resources for child care providers<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<li dir=\"ltr\">\n<p dir=\"ltr\">Ensures child care providers have access to current standards and resources to offer the best care possible<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<li dir=\"ltr\">\n<p dir=\"ltr\">Serve as the leading expert and referral source for quality early care and education in Idaho<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p dir=\"ltr\"><strong>Sources:<\/strong><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li dir=\"ltr\">\n<p dir=\"ltr\"><a href=\"http:\/\/idahostars.org\/?q=qris\">http:\/\/idahostars.org\/?q=qris<\/a><\/p>\n<\/li>\n<li dir=\"ltr\">\n<p dir=\"ltr\"><a href=\"http:\/\/idahostars.org\/?q=Contact\">http:\/\/idahostars.org\/?q=Contact<\/a><\/p>\n<\/li>\n<li dir=\"ltr\">\n<p dir=\"ltr\"><a href=\"http:\/\/idahostars.org\/?q=new-providers\">http:\/\/idahostars.org\/?q=new-providers<\/a><\/p>\n<\/li>\n<li dir=\"ltr\">\n<p dir=\"ltr\"><a href=\"http:\/\/idahostars.org\/?q=licensing\">http:\/\/idahostars.org\/?q=licensing<\/a><\/p>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p>\n<\/div><div class=\"kc-elm kc-css-653461 kc_text_block\"><\/p>\n<p>\n<strong><u><a href=\"#topofpage\">Return to top of page<\/a><\/u><\/strong><\/p>\n<p>\n<\/div><div class=\"kc-elm kc-css-517582 kc_text_block\"><\/p>\n<h2 id=\"\u201c#Illinois\u201d\"><a id=\"illinois\"><\/a>Illinois<\/h2>\n<p>\n<\/div><div class=\"kc-elm kc-css-301793 kc_text_block\"><\/p>\n<p dir=\"ltr\"><strong>QRIS: ExceleRate Illinois<\/strong><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li dir=\"ltr\">\n<p dir=\"ltr\">ExceleRate Illinois recognizes early learning providers for their ongoing efforts to improve the quality of their care by awarding Circle of Quality designations:<\/p>\n<ul>\n<li dir=\"ltr\">\n<p dir=\"ltr\">The Licensed Circle of Quality tells you that the program meets state licensing standards for quality. It is the foundation for quality.<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<li dir=\"ltr\">\n<p dir=\"ltr\">The Bronze Circle of Quality recognizes the qualifications of program staff.It tells you that the program has completed ExceleRate Illinois trainings, have met qualifications and are engaged in continuous quality improvement.<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<li dir=\"ltr\">\n<p dir=\"ltr\">The Silver Circle of Quality recognizes that the program has met quality goals.Silver Circle programs meet or go beyond quality standards in three areas: learning environment and teaching quality; administrative standards; and training &#038; education. Programs are actively engaged in continuous quality improvement.<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<li dir=\"ltr\">\n<p dir=\"ltr\">The Gold Circle of Quality recognizes programs that meet or go beyond the highest quality goals. Gold Circle programs have met the highest quality standards in three areas:learning environment and teaching quality; administrative standards; and training &#038; education. Programs are actively engaged in continuous quality improvement.<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/li>\n<li dir=\"ltr\">\n<p dir=\"ltr\">NECPA accreditation is recognized\u00a0&#8211; Gold and Silver approval<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<li dir=\"ltr\">\n<p dir=\"ltr\">Benefits include financial incentives, tools and resources for promotion, and quality add-on to the CCAP reimbursement rate<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p dir=\"ltr\"><strong>Sources:<\/strong><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li dir=\"ltr\">\n<p dir=\"ltr\"><a href=\"http:\/\/www.excelerateillinois.com\/about\/what-is-excelerate-illinois\">http:\/\/www.excelerateillinois.com\/about\/what-is-excelerate-illinois<\/a><\/p>\n<\/li>\n<li dir=\"ltr\">\n<p dir=\"ltr\"><a href=\"http:\/\/www.excelerateillinoisproviders.com\/\">http:\/\/www.excelerateillinoisproviders.com\/<\/a><\/p>\n<\/li>\n<li dir=\"ltr\">\n<p dir=\"ltr\"><a href=\"http:\/\/www.excelerateillinoisproviders.com\/benefits\/incentives\/licensed-family-child-care-incentives\">http:\/\/www.excelerateillinoisproviders.com\/benefits\/incentives\/licensed-family-child-care-incentives<\/a><\/p>\n<\/li>\n<li dir=\"ltr\">\n<p dir=\"ltr\"><a href=\"http:\/\/www.excelerateillinoisproviders.com\/benefits\/incentives\/licensed-center-incentives\">http:\/\/www.excelerateillinoisproviders.com\/benefits\/incentives\/licensed-center-incentives<\/a><\/p>\n<\/li>\n<li dir=\"ltr\">\n<p dir=\"ltr\"><a href=\"http:\/\/www.excelerateillinoisproviders.com\/docman\/resources\/163-necpa-crosswalk\/file\">http:\/\/www.excelerateillinoisproviders.com\/docman\/resources\/163-necpa-crosswalk\/file<\/a><\/p>\n<\/li>\n<li dir=\"ltr\">\n<p dir=\"ltr\"><a href=\"http:\/\/www.excelerateillinoisproviders.com\/how-it-works\/licensed-child-care\/applications\">http:\/\/www.excelerateillinoisproviders.com\/how-it-works\/licensed-child-care\/applications<\/a><\/p>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p>\n<\/div><div class=\"kc-elm kc-css-180223 kc_text_block\"><\/p>\n<p>\n<strong><u><a href=\"#topofpage\">Return to top of page<\/a><\/u><\/strong><\/p>\n<p>\n<\/div><div class=\"kc-elm kc-css-458697 kc_text_block\"><\/p>\n<h2 id=\"\u201c#Indiana\u201d\"><a id=\"indiana\"><\/a>Indiana<\/h2>\n<p>\n<\/div><div class=\"kc-elm kc-css-282369 kc_text_block\"><\/p>\n<p dir=\"ltr\"><strong>QRIS: Paths to QUALITY\u2122<\/strong><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li dir=\"ltr\">\n<p dir=\"ltr\">Gives families an easy to recognize tool for selecting a child care program. Families can look for the Paths to QUALITY\u2122 logo to determine what level their provider has achieved. Each level builds on the foundation of the previous one, resulting in significant quality improvements at each stage and in national accreditation at the highest level. The system validates child care programs for ongoing efforts to achieve higher standards of quality and provides incentives and awards for success. The four levels address:<\/p>\n<ul>\n<li dir=\"ltr\">\n<p dir=\"ltr\">Level One: Health and safety needs of children met.<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<li dir=\"ltr\">\n<p dir=\"ltr\">Level Two: Environment supports children\u2019s learning.<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<li dir=\"ltr\">\n<p dir=\"ltr\">Level Three: Planned curriculum guides child development and school readiness.<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<li dir=\"ltr\">\n<p dir=\"ltr\">Level Four: National accreditation (the highest indicator of quality) is achieved.<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/li>\n<li dir=\"ltr\">\n<p dir=\"ltr\">NECPA accreditation is recognized\u00a0&#8211; Level 4 approval<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p dir=\"ltr\"><strong>Sources:<\/strong><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li dir=\"ltr\">\n<p dir=\"ltr\"><a href=\"http:\/\/www.in.gov\/fssa\/carefinder\/2554.htm\">http:\/\/www.in.gov\/fssa\/carefinder\/2554.htm<\/a><\/p>\n<\/li>\n<li dir=\"ltr\">\n<p dir=\"ltr\"><a href=\"http:\/\/childcareindiana.org\/\">http:\/\/childcareindiana.org\/<\/a><\/p>\n<\/li>\n<li dir=\"ltr\">\n<p dir=\"ltr\"><a href=\"http:\/\/childcareindiana.org\/professionals\/\">http:\/\/childcareindiana.org\/professionals\/<\/a>\u00a0(Enrollment Request Form)<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<li dir=\"ltr\">\n<p dir=\"ltr\"><a href=\"http:\/\/childcareindiana.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2015\/09\/ptq-incentives.pdf\">http:\/\/childcareindiana.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2015\/09\/ptq-incentives.pdf<\/a><\/p>\n<\/li>\n<li dir=\"ltr\">\n<p dir=\"ltr\"><a href=\"http:\/\/www.in.gov\/fssa\/pathstoquality\/files\/CentersPTQStandards.pdf\">http:\/\/www.in.gov\/fssa\/pathstoquality\/files\/CentersPTQStandards.pdf<\/a><\/p>\n<\/li>\n<li dir=\"ltr\">\n<p dir=\"ltr\"><a href=\"http:\/\/www.in.gov\/fssa\/pathstoquality\/files\/HomesPTQStandards.pdf\">http:\/\/www.in.gov\/fssa\/pathstoquality\/files\/HomesPTQStandards.pdf<\/a><\/p>\n<\/li>\n<li dir=\"ltr\">\n<p dir=\"ltr\"><a href=\"http:\/\/www.in.gov\/fssa\/pathstoquality\/files\/MinistriesPTQStandards.pdf\">http:\/\/www.in.gov\/fssa\/pathstoquality\/files\/MinistriesPTQStandards.pdf<\/a><\/p>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p>\n<\/div><div class=\"kc-elm kc-css-862322 kc_text_block\"><\/p>\n<p>\n<strong><u><a href=\"#topofpage\">Return to top of page<\/a><\/u><\/strong><\/p>\n<p>\n<\/div><div class=\"kc-elm kc-css-212656 kc_text_block\"><\/p>\n<h2 id=\"\u201c#Iowa\u201d\"><a id=\"iowa\"><\/a>Iowa<\/h2>\n<p>\n<\/div><div class=\"kc-elm kc-css-575781 kc_text_block\"><\/p>\n<p dir=\"ltr\"><strong>QRIS: Quality Rating System<\/strong><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li dir=\"ltr\">\n<p dir=\"ltr\">Iowa&#039;s Quality Rating System (QRS) is a voluntary child care rating system for DHS Licensed Centers, DHS Licensed Preschools, Department of Education programs and Child Development Homes. QRS was developed to raise the quality of child care in Iowa, raise the number of children in high-quality child care settings and to educate parents about quality in child care.<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<li dir=\"ltr\">\n<p dir=\"ltr\">QRS uses a rating system geared toward increasing quality. Participating providers are rated with 1 to 5 stars, depending on how many improvement steps they are awarded.<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<li dir=\"ltr\">\n<p dir=\"ltr\">NECPA accreditation is recognized\u00a0&#8211; Maximum of 18 points<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p dir=\"ltr\"><strong>Sources:<\/strong><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li dir=\"ltr\">\n<p dir=\"ltr\"><a href=\"https:\/\/iowaccrr.org\/providers\/QRS\/\">https:\/\/iowaccrr.org\/providers\/QRS\/<\/a><\/p>\n<\/li>\n<li dir=\"ltr\">\n<p dir=\"ltr\"><a href=\"http:\/\/dhs.iowa.gov\/quality-rating-system\">http:\/\/dhs.iowa.gov\/quality-rating-system<\/a><\/p>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p>\n<\/div><div class=\"kc-elm kc-css-175617 kc_text_block\"><\/p>\n<p>\n<strong><u><a href=\"#topofpage\">Return to top of page<\/a><\/u><\/strong><\/p>\n<p>\n<\/div><div class=\"kc-elm kc-css-297428 kc_text_block\"><\/p>\n<h2 id=\"\u201c#Kansas\u201d\"><a id=\"kansas\"><\/a>Kansas<\/h2>\n<p>\n<\/div><div class=\"kc-elm kc-css-642571 kc_text_block\"><\/p>\n<p dir=\"ltr\"><strong>QRIS: Links to Quality<\/strong><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li dir=\"ltr\">\n<p dir=\"ltr\">DCF is planning to pilot Links to Quality with a small group of 30-40 providers. The pilot will last for a period of 2 years.<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<li dir=\"ltr\">\n<p dir=\"ltr\">A QRIS is an approach to assess, improve, and communicate the level of quality in early care settings. In Kansas, our QRIS is now Links to Quality. Our system will give Kansas child care providers goals to improve quality of their practice and recognize programs that demonstrate high marks of quality.It will be a system where programs can choose to participate. Programs will receive Quality recognition based on a set of Quality Indicators in three topic areas:<\/p>\n<ul>\n<li dir=\"ltr\">\n<p dir=\"ltr\">Program Leadership<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<li dir=\"ltr\">\n<p dir=\"ltr\">Family Partnerships<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<li dir=\"ltr\">\n<p dir=\"ltr\">Learning and Development<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p dir=\"ltr\"><strong>Sources:<\/strong><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li dir=\"ltr\">\n<p dir=\"ltr\"><a href=\"http:\/\/www.dcf.ks.gov\/services\/ees\/Pages\/Kansas-Quality-Rating-Improvement-System-(QRIS).aspx\">http:\/\/www.dcf.ks.gov\/services\/ees\/Pages\/Kansas-Quality-Rating-Improvement-System-(QRIS).aspx<\/a><\/p>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p>\n<\/div><div class=\"kc-elm kc-css-603195 kc_text_block\"><\/p>\n<p>\n<strong><u><a href=\"#topofpage\">Return to top of page<\/a><\/u><\/strong><\/p>\n<p>\n<\/div><div class=\"kc-elm kc-css-210682 kc_text_block\"><\/p>\n<h2 id=\"\u201c#Kentucky\u201d\"><a id=\"kentucky\"><\/a>Kentucky<\/h2>\n<p>\n<\/div><div class=\"kc-elm kc-css-654549 kc_text_block\"><\/p>\n<p dir=\"ltr\"><strong>QRIS: STARS for KIDS NOW<\/strong><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li dir=\"ltr\">\n<p dir=\"ltr\">The STARS for KIDS NOW program is Kentucky&#039;s voluntary quality rating improvement system for Licensed Type I, Type II and Certified Family Child Care Homes. Programs are rated using a one- to four-STAR level system.<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<li dir=\"ltr\">\n<p dir=\"ltr\">The STARS for KIDS NOW program is part of the KIDS NOW Initiative (Kentucky Invests in Developing Success NOW!) and is administered by the Cabinet for Health and Family Services.<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<li dir=\"ltr\">\n<p dir=\"ltr\">NECPA accreditation is recognized\u00a0within Level 4 Quality Rating Certificate Requirements<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<li dir=\"ltr\">\n<p dir=\"ltr\">The Initial Achievement Award is awarded the first time the center\/provider achieves a STARS level in accordance with the awards chart. The center\/provider will be paid for each level and including the STARS level achieved initially<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<li dir=\"ltr\">\n<p dir=\"ltr\">The Annual Achievement Award is for a center\/provider maintaining a STARS Level 3 or 4. Eligibility for this award is determined during the anniversary month of the provider\u2019s STARS rating.<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<li dir=\"ltr\">\n<p dir=\"ltr\">The Annual Enhancement Award is for Level 4 Type I centers who offer health insurance at the time of rating or begin to offer this benefit to their employees. The center must pay at least 50% of the cost of a single plan. Level 4 Type II centers and Certified providers are eligible for the annual enhancement award if their environment rating scale score is an average above 5.5.<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<li dir=\"ltr\">\n<p dir=\"ltr\">Quality Incentive Awards are calculated annually for STARS Levels 2, 3, and 4 centers\/providers serving CCAP children.<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p dir=\"ltr\"><strong>Sources:<\/strong><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li dir=\"ltr\">\n<p dir=\"ltr\"><a href=\"http:\/\/chfs.ky.gov\/dcbs\/dcc\/stars\/\">http:\/\/chfs.ky.gov\/dcbs\/dcc\/stars\/<\/a><\/p>\n<\/li>\n<li dir=\"ltr\">\n<p dir=\"ltr\"><a href=\"http:\/\/www.lrc.ky.gov\/kar\/TITLE922.HTM\">http:\/\/www.lrc.ky.gov\/kar\/TITLE922.HTM<\/a><\/p>\n<\/li>\n<li dir=\"ltr\">\n<p dir=\"ltr\"><a href=\"http:\/\/www.lrc.ky.gov\/kar\/922\/002\/170.htm\">http:\/\/www.lrc.ky.gov\/kar\/922\/002\/170.htm<\/a><\/p>\n<\/li>\n<li dir=\"ltr\">\n<p dir=\"ltr\"><a href=\"http:\/\/chfs.ky.gov\/dcbs\/dcc\/stars\/starsproviderinfo.htm\">http:\/\/chfs.ky.gov\/dcbs\/dcc\/stars\/starsproviderinfo.htm<\/a><\/p>\n<\/li>\n<li dir=\"ltr\">\n<p dir=\"ltr\"><a href=\"http:\/\/chfs.ky.gov\/NR\/rdonlyres\/88D8730A-A8A9-4601-B101-B2EBA4E1CCF5\/0\/DescriptionofTypesofSTARSAwards.pdf\">http:\/\/chfs.ky.gov\/NR\/rdonlyres\/88D8730A-A8A9-4601-B101-B2EBA4E1CCF5\/0\/DescriptionofTypesofSTARSAwards.pdf<\/a><\/p>\n<\/li>\n<li dir=\"ltr\">\n<p dir=\"ltr\"><a href=\"http:\/\/chfs.ky.gov\/NR\/rdonlyres\/BA829676-DE14-4E9C-87D9-52C1715B05FD\/0\/STARSFrequentlyAskedQuestions.pdf\">http:\/\/chfs.ky.gov\/NR\/rdonlyres\/BA829676-DE14-4E9C-87D9-52C1715B05FD\/0\/STARSFrequentlyAskedQuestions.pdf<\/a>\u00a0(FAQs)<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p>\n<\/div><div class=\"kc-elm kc-css-676466 kc_text_block\"><\/p>\n<p>\n<strong><u><a href=\"#topofpage\">Return to top of page<\/a><\/u><\/strong><\/p>\n<p>\n<\/div><div class=\"kc-elm kc-css-651990 kc_text_block\"><\/p>\n<h2 id=\"\u201c#Louisiana\u201d\"><a id=\"louisiana\"><\/a>Louisiana<\/h2>\n<p>\n<\/div><div class=\"kc-elm kc-css-826526 kc_text_block\"><\/p>\n<p dir=\"ltr\"><strong>QRIS: Quality Start<\/strong><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li dir=\"ltr\">\n<p dir=\"ltr\">Quality Start is a voluntary program for licensed child care centers, designed to recognize, support and increase the quality of child care throughout Louisiana. Participating centers can earn up to five stars. Quality Start also offers training and incentives to child care providers to help increase their rating. Important new quarterly bonuses and tax credits are also available to parents who choose a Quality Start center.<\/p>\n<ul>\n<li dir=\"ltr\">\n<p dir=\"ltr\">1 STAR \u2013 The one star rating indicates that the center has a license in good standing and no outstanding deficiencies.<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<li dir=\"ltr\">\n<p dir=\"ltr\">2 STARS \u2013 The two star rating indicates that the center staff has received more specialized training and the center has completed a self-assessment plan.<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<li dir=\"ltr\">\n<p dir=\"ltr\">3\u20135 STARS \u2013 The three to five star rating indicates the center provides quality child care based on staff qualifications and the Environment Rating Scales (ERS).<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/li>\n<li dir=\"ltr\">\n<p dir=\"ltr\">Top five incentives for joining Quality Start:<\/p>\n<ul>\n<li dir=\"ltr\">\n<p dir=\"ltr\">The SRTC Tax Credits<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<li dir=\"ltr\">\n<p dir=\"ltr\">Louisiana Pathways Scholarships<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<li dir=\"ltr\">\n<p dir=\"ltr\">CCR&#038;R Technical Assistance<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<li dir=\"ltr\">\n<p dir=\"ltr\">Child Care Mental Health Consultations<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<li dir=\"ltr\">\n<p dir=\"ltr\">CCAP Bonuses<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p dir=\"ltr\"><strong>Sources:<\/strong><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li dir=\"ltr\">\n<p dir=\"ltr\"><a href=\"http:\/\/www.qrslouisiana.org\/child-care-providers\">http:\/\/www.qrslouisiana.org\/child-care-providers<\/a><\/p>\n<\/li>\n<li dir=\"ltr\">\n<p dir=\"ltr\"><a href=\"http:\/\/www.qrslouisiana.org\/child-care-providers\/incentives\">http:\/\/www.qrslouisiana.org\/child-care-providers\/incentives<\/a><\/p>\n<\/li>\n<li dir=\"ltr\">\n<p dir=\"ltr\"><a href=\"http:\/\/www.qrslouisiana.org\/child-care-providers\/faqs\">http:\/\/www.qrslouisiana.org\/child-care-providers\/faqs<\/a><\/p>\n<\/li>\n<li dir=\"ltr\">\n<p dir=\"ltr\"><a href=\"http:\/\/www.qrslouisiana.org\/child-care-providers\/how-to-get-your-stars\">http:\/\/www.qrslouisiana.org\/child-care-providers\/how-to-get-your-stars<\/a><\/p>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p>\n<\/div><div class=\"kc-elm kc-css-918266 kc_text_block\"><\/p>\n<p>\n<strong><u><a href=\"#topofpage\">Return to top of page<\/a><\/u><\/strong><\/p>\n<p>\n<\/div><div class=\"kc-elm kc-css-980136 kc_text_block\"><\/p>\n<h2 id=\"\u201c#Maine\u201d\"><a id=\"maine\"><\/a>Maine<\/h2>\n<p>\n<\/div><div class=\"kc-elm kc-css-131068 kc_text_block\"><\/p>\n<p dir=\"ltr\"><strong>QRIS: Quality for ME<\/strong><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li dir=\"ltr\">\n<p dir=\"ltr\">A four-step program designed to increase awareness of the basic standards of early care and education, to recognize and support providers who are providing care above and beyond those standards, and to educate the community of the benefits of higher quality care.Quality for ME has three goals.<\/p>\n<ul>\n<li dir=\"ltr\">\n<p dir=\"ltr\">To recognize child care programs that provide quality care<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<li dir=\"ltr\">\n<p dir=\"ltr\">To encourage providers to increase their level of quality<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<li dir=\"ltr\">\n<p dir=\"ltr\">To provide parents with identifiable standards of quality<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p dir=\"ltr\"><strong>Sources:<\/strong><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li dir=\"ltr\">\n<p dir=\"ltr\"><a href=\"http:\/\/www.maine.gov\/dhhs\/ocfs\/ec\/occhs\/qualityforme.htm\">http:\/\/www.maine.gov\/dhhs\/ocfs\/ec\/occhs\/qualityforme.htm<\/a><\/p>\n<\/li>\n<li dir=\"ltr\">\n<p dir=\"ltr\"><a href=\"http:\/\/www.maine.gov\/dhhs\/ocfs\/ec\/occhs\/qrs_application_manual.pdf\">http:\/\/www.maine.gov\/dhhs\/ocfs\/ec\/occhs\/qrs_application_manual.pdf<\/a><\/p>\n<\/li>\n<li dir=\"ltr\">\n<p dir=\"ltr\"><a href=\"http:\/\/www.maine.gov\/dhhs\/ocfs\/ec\/occhs\/quality_cbc.pdf\">http:\/\/www.maine.gov\/dhhs\/ocfs\/ec\/occhs\/quality_cbc.pdf<\/a>\u00a0(Standards)<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p>\n<\/div><div class=\"kc-elm kc-css-332206 kc_text_block\"><\/p>\n<p>\n<strong><u><a href=\"#topofpage\">Return to top of page<\/a><\/u><\/strong><\/p>\n<p>\n<\/div><div class=\"kc-elm kc-css-645867 kc_text_block\"><\/p>\n<h2 id=\"\u201c#Maryland\u201d\"><a id=\"maryland\"><\/a>Maryland<\/h2>\n<p>\n<\/div><div class=\"kc-elm kc-css-470723 kc_text_block\"><\/p>\n<p dir=\"ltr\"><strong>QRIS: Maryland EXCELS<\/strong><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li dir=\"ltr\">\n<p dir=\"ltr\">Any licensed or registered center-based program, Head Start, family child care professional, public prekindergarten or school-age program that is open and operating is eligible to participate in Maryland EXCELS.<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<li dir=\"ltr\">\n<p dir=\"ltr\">Programs wishing to participate should complete a two-step process of registering and applying.<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<li dir=\"ltr\">\n<p dir=\"ltr\">NECPA accreditation is recognized\u00a0&#8211; Accreditation fees are covered for programs that apply for the state Accreditation Support Fund &#8211; <a href=\"https:\/\/docs.google.com\/forms\/d\/e\/1FAIpQLSeSiGTAJtwym77c3aS2vJv2Hz3kQP4lkLcnXvSfDSKmO9FNfw\/viewform\">ENROLL HERE &#8211;<\/a>\u00a0<a href=\"https:\/\/docs.google.com\/forms\/d\/e\/1FAIpQLSeSiGTAJtwym77c3aS2vJv2Hz3kQP4lkLcnXvSfDSKmO9FNfw\/viewform\">https:\/\/docs.google.com\/forms\/d\/e\/1FAIpQLSeSiGTAJtwym77c3aS2vJv2Hz3kQP4lkLcnXvSfDSKmO9FNfw\/viewform<\/a>\u00a0<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<li dir=\"ltr\">\n<p dir=\"ltr\">Not only does participating with Maryland EXCELS benefit your program and the families you serve, but it offers easy-to-use professional development resources to guide you through the process of increasing your Maryland EXCELS rating level and to give you ideas and insight on how to continue to improve the quality of your program.<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p dir=\"ltr\"><strong>Sources:<\/strong><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li dir=\"ltr\">\n<p dir=\"ltr\"><a href=\"http:\/\/www.marylandexcels.org\/commitment-to-quality\/\">http:\/\/www.marylandexcels.org\/commitment-to-quality\/<\/a><\/p>\n<\/li>\n<li dir=\"ltr\">\n<p dir=\"ltr\"><a href=\"http:\/\/www.marylandexcels.org\/maryland-excels-toolkit-now-available\/\">http:\/\/www.marylandexcels.org\/maryland-excels-toolkit-now-available\/<\/a><\/p>\n<\/li>\n<li dir=\"ltr\">\n<p dir=\"ltr\"><a href=\"http:\/\/earlychildhood.marylandpublicschools.org\/child-care-providers\/maryland-excels\/maryland-accreditation\">http:\/\/earlychildhood.marylandpublicschools.org\/child-care-providers\/maryland-excels\/maryland-accreditation<\/a><\/p>\n<\/li>\n<li dir=\"ltr\">\n<p dir=\"ltr\"><a href=\"http:\/\/earlychildhood.marylandpublicschools.org\/child-care-providers\/maryland-excels\/maryland-program-accreditation\/accreditation-support-fund\">http:\/\/earlychildhood.marylandpublicschools.org\/child-care-providers\/maryland-excels\/maryland-program-accreditation\/accreditation-support-fund<\/a><\/p>\n<\/li>\n<li dir=\"ltr\">\n<p dir=\"ltr\"><a href=\"http:\/\/earlychildhood.marylandpublicschools.org\/system\/files\/filedepot\/3\/occ_278_national_accreditation_oct2016.pdf\">https:\/\/docs.google.com\/forms\/d\/e\/1FAIpQLSeSiGTAJtwym77c3aS2vJv2Hz3kQP4lkLcnXvSfDSKmO9FNfw\/viewform<\/a>\u00a0(Application for Accreditation Support Fund &#8211; National Accreditation)<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<li dir=\"ltr\">\n<p dir=\"ltr\"><a href=\"http:\/\/www.marylandexcels.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2015\/12\/Child-Care-Center-Standards-March-2014-5.pdf\">http:\/\/www.marylandexcels.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2015\/12\/Child-Care-Center-Standards-March-2014-5.pdf<\/a><\/p>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p>\n<\/div><div class=\"kc-elm kc-css-659636 kc_text_block\"><\/p>\n<p>\n<strong><u><a href=\"#topofpage\">Return to top of page<\/a><\/u><\/strong><\/p>\n<p>\n<\/div><div class=\"kc-elm kc-css-355058 kc_text_block\"><\/p>\n<h2 id=\"\u201c#Massachusetts\u201d\"><a id=\"massachusetts\"><\/a>Massachusetts<\/h2>\n<p>\n<\/div><div class=\"kc-elm kc-css-976153 kc_text_block\"><\/p>\n<p dir=\"ltr\"><strong>QRIS:Massachusetts QRIS<\/strong><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li dir=\"ltr\">\n<p dir=\"ltr\">The Massachusetts QRIS Standards were developed for all programs and educators serving children and youth across the Commonwealth&#039;s mixed delivery system. The Massachusetts&#039; Licensing Regulations serve as a solid foundation, for a set of well-developed QRIS Standards, that are based on child development, early education and after school program quality research. To address the unique characteristics of quality found in different types of programs, the QRIS Standards have been customized for Center Based \/ School Based programs, Family Child Care, and After School Programs \/ Out of School Time programs.<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<li dir=\"ltr\">\n<p dir=\"ltr\">The QRIS Standards are presently expressed in terms of Levels, which correspond to a QRIS rating. The levels are organized in a series of blocks that outline the indicators for quality within each category. Thus, programs must demonstrate that they can meet all of the criteria in all of the categories in Level 1 to obtain a Level 1 rating, before they can qualify for Level 2 rating, and so on up the levels. Currently there are four QRIS levels, EEC plans to develop a fifth level that links high quality education and care with positive developmental and educational outcomes for children and youth.<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p dir=\"ltr\"><strong>Sources:<\/strong><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li dir=\"ltr\">\n<p dir=\"ltr\"><a href=\"http:\/\/www.mass.gov\/edu\/birth-grade-12\/early-education-and-care\/qris\/massachusetts-qris-standards.html\">http:\/\/www.mass.gov\/edu\/birth-grade-12\/early-education-and-care\/qris\/massachusetts-qris-standards.html<\/a><\/p>\n<\/li>\n<li dir=\"ltr\">\n<p dir=\"ltr\"><a href=\"http:\/\/www.mass.gov\/edu\/government\/departments-and-boards\/department-of-early-education-and-care\/\">http:\/\/www.mass.gov\/edu\/government\/departments-and-boards\/department-of-early-education-and-care\/<\/a><\/p>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p>\n<\/div><div class=\"kc-elm kc-css-727053 kc_text_block\"><\/p>\n<p>\n<strong><u><a href=\"#topofpage\">Return to top of page<\/a><\/u><\/strong><\/p>\n<p>\n<\/div><div class=\"kc-elm kc-css-70697 kc_text_block\"><\/p>\n<h2 id=\"\u201c#Michigan\u201d\"><a id=\"michigan\"><\/a>Michigan<\/h2>\n<p>\n<\/div><div class=\"kc-elm kc-css-364684 kc_text_block\"><\/p>\n<p dir=\"ltr\"><strong>QRIS: Great Start to Quality<\/strong><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li dir=\"ltr\">\n<p dir=\"ltr\">Great Start to Quality offers child care providers several resources such as orientation, professional development, and other benefits.<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<li dir=\"ltr\">\n<p dir=\"ltr\">Great Start to Quality is Michigan&#039;s quality rating and improvement system that supports programs and providers in their efforts to provide high-quality care while helping families find and choose quality programs that meet their children&#039;s needs. Great Start to Quality helps you get the tools and child care provider resources you need to succeed.<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<li dir=\"ltr\">\n<p dir=\"ltr\">Participating in Great Start to Quality provides you with the opportunity to apply for incentives, grants and additional bonuses to help you obtain necessary resources to provide the best care possible.<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<li dir=\"ltr\">\n<p dir=\"ltr\">These incentives are made possible through Michigan&#039;s Race to the Top-Early Learning Challenge grant. The goal of the grant is to increase the number of child care providers who are focusing on quality care and participating in Great Start to Quality.<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p dir=\"ltr\"><strong>Sources:<\/strong><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li dir=\"ltr\">\n<p dir=\"ltr\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.greatstarttoquality.org\/educators\">https:\/\/www.greatstarttoquality.org\/educators<\/a><\/p>\n<\/li>\n<li dir=\"ltr\">\n<p dir=\"ltr\"><a href=\"http:\/\/www.greatstarttoquality.org\/benefits-educators\">http:\/\/www.greatstarttoquality.org\/benefits-educators<\/a><\/p>\n<\/li>\n<li dir=\"ltr\">\n<p dir=\"ltr\"><a href=\"http:\/\/greatstarttoquality.org\/sites\/default\/files\/GSQ%20English%20Programs%20and%20Providers%20Brochure.pdf\">http:\/\/greatstarttoquality.org\/sites\/default\/files\/GSQ%20English%20Programs%20and%20Providers%20Brochure.pdf<\/a><\/p>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p>\n<\/div><div class=\"kc-elm kc-css-931974 kc_text_block\"><\/p>\n<p>\n<strong><u><a href=\"#topofpage\">Return to top of page<\/a><\/u><\/strong><\/p>\n<p>\n<\/div><div class=\"kc-elm kc-css-669939 kc_text_block\"><\/p>\n<h2 id=\"\u201c#Minnesota\u201d\"><a id=\"minnesota\"><\/a>Minnesota<\/h2>\n<p>\n<\/div><div class=\"kc-elm kc-css-508572 kc_text_block\"><\/p>\n<p dir=\"ltr\"><strong>QRIS: Parent Aware<\/strong><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li dir=\"ltr\">\n<p dir=\"ltr\">Based on research, Star Ratings help families identify programs using the practices that best prepare children for kindergarten.<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<li dir=\"ltr\">\n<p dir=\"ltr\">Programs participating in the Full-Rating Pathway have access to incredible benefits that can support their work with the children and their families.<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<li dir=\"ltr\">\n<p dir=\"ltr\">Quality Improvement Supports are available to licensed child care programs pursuing a Parent Aware Rating through the Full-Rating Pathway. These dollars can be spent on training, curricula, assessment tools, toys, equipment, technology \u2013 like a computer or printer \u2013 or other materials tied to the program\u2019s professional development goals. There are two ways to receive Quality Improvement Supports:<\/p>\n<ul>\n<li dir=\"ltr\">\n<p dir=\"ltr\">Building Quality. Participating programs can receive up to $1,000 after receiving 20 hours of coaching over a six-month period.<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<li dir=\"ltr\">\n<p dir=\"ltr\">Full-Rating. Programs that earn a One-, Two-, or Three-Star Rating can receive up to $2,500 after receiving a Rating.<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/li>\n<li dir=\"ltr\">\n<p dir=\"ltr\">Licensed accredited family child care providers and licensed accredited child care centers can take the Accelerated Pathway to Rating (APR). With a current accreditation, these programs follow a streamlined process to earn a Four-Star Parent Aware Rating. The requirements of child care accreditation match or exceed the requirements of the Full-Rating Pathway.<\/p>\n<ul>\n<li dir=\"ltr\">\n<p dir=\"ltr\">NECPA accreditation is recognized<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p dir=\"ltr\"><strong>Sources:<\/strong><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li dir=\"ltr\">\n<p dir=\"ltr\"><a href=\"http:\/\/parentaware.org\/\">http:\/\/parentaware.org\/<\/a><\/p>\n<\/li>\n<li dir=\"ltr\">\n<p dir=\"ltr\"><a href=\"http:\/\/parentaware.org\/programs\/\">http:\/\/parentaware.org\/programs\/<\/a><\/p>\n<\/li>\n<li dir=\"ltr\">\n<p dir=\"ltr\"><a href=\"http:\/\/parentaware.org\/programs\/benefits-for-rated-programs\/\">http:\/\/parentaware.org\/programs\/benefits-for-rated-programs\/<\/a><\/p>\n<\/li>\n<li dir=\"ltr\">\n<p dir=\"ltr\"><a href=\"http:\/\/parentaware.org\/programs\/apr-resources\/#accreditation\/\">http:\/\/parentaware.org\/programs\/apr-resources\/#accreditation\/<\/a><\/p>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p>\n<\/div><div class=\"kc-elm kc-css-714693 kc_text_block\"><\/p>\n<p>\n<strong><u><a href=\"#topofpage\">Return to top of page<\/a><\/u><\/strong><\/p>\n<p>\n<\/div><div class=\"kc-elm kc-css-466342 kc_text_block\"><\/p>\n<h2 id=\"\u201c#Mississippi\u201d\"><a id=\"mississippi\"><\/a>Mississippi<\/h2>\n<p>\n<\/div><div class=\"kc-elm kc-css-584602 kc_text_block\"><\/p>\n<p dir=\"ltr\"><strong>QRIS: State Early Childhood Advisory Council of Mississippi<\/strong><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li dir=\"ltr\">\n<p dir=\"ltr\">SECAC seeks to support early childhood professionals in their role as a source of knowledge and support for Mississippi families.<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<li dir=\"ltr\">\n<p dir=\"ltr\">MDHS and the State Early Childhood Advisory Council (SECAC) have released a joint statement on the future of early childhood in Mississippi, including the future of programs funded by the federal Child Care and Development Fund. A Family-Based Unified and Integrated Early Childhood System outlines an early childhood system underpinned by common case management, a collaborative referral process, and an integrated data system unlike any other in the country. Implementation of Mississippi\u2019s early childhood system is a collaborative effort of all state agencies, the office of Governor Bryant, early care and education providers, and the SECAC.<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p dir=\"ltr\"><strong>Sources:<\/strong><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li dir=\"ltr\">\n<p dir=\"ltr\"><a href=\"https:\/\/secac.ms.gov\/wp-content\/uploads\/2016\/12\/EarlyChildCareSystemDescription-Formatted-12-07-16-Small.pdf\">https:\/\/secac.ms.gov\/wp-content\/uploads\/2016\/12\/EarlyChildCareSystemDescription-Formatted-12-07-16-Small.pdf<\/a>\u00a0(SECAC report)<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<li dir=\"ltr\">\n<p dir=\"ltr\"><a href=\"https:\/\/secac.ms.gov\/\">https:\/\/secac.ms.gov\/<\/a><\/p>\n<\/li>\n<li dir=\"ltr\">\n<p dir=\"ltr\"><a href=\"https:\/\/secac.ms.gov\/providers\/financial-resources-and-other-programs-and-services-for-providers\/\">https:\/\/secac.ms.gov\/providers\/financial-resources-and-other-programs-and-services-for-providers\/<\/a><\/p>\n<\/li>\n<li dir=\"ltr\">\n<p dir=\"ltr\"><a href=\"https:\/\/secac.ms.gov\/child-care-development-fund-state-plan\/\">https:\/\/secac.ms.gov\/child-care-development-fund-state-plan\/<\/a><\/p>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p>\n<\/div><div class=\"kc-elm kc-css-987522 kc_text_block\"><\/p>\n<p>\n<strong><u><a href=\"#topofpage\">Return to top of page<\/a><\/u><\/strong><\/p>\n<p>\n<\/div><div class=\"kc-elm kc-css-916418 kc_text_block\"><\/p>\n<h2 id=\"\u201c#Missouri\u201d\"><a id=\"missouri\"><\/a>Missouri<\/h2>\n<p>\n<\/div><div class=\"kc-elm kc-css-8336 kc_text_block\"><\/p>\n<p dir=\"ltr\"><strong>QRIS: Missouri Early Learning Standards (Pilot)<\/strong><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li dir=\"ltr\">\n<p dir=\"ltr\">SB 638 Modifies several provisions relating to elementary and secondary education<\/p>\n<ul>\n<li dir=\"ltr\">\n<p dir=\"ltr\">EARLY LEARNING QUALITY ASSURANCE REPORT<\/p>\n<ul>\n<li dir=\"ltr\">\n<p dir=\"ltr\">This act repeals the prohibition of a quality rating system for early childhood education. (Section 161.216)<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<li dir=\"ltr\">\n<p dir=\"ltr\">This act also establishes an early learning quality assurance report three year pilot program in collaboration with the Missouri Head Start Collaboration Office and the Departments of Health and Senior Services, Mental Health, and Social Services. The program is voluntary for any licensed, license-exempt, or certified early learning providers that are center-based or home based and providing services for children from any age up to kindergarten.<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<li dir=\"ltr\">\n<p dir=\"ltr\">The early learning quality assurance report may include, but is not limited to, information regarding staff qualifications, instructional quality, professional development, health and safety standards, parent engagement, and community engagement. (Section 161.217)<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/li>\n<li dir=\"ltr\">\n<p dir=\"ltr\">The Missouri Department of Elementary and Secondary Education along with a broad based group of individuals, whose backgrounds are representative of the early childhood community in Missouri, developed a set of standards of what most children should know and be able to do by the time they enter kindergarten. The standards are intended to be used in a variety of early childhood settings by a variety of people: parents, parent educators, child care providers, Head Start and public\/private school teachers, etc. They are consistent with current research and recommendations from other state and national initiatives.<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p dir=\"ltr\"><strong>Sources:<\/strong><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li dir=\"ltr\">\n<p dir=\"ltr\"><a href=\"https:\/\/dss.mo.gov\/cd\/child-care\/\">https:\/\/dss.mo.gov\/cd\/child-care\/<\/a><\/p>\n<\/li>\n<li dir=\"ltr\">\n<p dir=\"ltr\"><a href=\"http:\/\/www.senate.mo.gov\/16info\/BTS_Web\/Bill.aspx?SessionType=R&#038;BillID=22246585\">http:\/\/www.senate.mo.gov\/16info\/BTS_Web\/Bill.aspx?SessionType=R&#038;BillID=22246585<\/a><\/p>\n<\/li>\n<li dir=\"ltr\">\n<p dir=\"ltr\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www2.ed.gov\/programs\/racetothetop-earlylearningchallenge\/applications\/missouri.pdf\">https:\/\/www2.ed.gov\/programs\/racetothetop-earlylearningchallenge\/applications\/missouri.pdf<\/a><\/p>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p>\n<\/div><div class=\"kc-elm kc-css-320389 kc_text_block\"><\/p>\n<p>\n<strong><u><a href=\"#topofpage\">Return to top of page<\/a><\/u><\/strong><\/p>\n<p>\n<\/div><div class=\"kc-elm kc-css-625335 kc_text_block\"><\/p>\n<h2 id=\"\u201c#Montana\u201d\"><a id=\"montana\"><\/a>Montana<\/h2>\n<p>\n<\/div><div class=\"kc-elm kc-css-577856 kc_text_block\"><\/p>\n<p dir=\"ltr\"><strong>QRIS: Best Beginnings STARS to Quality Program<\/strong><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li dir=\"ltr\">\n<p dir=\"ltr\">The Best Beginnings STARS to Quality Program is a voluntary quality rating and improvement system that aligns quality indicators with support and incentives for early childhood programs and early childhood professionals. The Early Childhood Services Bureau has enjoyed watching the program grow and develop with the input from the various stakeholders, and has listened carefully to early childhood professionals, parents, and national experts to provide a strong program, desired by many.<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<li dir=\"ltr\">\n<p dir=\"ltr\">STARS incentives are available to programs in two forms:<\/p>\n<ul>\n<li dir=\"ltr\">\n<p dir=\"ltr\">quarterly quality improvement awards<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<li dir=\"ltr\">\n<p dir=\"ltr\">tiered reimbursement percent increases (above standard state reimbursement rates) for those facilities choosing to serve Best Beginnings Scholarship families.<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p dir=\"ltr\"><strong>Sources:<\/strong><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li dir=\"ltr\">\n<p dir=\"ltr\"><a href=\"http:\/\/dphhs.mt.gov\/hcsd\/ChildCare\/STARS\/STARSProvidersandPrograms\">http:\/\/dphhs.mt.gov\/hcsd\/ChildCare\/STARS\/STARSProvidersandPrograms<\/a><\/p>\n<\/li>\n<li dir=\"ltr\">\n<p dir=\"ltr\"><a href=\"http:\/\/dphhs.mt.gov\/hcsd\/Childcare\/STARS\/standardsandguidanceprocedures\">http:\/\/dphhs.mt.gov\/hcsd\/Childcare\/STARS\/standardsandguidanceprocedures<\/a><\/p>\n<\/li>\n<li dir=\"ltr\">\n<p dir=\"ltr\"><a href=\"http:\/\/dphhs.mt.gov\/Portals\/85\/hcsd\/documents\/ChildCare\/STARS\/CenterStandards.pdf\">http:\/\/dphhs.mt.gov\/Portals\/85\/hcsd\/documents\/ChildCare\/STARS\/CenterStandards.pdf<\/a><\/p>\n<\/li>\n<li dir=\"ltr\">\n<p dir=\"ltr\"><a href=\"http:\/\/dphhs.mt.gov\/hcsd\/ChildCare\/STARS\/incentives\">http:\/\/dphhs.mt.gov\/hcsd\/ChildCare\/STARS\/incentives<\/a><\/p>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p>\n<\/div><div class=\"kc-elm kc-css-847103 kc_text_block\"><\/p>\n<p>\n<strong><u><a href=\"#topofpage\">Return to top of page<\/a><\/u><\/strong><\/p>\n<p>\n<\/div><div class=\"kc-elm kc-css-514985 kc_text_block\"><\/p>\n<h2 id=\"\u201c#Nebraska\u201d\"><a id=\"nebraska\"><\/a>Nebraska<\/h2>\n<p>\n<\/div><div class=\"kc-elm kc-css-540686 kc_text_block\"><\/p>\n<p dir=\"ltr\"><strong>QRIS: Step Up to Quality<\/strong><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li dir=\"ltr\">\n<p dir=\"ltr\">Programs enrolled in Step Up to Quality have access to coaching and resources that help them on their path to higher quality. These resources enable any provider or educator \u2013\u2013 big or small \u2013\u2013 to take quality to the next level.<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<li dir=\"ltr\">\n<p dir=\"ltr\">Step Up to Quality programs go beyond what is required because they strive to do better for their children\u2019s and families\u2019 futures.<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<li dir=\"ltr\">\n<p dir=\"ltr\">Your Step Up to Quality coach can provide resources and information to help you access additional support and funding via Step Up to Quality partners.<\/p>\n<ul>\n<li dir=\"ltr\">\n<p dir=\"ltr\">Quality Grants<\/p>\n<ul>\n<li dir=\"ltr\">\n<p dir=\"ltr\">A limited number of quality grants are available to assist child care programs working to improve the quality of care through Step Up to Quality. Grants are available through the Nebraska Department of Health and Human Services, Division of Children and Families.<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/li>\n<li dir=\"ltr\">\n<p dir=\"ltr\">T.E.A.C.H. Early Childhood Nebraska\u00ae Scholarships<\/p>\n<ul>\n<li dir=\"ltr\">\n<p dir=\"ltr\">A limited number of T.E.A.C.H. (Teacher Education and Compensation Helps) Early Childhood Nebraska\u00ae scholarships are available through the Nebraska Association for the Education of Young Children. Scholarships assist professionals working toward an associate or bachelor\u2019s degree or a certificate or diploma.<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/li>\n<li dir=\"ltr\">\n<p dir=\"ltr\">Child Development Associate<\/p>\n<ul>\n<li dir=\"ltr\">\n<p dir=\"ltr\">Limited funds are available to assist early childhood professionals who want to apply for a Child Development Associate (CDA), a nationally recognized credential for early childhood professionals. Funds help pay the initial assessment or renewal fees and are made available through the Nebraska Department of Education, Office of Early Childhood.<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/li>\n<li dir=\"ltr\">\n<p dir=\"ltr\">Program Accreditation<\/p>\n<ul>\n<li dir=\"ltr\">\n<p dir=\"ltr\">Limited funds are available to help programs pay part of the costs for recognized national accreditation. Financial assistance comes from the Nebraska Department of Education, Office of Early Childhood.<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/li>\n<li dir=\"ltr\">\n<p dir=\"ltr\">Accredited programs are eligible to enter Step Up to Quality at a Step 3 rating. These programs must complete all Step 1 requirements.<\/p>\n<ul>\n<li dir=\"ltr\">\n<p dir=\"ltr\">NECPA accreditation is recognized<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p dir=\"ltr\"><strong>Sources:<\/strong><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li dir=\"ltr\">\n<p dir=\"ltr\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.education.ne.gov\/StepUptoQuality\/\">https:\/\/www.education.ne.gov\/StepUptoQuality\/<\/a><\/p>\n<\/li>\n<li dir=\"ltr\">\n<p dir=\"ltr\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.education.ne.gov\/stepuptoquality\/providers-educators\/overview\/\">https:\/\/www.education.ne.gov\/stepuptoquality\/providers-educators\/overview\/<\/a><\/p>\n<\/li>\n<li dir=\"ltr\">\n<p dir=\"ltr\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.education.ne.gov\/stepuptoquality\/providers-educators\/resources\/financial-support\/\">https:\/\/www.education.ne.gov\/stepuptoquality\/providers-educators\/resources\/financial-support\/<\/a><\/p>\n<\/li>\n<li dir=\"ltr\">\n<p dir=\"ltr\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.education.ne.gov\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/10\/Program-Guide-10.18.17.pdf\">https:\/\/www.education.ne.gov\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/10\/Program-Guide-10.18.17.pdf<\/a><\/p>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p>\n<\/div><div class=\"kc-elm kc-css-660741 kc_text_block\"><\/p>\n<p>\n<strong><u><a href=\"#topofpage\">Return to top of page<\/a><\/u><\/strong><\/p>\n<p>\n<\/div><div class=\"kc-elm kc-css-941311 kc_text_block\"><\/p>\n<h2 id=\"\u201c#Nevada\u201d\"><a id=\"nevada\"><\/a>Nevada<\/h2>\n<p>\n<\/div><div class=\"kc-elm kc-css-282888 kc_text_block\"><\/p>\n<p dir=\"ltr\"><strong>QRIS: Nevada Silver State Stars<\/strong><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li dir=\"ltr\">\n<p dir=\"ltr\">The Nevada Department of Education, through the Office of Early Learning and Development have implemented the Nevada Star Quality Initiative, Nevada Silver State Stars, the state&#039;s Quality Rating and Improvement System. A Quality Rating and Improvement System is a method to assess, improve and communicate the level of quality in early childhood programs. The Silver State Stars assigns a rating, from 1 to 5 stars, to each site, to assist parents in finding a quality care provider for their child.<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<li dir=\"ltr\">\n<p dir=\"ltr\">Benefits of becoming a Star program<\/p>\n<ul>\n<li dir=\"ltr\">\n<p dir=\"ltr\">Provides programs with a road-map, access to support, and resources to insure program improvement<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<li dir=\"ltr\">\n<p dir=\"ltr\">Recognizes programs for their strengths while helping them improve where needed.<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<li dir=\"ltr\">\n<p dir=\"ltr\">Provides financial incentives to programs who meet higher standards of quality<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<li dir=\"ltr\">\n<p dir=\"ltr\">Integral to a quality rating and improvement system is a comprehensive and coordinated development system which: benefits professionals in all setting and responds to the needs of professionals at all levels, from entry- level assistants to multi-site administrators.<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/li>\n<li dir=\"ltr\">\n<p dir=\"ltr\">5- star programs must be nationally accredited thus they have met the majority of additional quality indicators &#8211;\u00a0NECPA accreditation is recognized<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p dir=\"ltr\"><strong>Sources:<\/strong><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li dir=\"ltr\">\n<p dir=\"ltr\"><a href=\"http:\/\/www.nvsilverstatestars.org\/become-a-star-program\">http:\/\/www.nvsilverstatestars.org\/become-a-star-program<\/a><\/p>\n<\/li>\n<li dir=\"ltr\">\n<p dir=\"ltr\"><a href=\"http:\/\/www.nvsilverstatestars.org\/_public\/themes\/default\/files\/12.22%20CENTER%20QRIS%20Model%20Update-Alignment%2012-2016.pdf\">http:\/\/www.nvsilverstatestars.org\/_public\/themes\/default\/files\/12.22%20CENTER%20QRIS%20Model%20Update-Alignment%2012-2016.pdf<\/a><\/p>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p>\n<\/div><div class=\"kc-elm kc-css-435147 kc_text_block\"><\/p>\n<p>\n<strong><u><a href=\"#topofpage\">Return to top of page<\/a><\/u><\/strong><\/p>\n<p>\n<\/div><div class=\"kc-elm kc-css-924702 kc_text_block\"><\/p>\n<h2 id=\"\u201c#New-hampshire\u201d\"><a id=\"new-hampshire\"><\/a>New Hampshire<\/h2>\n<p>\n<\/div><div class=\"kc-elm kc-css-427085 kc_text_block\"><\/p>\n<p dir=\"ltr\"><strong>QRIS: Licensed Plus<\/strong><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li dir=\"ltr\">\n<p dir=\"ltr\">Licensed Plus is a quality rating system that recognizes NH child care programs for efforts to improve the quality of care for young children and rewards programs that strive to improve their practices and staff qualifications. It also allows families to identify programs with higher quality. Levels build from a foundation of minimum standards for licensing to full national accreditation.<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<li dir=\"ltr\">\n<p dir=\"ltr\">Benefits Of Becoming A Licensed Plus Provider<\/p>\n<ul>\n<li dir=\"ltr\">\n<p dir=\"ltr\">Parents can find out about Licensed Plus programs in their communities. They can also contact their Child Care Resource and Referral program;<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<li dir=\"ltr\">\n<p dir=\"ltr\">Licensed Plus providers will get a certificate and a logo to display;<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<li dir=\"ltr\">\n<p dir=\"ltr\">Licensed Plus is the first of what may be additional steps to national accreditation; and<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<li dir=\"ltr\">\n<p dir=\"ltr\">NH Department of Health and Human Services promotes the Licensed Plus Program. This is done via the media, educational opportunities and other available resources.<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p dir=\"ltr\"><strong>Sources:<\/strong><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li dir=\"ltr\">\n<p dir=\"ltr\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.dhhs.nh.gov\/dcyf\/licensedplus\/index.htm\">https:\/\/www.dhhs.nh.gov\/dcyf\/licensedplus\/index.htm<\/a><\/p>\n<\/li>\n<li dir=\"ltr\">\n<p dir=\"ltr\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.dhhs.nh.gov\/dcyf\/licensedplus\/quality.htm\">https:\/\/www.dhhs.nh.gov\/dcyf\/licensedplus\/quality.htm<\/a><\/p>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p>\n<\/div><div class=\"kc-elm kc-css-598451 kc_text_block\"><\/p>\n<p>\n<strong><u><a href=\"#topofpage\">Return to top of page<\/a><\/u><\/strong><\/p>\n<p>\n<\/div><div class=\"kc-elm kc-css-596370 kc_text_block\"><\/p>\n<h2 id=\"\u201c#New-jersey\u201d\"><a id=\"new-jersey\"><\/a>New Jersey<\/h2>\n<p>\n<\/div><div class=\"kc-elm kc-css-367973 kc_text_block\"><\/p>\n<p dir=\"ltr\"><strong>QRIS: Grow NJ Kids<\/strong><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li dir=\"ltr\">\n<p dir=\"ltr\">Grow NJ Kids, New Jersey\u2019s Quality Rating Improvement System, is New Jersey\u2019s program to raise the quality of child care and early learning across the state.<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<li dir=\"ltr\">\n<p dir=\"ltr\">Designed to assess child care and early learning programs, provide training and incentives to improve them, and communicate their level of quality to the public.<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<li dir=\"ltr\">\n<p dir=\"ltr\">Any program regulated by the State of New Jersey will be eligible to participate, including:<\/p>\n<ul>\n<li dir=\"ltr\">\n<p dir=\"ltr\">Child Care Centers<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<li dir=\"ltr\">\n<p dir=\"ltr\">Family Child Care Programs<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<li dir=\"ltr\">\n<p dir=\"ltr\">School District Preschool Programs<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<li dir=\"ltr\">\n<p dir=\"ltr\">Preschools<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<li dir=\"ltr\">\n<p dir=\"ltr\">Head Start Programs<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p dir=\"ltr\"><strong>Sources:<\/strong><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li dir=\"ltr\">\n<p dir=\"ltr\"><a href=\"http:\/\/www.grownjkids.gov\/\">http:\/\/www.grownjkids.gov\/<\/a><\/p>\n<\/li>\n<li dir=\"ltr\">\n<p dir=\"ltr\"><a href=\"http:\/\/www.grownjkids.gov\/Providers-Educators\">http:\/\/www.grownjkids.gov\/Providers-Educators<\/a><\/p>\n<\/li>\n<li dir=\"ltr\">\n<p dir=\"ltr\"><a href=\"http:\/\/www.grownjkids.gov\/getattachment\/b8f8e99a-06f9-4f04-ad6a-dc4eee62978e\/3,-4-and-5-Star-Rating-Point-Requirements-\">http:\/\/www.grownjkids.gov\/getattachment\/b8f8e99a-06f9-4f04-ad6a-dc4eee62978e\/3,-4-and-5-Star-Rating-Point-Requirements-(revised.aspx<\/a><\/p>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p>\n<\/div><div class=\"kc-elm kc-css-757431 kc_text_block\"><\/p>\n<p>\n<strong><u><a href=\"#topofpage\">Return to top of page<\/a><\/u><\/strong><\/p>\n<p>\n<\/div><div class=\"kc-elm kc-css-974017 kc_text_block\"><\/p>\n<h2 id=\"\u201c#New-mexico\u201d\"><a id=\"new-mexico\"><\/a>New Mexico<\/h2>\n<p>\n<\/div><div class=\"kc-elm kc-css-967597 kc_text_block\"><\/p>\n<p dir=\"ltr\"><strong>QRIS: FOCUS on Young Children&#039;s Learning \/ Look For The STARS<\/strong><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li dir=\"ltr\">\n<p dir=\"ltr\">&#8220;FOCUS on Young Children&#039;s Learning\" is New Mexico&#039;s third generation Tiered Quality Rating and Improvement System (TQRIS). Developed by the Children, Youth and Families Department (CYFD), the goal of FOCUS is to foster program leadership, cultivate teacher quality, and support positive outcomes for all children.<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<li dir=\"ltr\">\n<p dir=\"ltr\">Similar to AIM HIGH, FOCUS is voluntary. Licensed family child care homes, child care centers, and school-age programs may apply. Programs must meet 2-STAR criteria to participate.<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<li dir=\"ltr\">\n<p dir=\"ltr\">Look For The STARS<\/p>\n<ul>\n<li dir=\"ltr\">\n<p dir=\"ltr\">In order to achieve a higher STAR Level License, a facility must meet all of the STAR Essential Elements for the applied-for level. The program must continue to maintain basic licensing requirements.<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<li dir=\"ltr\">\n<p dir=\"ltr\">A program must apply to Child Care Licensing for a higher STAR Level License.<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<li dir=\"ltr\">\n<p dir=\"ltr\">All programs will have their STAR level verified, based on quality criteria in the AIM HIGH Essential Elements at their annual licensing visit based on current criteria.<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<li dir=\"ltr\">\n<p dir=\"ltr\">As a program\u2019s STAR level increases, reimbursement for children receiving subsidies from Child Care Assistance increases.<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<li dir=\"ltr\">\n<p dir=\"ltr\">A 5-STAR license, means that the program is nationally accredited.<\/p>\n<ul>\n<li dir=\"ltr\">\n<p dir=\"ltr\">NECPA accreditation is recognized<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/li>\n<li dir=\"ltr\">\n<p dir=\"ltr\">AIM HIGH is a program developed by the Children, Youth and Families Department (CYFD) to improve the quality of child care services to families in New Mexico.<\/p>\n<ul>\n<li dir=\"ltr\">\n<p dir=\"ltr\">New Mexico is in the process of implementing the third generation of our Tiered Quality Rating and Improvement System (TQRIS) called FOCUS. FOCUS will replace AIM HIGH in the succeeding years. Programs are now encouraged to apply to participate in FOCUS as part of the Pilot Phase.<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<li dir=\"ltr\">\n<p dir=\"ltr\">All current 3 or 4 STAR licensed programs not in FOCUS will be required to meet AIM HIGH Essential Elements of Quality and respective STAR levels will be verified annually using the AIM HIGH Essential Elements of Quality criteria. All licensed programs wishing to apply for a new 3, 4,or 5 STAR license will be required to participate in FOCUS.<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p dir=\"ltr\"><strong>Sources:<\/strong><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li dir=\"ltr\">\n<p dir=\"ltr\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.newmexicokids.org\/FOCUS\/\">https:\/\/www.newmexicokids.org\/FOCUS\/<\/a><\/p>\n<\/li>\n<li dir=\"ltr\">\n<p dir=\"ltr\"><a href=\"http:\/\/www.newmexicokids.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/FOCUS-Staff-Contact-List_EXCEL_7-Sheet1.pdf\">http:\/\/www.newmexicokids.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/FOCUS-Staff-Contact-List_EXCEL_7-Sheet1.pdf<\/a><\/p>\n<\/li>\n<li dir=\"ltr\">\n<p dir=\"ltr\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.newmexicokids.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2015\/05\/FOCUS_Criteria_Essential_Elements_of_Quality_01222015.pdf\">https:\/\/www.newmexicokids.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2015\/05\/FOCUS_Criteria_Essential_Elements_of_Quality_01222015.pdf<\/a><\/p>\n<\/li>\n<li dir=\"ltr\">\n<p dir=\"ltr\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.newmexicokids.org\/caregivers-and-educators\/look-for-the-stars\/\">https:\/\/www.newmexicokids.org\/caregivers-and-educators\/look-for-the-stars\/<\/a><\/p>\n<\/li>\n<li dir=\"ltr\">\n<p dir=\"ltr\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.newmexicokids.org\/caregivers-and-educators\/aim-high\/\">https:\/\/www.newmexicokids.org\/caregivers-and-educators\/aim-high\/<\/a><\/p>\n<\/li>\n<li dir=\"ltr\">\n<p dir=\"ltr\"><a href=\"https:\/\/cyfd.org\/\">https:\/\/cyfd.org\/<\/a><\/p>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p>\n<\/div><div class=\"kc-elm kc-css-827151 kc_text_block\"><\/p>\n<p>\n<strong><u><a href=\"#topofpage\">Return to top of page<\/a><\/u><\/strong><\/p>\n<p>\n<\/div><div class=\"kc-elm kc-css-844257 kc_text_block\"><\/p>\n<h2 id=\"\u201c#New-york\u201d\"><a id=\"new-york\"><\/a>New York<\/h2>\n<p>\n<\/div><div class=\"kc-elm kc-css-104980 kc_text_block\"><\/p>\n<p dir=\"ltr\"><strong>QRIS: QUALITYstarsNY<\/strong><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li dir=\"ltr\">\n<p dir=\"ltr\">QUALITYstarsNY is a voluntary five-star &#8220;rating system\" much like those used for hotels and restaurants, with the number of stars indicating the quality of an early care and learning program. However, unlike those other rating systems, QUALITYstarsNY provides an infrastructure for assessing, improving and communicating the quality of care provided by early learning programs.<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<li dir=\"ltr\">\n<p dir=\"ltr\">QUALITYstarsNY also facilitates a continuous quality improvement process through a wide variety of supports to early childhood professionals. QUALITYstarsNY was created to improve the quality of care for New York State&#039;s youngest children and to ensure their opportunity for high quality early learning experiences.<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<li dir=\"ltr\">\n<p dir=\"ltr\">Start With Stars<\/p>\n<ul>\n<li dir=\"ltr\">\n<p dir=\"ltr\">Start with Stars is an initiative designed to support programs that are just starting out as well as those with challenges related to meeting licensing requirements to rapidly address foundational issues and get on the path to providing high quality early childhood education opportunities.<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<li dir=\"ltr\">\n<p dir=\"ltr\">Resources include:<\/p>\n<ul>\n<li dir=\"ltr\">\n<p dir=\"ltr\">A designated QI Specialist, an expert in the early childhood field, to provide regular support, coaching and collaborative goal-setting, both in person and remotely;<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<li dir=\"ltr\">\n<p dir=\"ltr\">Quality improvement funds for materials, supplies, and equipment to improve the quality of the learning environment;<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<li dir=\"ltr\">\n<p dir=\"ltr\">Start with Stars funds to support the professional development of staff;<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<li dir=\"ltr\">\n<p dir=\"ltr\">Reports and data to inform current and future improvement strategies;<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<li dir=\"ltr\">\n<p dir=\"ltr\">Technical assistance to understand and resolve regulatory issues;<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<li dir=\"ltr\">\n<p dir=\"ltr\">Links to appropriate resources for materials and professional development<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p dir=\"ltr\"><strong>Sources:<\/strong><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li dir=\"ltr\">\n<p dir=\"ltr\"><a href=\"http:\/\/qualitystarsny.org\/discover-landing.php\">http:\/\/qualitystarsny.org\/discover-landing.php<\/a><\/p>\n<\/li>\n<li dir=\"ltr\">\n<p dir=\"ltr\"><a href=\"http:\/\/qualitystarsny.org\/startwithstars.php\">http:\/\/qualitystarsny.org\/startwithstars.php<\/a><\/p>\n<\/li>\n<li dir=\"ltr\">\n<p dir=\"ltr\"><a href=\"http:\/\/qualitystarsny.org\/foundations-standards.php#download\">http:\/\/qualitystarsny.org\/foundations-standards.php#download<\/a><\/p>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p>\n<\/div><div class=\"kc-elm kc-css-999525 kc_text_block\"><\/p>\n<p>\n<strong><u><a href=\"#topofpage\">Return to top of page<\/a><\/u><\/strong><\/p>\n<p>\n<\/div><div class=\"kc-elm kc-css-882860 kc_text_block\"><\/p>\n<h2 id=\"\u201c#north-carolina\u201d\"><a id=\"north-carolina\"><\/a>North Carolina<\/h2>\n<p>\n<\/div><div class=\"kc-elm kc-css-615547 kc_text_block\"><\/p>\n<p dir=\"ltr\"><strong>QRIS: North Carolina Star Rated License<\/strong><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li dir=\"ltr\">\n<p dir=\"ltr\">In 1999, the Division of Child Development (DCD) began issuing star rated licenses to all eligible child care centers and family child care homes. Facilities can receive one to five stars. A rating of one star means that a child care program meets North Carolina\u2019s minimum licensing standards for child care. Programs that choose to voluntarily meet higher standards can apply for a two to five star license.<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p dir=\"ltr\"><strong>Sources:<\/strong><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li dir=\"ltr\">\n<p dir=\"ltr\"><a href=\"http:\/\/ncchildcare.dhhs.state.nc.us\/parents\/pr_sn2_ov_sr.asp\">http:\/\/ncchildcare.dhhs.state.nc.us\/parents\/pr_sn2_ov_sr.asp<\/a><\/p>\n<\/li>\n<li dir=\"ltr\">\n<p dir=\"ltr\"><a href=\"http:\/\/ncchildcare.nc.gov\/parents\/pr_sn2_ps.asp\">http:\/\/ncchildcare.nc.gov\/parents\/pr_sn2_ps.asp<\/a><\/p>\n<\/li>\n<li dir=\"ltr\">\n<p dir=\"ltr\"><a href=\"http:\/\/ncchildcare.nc.gov\/parents\/pr_sn2_es.asp\">http:\/\/ncchildcare.nc.gov\/parents\/pr_sn2_es.asp<\/a><\/p>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p>\n<\/div><div class=\"kc-elm kc-css-898748 kc_text_block\"><\/p>\n<p>\n<strong><u><a href=\"#topofpage\">Return to top of page<\/a><\/u><\/strong><\/p>\n<p>\n<\/div><div class=\"kc-elm kc-css-135229 kc_text_block\"><\/p>\n<h2 id=\"\u201c#north-dakota\u201d\"><a id=\"north-dakota\"><\/a>North Dakota<\/h2>\n<p>\n<\/div><div class=\"kc-elm kc-css-797002 kc_text_block\"><\/p>\n<p dir=\"ltr\"><strong>QRIS: Bright &#038; Early ND<\/strong><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li dir=\"ltr\">\n<p dir=\"ltr\">Bright &#038; Early is the name of North Dakota&#039;s Quality Rating &#038; Improvement System (QRIS). The Bright &#038; Early 4-Star Rating System helps parents and providers assess how a child care program supports a child&#039;s early learning and development. You use ratings to choose restaurants, hotels, movies, schools and universities. The same concept is used by Bright &#038; Early ND. Early Care and Education programs are rated by Bright &#038; Early ND based on specific standards that define quality so you can be confident quality-rated programs have your child&#039;s best interest in mind.<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<li dir=\"ltr\">\n<p dir=\"ltr\">When programs demonstrate they meet the Quality Standards, they receive dollars to re-invest into their program to improve their services, retain their staff, or expand their capacity.<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p dir=\"ltr\"><strong>Sources:<\/strong><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li dir=\"ltr\">\n<p dir=\"ltr\"><a href=\"http:\/\/www.brightnd.org\/about\">http:\/\/www.brightnd.org\/about<\/a><\/p>\n<\/li>\n<li dir=\"ltr\">\n<p dir=\"ltr\"><a href=\"http:\/\/www.brightnd.org\/playbook\">http:\/\/www.brightnd.org\/playbook<\/a><\/p>\n<\/li>\n<li dir=\"ltr\">\n<p dir=\"ltr\"><a href=\"http:\/\/www.brightnd.org\/files\/pdf\/Playbook_2017_2018.pdf\">http:\/\/www.brightnd.org\/files\/pdf\/Playbook_2017_2018.pdf<\/a><\/p>\n<\/li>\n<li dir=\"ltr\">\n<p dir=\"ltr\"><a href=\"http:\/\/www.brightnd.org\/providers-benefits\">http:\/\/www.brightnd.org\/providers-benefits<\/a><\/p>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p>\n<\/div><div class=\"kc-elm kc-css-440906 kc_text_block\"><\/p>\n<p>\n<strong><u><a href=\"#topofpage\">Return to top of page<\/a><\/u><\/strong><\/p>\n<p>\n<\/div><div class=\"kc-elm kc-css-241876 kc_text_block\"><\/p>\n<h2 id=\"\u201c#ohio\u201d\"><a id=\"ohio\"><\/a>Ohio<\/h2>\n<p>\n<\/div><div class=\"kc-elm kc-css-396533 kc_text_block\"><\/p>\n<p dir=\"ltr\"><strong>QRIS: Step Up to Quality<\/strong><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li dir=\"ltr\">\n<p dir=\"ltr\">Step Up To Quality (SUTQ) is a five\u2013star quality rating and improvement system administered by the Ohio Department of Education and the Ohio Department of Job and Family Services. SUTQ recognizes and promotes learning and development programs that meet quality program standards that exceed licensing health and safety regulations. The program standards are based on national research identifying standards which lead to improved outcomes for children.<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<li dir=\"ltr\">\n<p dir=\"ltr\">Programs earn additional points for improved ratios and accreditation &#8211;\u00a0NECPA accreditation is recognized<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<li dir=\"ltr\">\n<p dir=\"ltr\">Quality Achievement Awards are currently issued to programs that earn or maintain a star rating through the Step Up To Quality (SUTQ) tiered rating system. These payments are based on licensed capacity, the average number of publicly funded children served in the previous six months and the provider\u2019s achieved star rating.<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p dir=\"ltr\"><strong>Sources:<\/strong><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li dir=\"ltr\">\n<p dir=\"ltr\"><a href=\"http:\/\/www.earlychildhoodohio.org\/index.stm\">http:\/\/www.earlychildhoodohio.org\/index.stm<\/a><\/p>\n<\/li>\n<li dir=\"ltr\">\n<p dir=\"ltr\"><a href=\"http:\/\/www.odjfs.state.oh.us\/forms\/num\/JFS%2001597\/pdf\/\">http:\/\/www.odjfs.state.oh.us\/forms\/num\/JFS%2001597\/pdf\/<\/a><\/p>\n<\/li>\n<li dir=\"ltr\">\n<p dir=\"ltr\"><a href=\"https:\/\/jfs.ohio.gov\/cdc\/docs\/ApprovedAccreditingBodies.stm\">https:\/\/jfs.ohio.gov\/cdc\/docs\/ApprovedAccreditingBodies.stm<\/a><\/p>\n<\/li>\n<li dir=\"ltr\">\n<p dir=\"ltr\"><a href=\"http:\/\/earlychildhoodohio.org\/sutq\/Quality-Achievement-Awards.stm\">http:\/\/earlychildhoodohio.org\/sutq\/Quality-Achievement-Awards.stm<\/a><\/p>\n<\/li>\n<li dir=\"ltr\">\n<p dir=\"ltr\"><a href=\"http:\/\/earlychildhoodohio.org\/sutq\/pdf\/QAAletter100.pdf\">http:\/\/earlychildhoodohio.org\/sutq\/pdf\/QAAletter100.pdf<\/a><\/p>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p>\n<\/div><div class=\"kc-elm kc-css-260326 kc_text_block\"><\/p>\n<p>\n<strong><u><a href=\"#topofpage\">Return to top of page<\/a><\/u><\/strong><\/p>\n<p>\n<\/div><div class=\"kc-elm kc-css-613920 kc_text_block\"><\/p>\n<h2 id=\"\u201c#oklahoma\u201d\"><a id=\"oklahoma\"><\/a>Oklahoma<\/h2>\n<p>\n<\/div><div class=\"kc-elm kc-css-150755 kc_text_block\"><\/p>\n<p dir=\"ltr\"><strong>QRIS: Reaching for the Stars<\/strong><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li dir=\"ltr\">\n<p dir=\"ltr\">In Oklahoma, a variety of initiatives have been implemented to improve the level of child care quality. A tiered system of quality and reimbursement known as \u201cReaching for the Stars\u201d provides incentives for programs that meet the \u201cstar\u201d criteria. The Reaching for the Stars Program has 4 levels of rating facilities in which specified criteria must be met:<\/p>\n<ul>\n<li dir=\"ltr\">\n<p dir=\"ltr\">One-Star programs meet minimum licensing requirements.<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<li dir=\"ltr\">\n<p dir=\"ltr\">One-Star Plus programs meet additional quality criteria which includes: additional training, reading to children daily, parent involvement and program assessment.<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<li dir=\"ltr\">\n<p dir=\"ltr\">Two-Star programs meet additional quality criteria or are nationally accredited.<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<li dir=\"ltr\">\n<p dir=\"ltr\">Three-Star programs meet additional quality criteria and are nationally accredited.<\/p>\n<ul>\n<li dir=\"ltr\">\n<p dir=\"ltr\">NECPA accreditation is recognized<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/li>\n<li dir=\"ltr\">\n<p dir=\"ltr\">What support systems were created to support the Stars program?<\/p>\n<ul>\n<li dir=\"ltr\">\n<p dir=\"ltr\">Reward is a salary supplement for child care employees who have worked in one facility for at least six months and earned a credential or college degree;<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<li dir=\"ltr\">\n<p dir=\"ltr\">Two year colleges make child development coursework more available with counseling and support provided by Early Childhood Scholar Coordinators;<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<li dir=\"ltr\">\n<p dir=\"ltr\">ECERS and other related scales are used by trained evaluators to provide a free evaluation of the two and three star programs;<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<li dir=\"ltr\">\n<p dir=\"ltr\">Two and three star centers receive twice as many conference vouchers as one star programs;<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<li dir=\"ltr\">\n<p dir=\"ltr\">One star plus, two, and three star facilities receive extra bonus points when applying for a child care accreditation grant;and<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<li dir=\"ltr\">\n<p dir=\"ltr\">The Accreditation Support Project provides financial support and mentoring through the Center for Early Childhood Professional Development (CECPD) to assist programs working toward accreditation.<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p dir=\"ltr\"><strong>Sources:<\/strong><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li dir=\"ltr\">\n<p dir=\"ltr\"><a href=\"http:\/\/www.okdhs.org\/services\/cc\/Pages\/childcareSTARS.aspx\">http:\/\/www.okdhs.org\/services\/cc\/Pages\/childcareSTARS.aspx<\/a><\/p>\n<\/li>\n<li dir=\"ltr\">\n<p dir=\"ltr\"><a href=\"http:\/\/www.okdhs.org\/services\/cc\/pages\/starsfaqmain.aspx\">http:\/\/www.okdhs.org\/services\/cc\/pages\/starsfaqmain.aspx<\/a><\/p>\n<\/li>\n<li dir=\"ltr\">\n<p dir=\"ltr\"><a href=\"http:\/\/www.okdhs.org\/services\/cc\/pages\/applyforstars.aspx\">http:\/\/www.okdhs.org\/services\/cc\/pages\/applyforstars.aspx<\/a><\/p>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p>\n<\/div><div class=\"kc-elm kc-css-663493 kc_text_block\"><\/p>\n<p>\n<strong><u><a href=\"#topofpage\">Return to top of page<\/a><\/u><\/strong><\/p>\n<p>\n<\/div><div class=\"kc-elm kc-css-243819 kc_text_block\"><\/p>\n<h2 id=\"\u201c#oklahoma\u201d\"><a id=\"oregon\"><\/a>Oregon<\/h2>\n<p>\n<\/div><div class=\"kc-elm kc-css-459546 kc_text_block\"><\/p>\n<p dir=\"ltr\"><strong>QRIS: Spark<\/strong><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li dir=\"ltr\">\n<p dir=\"ltr\">Oregon\u2019s Quality Rating and Improvement System supports and incentivizes continuous quality improvements for care and education programs and their workforce. The QRIS partners with families and communities to highlight the importance of early learning experiences and to connect families and quality learning programs. Investments and resources are prioritized to increase access to quality care for children, families, and communities furthest from opportunity.<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<li dir=\"ltr\">\n<p dir=\"ltr\">Programs receive financial supports and technical assistance when they make quality improvements.<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p dir=\"ltr\"><strong>Sources:<\/strong><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li dir=\"ltr\">\n<p dir=\"ltr\"><a href=\"http:\/\/triwou.org\/projects\/qris\">http:\/\/triwou.org\/projects\/qris<\/a><\/p>\n<\/li>\n<li dir=\"ltr\">\n<p dir=\"ltr\"><a href=\"http:\/\/triwou.org\/projects\/qris\/revision\">http:\/\/triwou.org\/projects\/qris\/revision<\/a><\/p>\n<\/li>\n<li dir=\"ltr\">\n<p dir=\"ltr\"><a href=\"http:\/\/triwou.org\/projects\/qris\/earlylearning#qris_standards\">http:\/\/triwou.org\/projects\/qris\/earlylearning#qris_standards<\/a><\/p>\n<\/li>\n<li dir=\"ltr\">\n<p dir=\"ltr\"><a href=\"http:\/\/triwou.org\/projects\/qris\/about\">http:\/\/triwou.org\/projects\/qris\/about<\/a><\/p>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p>\n<\/div><div class=\"kc-elm kc-css-934085 kc_text_block\"><\/p>\n<p>\n<strong><u><a href=\"#topofpage\">Return to top of page<\/a><\/u><\/strong><\/p>\n<p>\n<\/div><div class=\"kc-elm kc-css-448788 kc_text_block\"><\/p>\n<h2 id=\"\u201c#Pennsylvania\u201d\"><a id=\"pennsylvania\"><\/a>Pennsylvania<\/h2>\n<p>\n<\/div><div class=\"kc-elm kc-css-733550 kc_text_block\"><\/p>\n<p dir=\"ltr\"><strong>QRIS: Keystone Stars Child Care Quality Initiative<\/strong><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li dir=\"ltr\">\n<p dir=\"ltr\">Keystone STARS is a voluntary quality rating and improvement system (QRIS) in early learning and school age environments that builds on the health and safety requirements of child care certification.<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<li dir=\"ltr\">\n<p dir=\"ltr\">Child care, Head Start, and pre-kindergarten programs earn a STAR 1 through STAR 4 rating by meeting research-based performance standards for staff qualifications and professional development; learning program (child observation, curriculum, classroom environment); partnerships with family and community; and leadership and management (business practices).<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<li dir=\"ltr\">\n<p dir=\"ltr\">Keystone STARS programs may also receive grants and awards, professional development, and technical assistance to help them move up the STARS ladder.<\/p>\n<ul>\n<li dir=\"ltr\">\n<p dir=\"ltr\">NECPA Accreditation is recognized at STAR level 4<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p dir=\"ltr\"><strong>Sources:<\/strong><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li dir=\"ltr\">\n<p dir=\"ltr\"><a href=\"http:\/\/www.dhs.pa.gov\/provider\/earlylearning\/keystonestarschildcarequalityinitiative\/\">http:\/\/www.dhs.pa.gov\/provider\/earlylearning\/keystonestarschildcarequalityinitiative\/<\/a><\/p>\n<\/li>\n<li dir=\"ltr\">\n<p dir=\"ltr\"><a href=\"https:\/\/qrisguide.acf.hhs.gov\/index.cfm?do=qrisstateinfo&#038;stateid=88\">https:\/\/qrisguide.acf.hhs.gov\/index.cfm?do=qrisstateinfo&#038;stateid=88<\/a><\/p>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p>\n<\/div><div class=\"kc-elm kc-css-607856 kc_text_block\"><\/p>\n<p>\n<strong><u><a href=\"#topofpage\">Return to top of page<\/a><\/u><\/strong><\/p>\n<p>\n<\/div><div class=\"kc-elm kc-css-952198 kc_text_block\"><\/p>\n<h2 id=\"\u201c#Rhode-island\u201d\"><a id=\"rhode-island\"><\/a>Rhode Island<\/h2>\n<p>\n<\/div><div class=\"kc-elm kc-css-234598 kc_text_block\"><\/p>\n<p dir=\"ltr\"><strong>QRIS: BrightStars<\/strong><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li dir=\"ltr\">\n<p dir=\"ltr\">BrightStars, Rhode Island\u2019s Tiered Quality Rating and Improvement system, assists families in finding care and recognizes and supports quality in early care and education programs.<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<li dir=\"ltr\">\n<p dir=\"ltr\">What are the benefits\/incentives for joining BrightStars?<\/p>\n<ul>\n<li dir=\"ltr\">\n<p dir=\"ltr\">Support in setting and achieving quality improvement goals and accessing state resources.<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<li dir=\"ltr\">\n<p dir=\"ltr\">Support to market or promote your program, including parent brochures, marketing materials, and access to the BrightStars logo. BrightStars programs are also featured on our website, www.BrightStars.org, and in the Exceed database of child care, early learning, and school-age programs.<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<li dir=\"ltr\">\n<p dir=\"ltr\">Priority referral to parents searching for care through our online and phone-based referral services.<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p dir=\"ltr\"><strong>Sources:<\/strong><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li dir=\"ltr\">\n<p dir=\"ltr\"><a href=\"http:\/\/www.brightstars.org\/\">http:\/\/www.brightstars.org\/<\/a><\/p>\n<\/li>\n<li dir=\"ltr\">\n<p dir=\"ltr\"><a href=\"http:\/\/www.brightstars.org\/educators\/frequently-asked-questions\">http:\/\/www.brightstars.org\/educators\/frequently-asked-questions<\/a><\/p>\n<\/li>\n<li dir=\"ltr\">\n<p dir=\"ltr\"><a href=\"http:\/\/www.brightstars.org\/educators\/application-materials\">http:\/\/www.brightstars.org\/educators\/application-materials<\/a><\/p>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p>\n<\/div><div class=\"kc-elm kc-css-578976 kc_text_block\"><\/p>\n<p>\n<strong><u><a href=\"#topofpage\">Return to top of page<\/a><\/u><\/strong><\/p>\n<p>\n<\/div><div class=\"kc-elm kc-css-337313 kc_text_block\"><\/p>\n<h2 id=\"\u201c#south-carolina\u201d\"><a id=\"south-carolina\"><\/a>South Carolina<\/h2>\n<p>\n<\/div><div class=\"kc-elm kc-css-259593 kc_text_block\"><\/p>\n<p dir=\"ltr\"><strong>QRIS: ABC Quality<\/strong><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li dir=\"ltr\">\n<p dir=\"ltr\">ABC Quality helps providers, who volunteer to participate, achieve higher standards of quality in caring for the children they serve.ABC Quality is SC&#039;s voluntary quality rating and improvement system for child care providers.<\/p>\n<ul>\n<li dir=\"ltr\">\n<p dir=\"ltr\">ABC Quality provides technical assistance, training, and scholarships to the child care workforce.<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<li dir=\"ltr\">\n<p dir=\"ltr\">ABC Quality conducts regular on-site reviews to measure performance on the program standards for each level of quality.<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<li dir=\"ltr\">\n<p dir=\"ltr\">ABC Quality observes classrooms, materials, activities, and caregiver interactions with children to determine the level of quality.<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<li dir=\"ltr\">\n<p dir=\"ltr\">ABC Quality reviews findings and recommendations with child care providers to help them improve.<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<li dir=\"ltr\">\n<p dir=\"ltr\">ABC Quality creates scholarship opportunities for child care providers to attend state conferences that are focused on providing quality child care.<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<li dir=\"ltr\">\n<p dir=\"ltr\">ABC Quality offers grants to providers and other supports to help them improve their quality of care.<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/li>\n<li dir=\"ltr\">\n<p dir=\"ltr\">There are 5 levels in ABC Quality:<\/p>\n<ul>\n<li dir=\"ltr\">\n<p dir=\"ltr\">Level A+: These programs are measured against the best national quality standards. A+ programs meet the highest quality child care standards in the state and have the highest scores on Environment Rating Scales (ERS) assessments and receive the highest SC voucher payment rate and quality incentives.<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<li dir=\"ltr\">\n<p dir=\"ltr\">Level A: These programs are measured against the best national quality standards and meet the highest quality standards on ERS assessments.Level A programs receive a higher voucher payment rate and quality incentives.<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<li dir=\"ltr\">\n<p dir=\"ltr\">Level B+: These programs are measured against state quality standards far beyond basic health and safety regulations. B+ programs have the highest scores on the ABC standards and receive a higher voucher payment rate and quality incentive.<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<li dir=\"ltr\">\n<p dir=\"ltr\">Level B: These programs are measured against state quality standards beyond basic health and safety regulations. B programs meet ABC standards and receive increased SC voucher payment rates and some quality incentives.<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<li dir=\"ltr\">\n<p dir=\"ltr\">Level C: These are licensed programs, or programs legally exempt from licensing requirements, that meet basic health and safety regulations and standards. C programs receive the basic voucher payment rate and may qualify for grants to improve their facility.<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p dir=\"ltr\"><strong>Sources:<\/strong><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li dir=\"ltr\">\n<p dir=\"ltr\"><a href=\"https:\/\/qrisguide.acf.hhs.gov\/index.cfm?do=qrisstateinfo&#038;stateId=91\">https:\/\/qrisguide.acf.hhs.gov\/index.cfm?do=qrisstateinfo&#038;stateId=91<\/a><\/p>\n<\/li>\n<li dir=\"ltr\">\n<p dir=\"ltr\"><a href=\"http:\/\/scchildcare.org\/departments\/abc-quality.aspx\">http:\/\/scchildcare.org\/departments\/abc-quality.aspx<\/a><\/p>\n<\/li>\n<li dir=\"ltr\">\n<p dir=\"ltr\"><a href=\"http:\/\/scchildcare.org\/providers\/become-an-abc-provider.aspx\">http:\/\/scchildcare.org\/providers\/become-an-abc-provider.aspx<\/a><\/p>\n<\/li>\n<li dir=\"ltr\">\n<p dir=\"ltr\"><a href=\"http:\/\/scchildcare.org\/providers\/become-an-abc-provider\/enrollment-benefits.aspx\">http:\/\/scchildcare.org\/providers\/become-an-abc-provider\/enrollment-benefits.aspx<\/a><\/p>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p>\n<\/div><div class=\"kc-elm kc-css-977214 kc_text_block\"><\/p>\n<p>\n<strong><u><a href=\"#topofpage\">Return to top of page<\/a><\/u><\/strong><\/p>\n<p>\n<\/div><div class=\"kc-elm kc-css-279444 kc_text_block\"><\/p>\n<h2 id=\"\u201c#south-dakota\u201d\"><a id=\"south-dakota\"><\/a>South Dakota<\/h2>\n<p>\n<\/div><div class=\"kc-elm kc-css-226032 kc_text_block\"><\/p>\n<p dir=\"ltr\"><strong>The Division of Child Care Services<\/strong><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li dir=\"ltr\">\n<p dir=\"ltr\">The Division of Child Care Services provides assistance to low income families who need help with child care costs while parents work or attend school. They also provide oversight, technical assistance and support in promoting safe, healthy and caring environments for children through licensing, registration and quality improvement activities. The availability of quality child care is not only important for maintaining a strong workforce; it is vital for the growth and development of healthy children.<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<li dir=\"ltr\">\n<p dir=\"ltr\">QRIS currently not in place<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p dir=\"ltr\"><strong>Sources:<\/strong><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li dir=\"ltr\">\n<p dir=\"ltr\"><a href=\"https:\/\/qrisguide.acf.hhs.gov\/index.cfm?do=qrisstateinfo&#038;stateId=92\">https:\/\/qrisguide.acf.hhs.gov\/index.cfm?do=qrisstateinfo&#038;stateId=92<\/a><\/p>\n<\/li>\n<li dir=\"ltr\">\n<p dir=\"ltr\"><a href=\"http:\/\/dss.sd.gov\/childcare\/\">http:\/\/dss.sd.gov\/childcare\/<\/a><\/p>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p>\n<\/div><div class=\"kc-elm kc-css-601117 kc_text_block\"><\/p>\n<p>\n<strong><u><a href=\"#topofpage\">Return to top of page<\/a><\/u><\/strong><\/p>\n<p>\n<\/div><div class=\"kc-elm kc-css-224855 kc_text_block\"><\/p>\n<h2 id=\"\u201c#Tennessee\u201d\"><a id=\"tennessee\"><\/a>Tennessee<\/h2>\n<p>\n<\/div><div class=\"kc-elm kc-css-341631 kc_text_block\"><\/p>\n<p dir=\"ltr\"><strong>QRIS: Star-Quality Child Care Program<\/strong><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li dir=\"ltr\">\n<p dir=\"ltr\">The Star-Quality Child Care Program is a voluntary program that recognizes child care agencies who exceed minimum licensing standards. These agencies can receive a rating of one, two or three stars. An agency must be open for one year before it is eligible to receive stars.<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<li dir=\"ltr\">\n<p dir=\"ltr\">Financial Rewards of the Star-Quality Program<\/p>\n<ul>\n<li dir=\"ltr\">\n<p dir=\"ltr\">More stars show the public your quality of care. They can also mean a higher reimbursement rate for any children you care for who are in the Child Care Certificate program. Even one star will raise your reimbursement rate, to 5% above the base. The more stars you get, the better your reimbursement rate for your children who are in the Certificate program. These financial rewards give you a good reason to participate in the Star-Quality program. But more importantly, they also give you a reason to work to continually improve your program. In the end, parents, providers, and the state all have the same goal: safe, healthy children who are better prepared for school and life.<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p dir=\"ltr\"><strong>Sources:<\/strong><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li dir=\"ltr\">\n<p dir=\"ltr\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.tn.gov\/humanservices\/for-families\/child-care-services\/child-care-report-card-star-quality-program.html\">https:\/\/www.tn.gov\/humanservices\/for-families\/child-care-services\/child-care-report-card-star-quality-program.html<\/a><\/p>\n<\/li>\n<li dir=\"ltr\">\n<p dir=\"ltr\"><a href=\"http:\/\/tnstarquality.org\/\">http:\/\/tnstarquality.org\/<\/a><\/p>\n<\/li>\n<li dir=\"ltr\">\n<p dir=\"ltr\"><a href=\"http:\/\/tnstarquality.org\/html\/star-quality.htm\">http:\/\/tnstarquality.org\/html\/star-quality.htm<\/a><\/p>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p>\n<\/div><div class=\"kc-elm kc-css-901447 kc_text_block\"><\/p>\n<p>\n<strong><u><a href=\"#topofpage\">Return to top of page<\/a><\/u><\/strong><\/p>\n<p>\n<\/div><div class=\"kc-elm kc-css-149289 kc_text_block\"><\/p>\n<h2 id=\"\u201c#Texas\u201d\"><a id=\"texas\"><\/a>Texas<\/h2>\n<p>\n<\/div><div class=\"kc-elm kc-css-84871 kc_text_block\"><\/p>\n<p dir=\"ltr\"><strong>QRIS: Texas Rising Star<\/strong><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li dir=\"ltr\">\n<p dir=\"ltr\">The Texas Rising Star program is \u201ca voluntary, quality-based child care rating system of child care providers participating in the Texas Workforce Commission\u2019s subsidized child care program.\u201d<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<li dir=\"ltr\">\n<p dir=\"ltr\">TRS Certification is available to Licensed Center and Licensed and Registered Child Care Home providers who meet the certification criteria. The TRS Provider certification system offers three levels of certification (Two-Star, Three-Star, and Four-Star) to encourage providers to attain progressively higher certification requirements leading to a Four-Star level.<\/p>\n<ul>\n<li dir=\"ltr\">\n<p dir=\"ltr\">NECPA Accreditation is recognized at the Four-Star level<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/li>\n<li dir=\"ltr\">\n<p dir=\"ltr\">Benefits of participation include:<\/p>\n<ul>\n<li dir=\"ltr\">\n<p dir=\"ltr\">Providers can receive higher reimbursement rates for children in care through child care subsidy program, in the following manner; those that are 2-star TRS or participating in the Texas School Ready! Project (TSR) receive 5% greater reimbursement; those that are 3-star TRS receive 7 % greater reimbursement; and those that are 4-star receive 9 % greater reimbursement.<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<li dir=\"ltr\">\n<p dir=\"ltr\">Providers can also have access to mentoring services in assisting with obtaining and maintaining TRS and\/or national accreditation through the local Board they are affiliated with. These mentoring services can include specific technical assistance and training to ensure the provider and staff is compliant with TRS criterion and state child care minimum standards.<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<li dir=\"ltr\">\n<p dir=\"ltr\">Providers also have access to professional development through the Children\u2019s Learning Institute\u2019s (CLI) Engage website which includes a CDA component and child assessments.<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<li dir=\"ltr\">\n<p dir=\"ltr\">Local Board areas may offer additional services (i.e. direct assistance and educational support) as available and applicable.<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p dir=\"ltr\"><strong>Sources:<\/strong><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li dir=\"ltr\">\n<p dir=\"ltr\"><a href=\"https:\/\/texasrisingstar.org\/providers\/provider-faq\/\">https:\/\/texasrisingstar.org\/providers\/provider-faq\/<\/a><\/p>\n<\/li>\n<li dir=\"ltr\">\n<p dir=\"ltr\"><a href=\"https:\/\/texasrisingstar.org\/about-trs\/\">https:\/\/texasrisingstar.org\/about-trs\/<\/a><\/p>\n<\/li>\n<li dir=\"ltr\">\n<p dir=\"ltr\"><a href=\"https:\/\/texasrisingstar.org\/providers\/trs-eligibility\/\">https:\/\/texasrisingstar.org\/providers\/trs-eligibility\/<\/a><\/p>\n<\/li>\n<li dir=\"ltr\">\n<p dir=\"ltr\"><a href=\"https:\/\/texasrisingstar.org\/providers\/program-quality-improvement\/\">https:\/\/texasrisingstar.org\/providers\/program-quality-improvement\/<\/a><\/p>\n<\/li>\n<li dir=\"ltr\">\n<p dir=\"ltr\"><a href=\"https:\/\/texasrisingstar.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/01\/TRS-Guidelines-2017-DECEMBER-FINAL.pdf\">https:\/\/texasrisingstar.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/01\/TRS-Guidelines-2017-DECEMBER-FINAL.pdf<\/a><\/p>\n<\/li>\n<li dir=\"ltr\">\n<p dir=\"ltr\"><a href=\"https:\/\/texasrisingstar.org\/about-trs\/trs-guidelines\/\">https:\/\/texasrisingstar.org\/about-trs\/trs-guidelines\/<\/a><\/p>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p>\n<\/div><div class=\"kc-elm kc-css-437995 kc_text_block\"><\/p>\n<p>\n<strong><u><a href=\"#topofpage\">Return to top of page<\/a><\/u><\/strong><\/p>\n<p>\n<\/div><div class=\"kc-elm kc-css-561169 kc_text_block\"><\/p>\n<h2 id=\"\u201c#Utah\u201d\"><a id=\"utah\"><\/a>Utah<\/h2>\n<p>\n<\/div><div class=\"kc-elm kc-css-524824 kc_text_block\"><\/p>\n<p dir=\"ltr\"><strong>QRIS: Child Care Quality System<\/strong><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li dir=\"ltr\">\n<p dir=\"ltr\">The Office of Child Care (OCC) is implementing a Child Care Quality System (CCQS) to support high-quality care for low-income children as required by the Child Care and Development Fund (CCDF) reauthorization.<\/p>\n<ul>\n<li dir=\"ltr\">\n<p dir=\"ltr\">It will be a hybrid system and it is proposed that points be given for center accreditation, including NAEYC, NECPA, and NAC.<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/li>\n<li dir=\"ltr\">\n<p dir=\"ltr\">The CCQS is comprised of six components that research has shown to support positive outcomes for children in early care programs.The six components include Licensing Compliance, Quality Indicators, Education of Director or Licensee, Education of Caregivers, Observations and Accreditation.<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<li dir=\"ltr\">\n<p dir=\"ltr\">In order to participate, a program must be a licensed program in good standing (not have a conditional license).Financial incentives and support may be available to programs that are eligible to receive funding through the Office of Child Care.<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<li dir=\"ltr\">\n<p dir=\"ltr\">The Certified Childcare Professional credential for teachers has been incorporated into the QRIS as a teacher credential.<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p dir=\"ltr\"><strong>Sources:<\/strong><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li dir=\"ltr\">\n<p dir=\"ltr\"><a href=\"https:\/\/urpd.usu.edu\/about-ccqs\">https:\/\/urpd.usu.edu\/about-ccqs<\/a><\/p>\n<\/li>\n<li dir=\"ltr\">\n<p dir=\"ltr\"><a href=\"https:\/\/urpd.usu.edu\/ou-files\/uploads\/CCQS%20Fact%20Sheet%202.26.2018.pdf\">https:\/\/urpd.usu.edu\/ou-files\/uploads\/CCQS%20Fact%20Sheet%202.26.2018.pdf<\/a><\/p>\n<\/li>\n<li dir=\"ltr\">\n<p dir=\"ltr\"><a href=\"https:\/\/urpd.usu.edu\/ou-files\/uploads\/Final%20QI%20Center%20%2012-17.pdf\">https:\/\/urpd.usu.edu\/ou-files\/uploads\/Final%20QI%20Center%20%2012-17.pdf<\/a><\/p>\n<\/li>\n<li dir=\"ltr\">\n<p dir=\"ltr\"><a href=\"https:\/\/qualitycompendium.org\/profile-report\">https:\/\/qualitycompendium.org\/profile-report<\/a><\/p>\n<\/li>\n<li dir=\"ltr\">\n<p dir=\"ltr\"><a href=\"https:\/\/urpd.usu.edu\/c-a-c\/ccqs-incentive\">https:\/\/urpd.usu.edu\/c-a-c\/ccqs-incentive<\/a><\/p>\n<\/li>\n<li dir=\"ltr\">\n<p dir=\"ltr\"><a href=\"https:\/\/urpd.usu.edu\/ou-files\/uploads\/CCQS%20QI%20Public%20Policy%2012-4-2017.pdf\">https:\/\/urpd.usu.edu\/ou-files\/uploads\/CCQS%20QI%20Public%20Policy%2012-4-2017.pdf<\/a><\/p>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p>\n<\/div><div class=\"kc-elm kc-css-588216 kc_text_block\"><\/p>\n<p>\n<strong><u><a href=\"#topofpage\">Return to top of page<\/a><\/u><\/strong><\/p>\n<p>\n<\/div><div class=\"kc-elm kc-css-578599 kc_text_block\"><\/p>\n<h2 id=\"\u201c#Vermont\u201d\"><a id=\"vermont\"><\/a>Vermont<\/h2>\n<p>\n<\/div><div class=\"kc-elm kc-css-885780 kc_text_block\"><\/p>\n<p dir=\"ltr\"><strong>QRIS: STARS (Step Ahead Recognition System)<\/strong><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li dir=\"ltr\">\n<p dir=\"ltr\">STARS is Vermont\u2019s quality recognition system for child care, preschool, and afterschool programs. Programs that participate in STARS are stepping ahead \u2014 going above and beyond state regulations to provide professional services that meet the needs of children and families.<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<li dir=\"ltr\">\n<p dir=\"ltr\">Programs that participate in STARS get:<\/p>\n<ul>\n<li dir=\"ltr\">\n<p dir=\"ltr\">A higher reimbursement rate from the Child Care Financial Assistance Program (5% to 40% above base rate) based on the number of stars earned.<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<li dir=\"ltr\">\n<p dir=\"ltr\">Bonus payments for each level achieved ranging from $250 to $1,550.<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<li dir=\"ltr\">\n<p dir=\"ltr\">Help promoting their participation in STARS (e.g., listing on the STARS website, supply of STARS brochures, and a customized press release).<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<li dir=\"ltr\">\n<p dir=\"ltr\">The opportunity to apply for grants open only to programs that have stars or national accreditation.<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<li dir=\"ltr\">\n<p dir=\"ltr\">Discounts from some companies.<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p dir=\"ltr\"><strong>Sources:<\/strong><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li dir=\"ltr\">\n<p dir=\"ltr\"><a href=\"http:\/\/dcf.vermont.gov\/childcare\/providers\/stars\">http:\/\/dcf.vermont.gov\/childcare\/providers\/stars<\/a><\/p>\n<\/li>\n<li dir=\"ltr\">\n<p dir=\"ltr\"><a href=\"http:\/\/dcf.vermont.gov\/childcare\/providers\/stars\/faq\">http:\/\/dcf.vermont.gov\/childcare\/providers\/stars\/faq<\/a><\/p>\n<\/li>\n<li dir=\"ltr\">\n<p dir=\"ltr\"><a href=\"http:\/\/dcf.vermont.gov\/childcare\/parents\/stars\">http:\/\/dcf.vermont.gov\/childcare\/parents\/stars<\/a><\/p>\n<\/li>\n<li dir=\"ltr\">\n<p dir=\"ltr\"><a href=\"http:\/\/dcf.vermont.gov\/sites\/dcf\/files\/CDD\/Brochures\/STARS_Brochure.pdf\">http:\/\/dcf.vermont.gov\/sites\/dcf\/files\/CDD\/Brochures\/STARS_Brochure.pdf<\/a><\/p>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p>\n<\/div><div class=\"kc-elm kc-css-15615 kc_text_block\"><\/p>\n<p>\n<strong><u><a href=\"#topofpage\">Return to top of page<\/a><\/u><\/strong><\/p>\n<p>\n<\/div><div class=\"kc-elm kc-css-458212 kc_text_block\"><\/p>\n<h2 id=\"\u201c#Virginia\u201d\"><a id=\"virginia\"><\/a>Virginia<\/h2>\n<p>\n<\/div><div class=\"kc-elm kc-css-182749 kc_text_block\"><\/p>\n<p dir=\"ltr\"><strong>QRIS: Virginia Quality:<\/strong><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li dir=\"ltr\">\n<p dir=\"ltr\">Virginia Quality is the state\u2019s voluntary Quality Rating and Improvement System. Early learning programs must be in good standing with all requirements of their regulating authority.<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<li dir=\"ltr\">\n<p dir=\"ltr\">The quality rating standards set the standards for quality improvement. There are five quality levels. At each level, programs are assessed on certain quality features and will be engaged in quality improvement. The criteria define what the program will be assessed on, and the required activities define the quality improvement activities that will be available to help achieve the quality improvement required for moving to the next level.<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<li dir=\"ltr\">\n<p dir=\"ltr\">Early learning programs engaged in Virginia Quality:<\/p>\n<ul>\n<li dir=\"ltr\">\n<p dir=\"ltr\">Learn about and incorporate best practices in early education and care.<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<li dir=\"ltr\">\n<p dir=\"ltr\">Receive recognition for existing quality work with children and families.<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<li dir=\"ltr\">\n<p dir=\"ltr\">Develop practical goals and strategies to guide program improvement.<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<li dir=\"ltr\">\n<p dir=\"ltr\">Access professional development, technical assistance, and grants linked to achieving and maintaining quality.<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<li dir=\"ltr\">\n<p dir=\"ltr\">Communicate to families the good work you do every day and your work to continually improve quality<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p dir=\"ltr\"><strong>Sources:<\/strong><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li dir=\"ltr\">\n<p dir=\"ltr\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.virginiaquality.com\/\">https:\/\/www.virginiaquality.com\/<\/a><\/p>\n<\/li>\n<li dir=\"ltr\">\n<p dir=\"ltr\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.virginiaquality.com\/professionals\">https:\/\/www.virginiaquality.com\/professionals<\/a><\/p>\n<\/li>\n<li dir=\"ltr\">\n<p dir=\"ltr\"><a href=\"https:\/\/stg-virginiaquality.virginiainteractive.org\/sites\/default\/files\/VA_Quality_Frameworks.pdf\">https:\/\/stg-virginiaquality.virginiainteractive.org\/sites\/default\/files\/VA_Quality_Frameworks.pdf<\/a><\/p>\n<\/li>\n<li dir=\"ltr\">\n<p dir=\"ltr\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.virginiaquality.com\/sites\/default\/files\/VA_Quality_Standards_0.pdf\">https:\/\/www.virginiaquality.com\/sites\/default\/files\/VA_Quality_Standards_0.pdf<\/a><\/p>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p>\n<\/div><div class=\"kc-elm kc-css-749675 kc_text_block\"><\/p>\n<p>\n<strong><u><a href=\"#topofpage\">Return to top of page<\/a><\/u><\/strong><\/p>\n<p>\n<\/div><div class=\"kc-elm kc-css-927863 kc_text_block\"><\/p>\n<h2 id=\"\u201c#Washington\u201d\"><a id=\"washington\"><\/a>Washington<\/h2>\n<p>\n<\/div><div class=\"kc-elm kc-css-119641 kc_text_block\"><\/p>\n<p dir=\"ltr\"><strong>QRIS: Early Achievers<\/strong><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li dir=\"ltr\">\n<p dir=\"ltr\">Early Achievers, Washington\u2019s quality rating and improvement system:<\/p>\n<ul>\n<li dir=\"ltr\">\n<p dir=\"ltr\">Was developed with input and support from child care providers across the state.<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<li dir=\"ltr\">\n<p dir=\"ltr\">Connects families to early learning and care programs with the help of an easy-to-understand rating system.<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<li dir=\"ltr\">\n<p dir=\"ltr\">Offers coaching, professional development and resources for providers to support each child\u2019s learning and development.<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<li dir=\"ltr\">\n<p dir=\"ltr\">Ensures that participating providers, especially those who serve low income families, receive help and resources to sustain high quality programming.<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/li>\n<li dir=\"ltr\">\n<p dir=\"ltr\">Level 1: Licensing or certification<\/p>\n<ul>\n<li dir=\"ltr\">\n<p dir=\"ltr\">Includes all licensed child care centers and family child care, military, tribal, Head Start and ECEAP, and other state-funded programs.<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/li>\n<li dir=\"ltr\">\n<p dir=\"ltr\">Level 2: Professional Growth and Facility Management<\/p>\n<ul>\n<li dir=\"ltr\">\n<p dir=\"ltr\">Facility leadership will complete a series of activities including the Professional Training Series and self-assessment.<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/li>\n<li dir=\"ltr\">\n<p dir=\"ltr\">Levels 3 through 5 ratings are assigned points based on:<\/p>\n<ul>\n<li dir=\"ltr\">\n<p dir=\"ltr\">Child outcomes<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<li dir=\"ltr\">\n<p dir=\"ltr\">Curriculum, learning, environments and interactions<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<li dir=\"ltr\">\n<p dir=\"ltr\">Professional development and training<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<li dir=\"ltr\">\n<p dir=\"ltr\">Family engagement and partnership<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p dir=\"ltr\"><strong>Sources:<\/strong><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li dir=\"ltr\">\n<p dir=\"ltr\"><a href=\"https:\/\/del.wa.gov\/earlyachievers\">https:\/\/del.wa.gov\/earlyachievers<\/a><\/p>\n<\/li>\n<li dir=\"ltr\">\n<p dir=\"ltr\"><a href=\"https:\/\/del.wa.gov\/sites\/default\/files\/public\/QRIS\/Early_Achievers_Standards_2017.pdf\">https:\/\/del.wa.gov\/sites\/default\/files\/public\/QRIS\/Early_Achievers_Standards_2017.pdf<\/a><\/p>\n<\/li>\n<li dir=\"ltr\">\n<p dir=\"ltr\"><a href=\"https:\/\/del.wa.gov\/sites\/default\/files\/public\/QRIS\/Early_achievers_operating_guidelines.pdf\">https:\/\/del.wa.gov\/sites\/default\/files\/public\/QRIS\/Early_achievers_operating_guidelines.pdf<\/a><\/p>\n<\/li>\n<li dir=\"ltr\">\n<p dir=\"ltr\"><a href=\"https:\/\/del.wa.gov\/sites\/default\/files\/imported\/publications\/elac-qris\/docs\/Early_Achievers_brochure_providers.pdf\">https:\/\/del.wa.gov\/sites\/default\/files\/imported\/publications\/elac-qris\/docs\/Early_Achievers_brochure_providers.pdf<\/a><\/p>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p>\n<\/div><div class=\"kc-elm kc-css-725747 kc_text_block\"><\/p>\n<p>\n<strong><u><a href=\"#topofpage\">Return to top of page<\/a><\/u><\/strong><\/p>\n<p>\n<\/div><div class=\"kc-elm kc-css-404506 kc_text_block\"><\/p>\n<h2 id=\"\u201c#west-virginia\u201d\"><a id=\"west-virginia\"><\/a>West Virginia<\/h2>\n<p>\n<\/div><div class=\"kc-elm kc-css-558815 kc_text_block\"><\/p>\n<p dir=\"ltr\"><strong>Bureau for Children and Families &#8211; WV Tiered Reimbursement Program<\/strong><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li dir=\"ltr\">\n<p dir=\"ltr\">A tiered reimbursement system offers higher subsidy payments to programs that demonstrate they meet higher standards of care. Programs may apply for Tier II or Tier III reimbursement rates if specific higher quality standards are met. A center may receive one of three tiered rates based on the age of the children in care and the program\u2019s tier level.<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<li dir=\"ltr\">\n<p dir=\"ltr\">QRIS currently not in place<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p dir=\"ltr\"><strong>Sources:<\/strong><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li dir=\"ltr\">\n<p dir=\"ltr\"><a href=\"https:\/\/qrisguide.acf.hhs.gov\/index.cfm?do=qrisstateinfo&#038;stateId=100\">https:\/\/qrisguide.acf.hhs.gov\/index.cfm?do=qrisstateinfo&#038;stateId=100<\/a><\/p>\n<\/li>\n<li dir=\"ltr\">\n<p dir=\"ltr\"><a href=\"http:\/\/dhhr.wv.gov\/bcf\/Childcare\/Pages\/Child-Care-Provider-Regulatory-Requirements.aspx\">http:\/\/dhhr.wv.gov\/bcf\/Childcare\/Pages\/Child-Care-Provider-Regulatory-Requirements.aspx<\/a><\/p>\n<\/li>\n<li dir=\"ltr\">\n<p dir=\"ltr\"><a href=\"http:\/\/dhhr.wv.gov\/bcf\/Childcare\/Pages\/Tiered-Reimbursement.aspx\">http:\/\/dhhr.wv.gov\/bcf\/Childcare\/Pages\/Tiered-Reimbursement.aspx<\/a><\/p>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p>\n<\/div><div class=\"kc-elm kc-css-495576 kc_text_block\"><\/p>\n<p>\n<strong><u><a href=\"#topofpage\">Return to top of page<\/a><\/u><\/strong><\/p>\n<p>\n<\/div><div class=\"kc-elm kc-css-3332 kc_text_block\"><\/p>\n<h2 id=\"\u201c#wisconsin\u201d\"><a id=\"wisconsin\"><\/a>Wisconsin<\/h2>\n<p>\n<\/div><div class=\"kc-elm kc-css-323015 kc_text_block\"><\/p>\n<p dir=\"ltr\"><strong>QRIS: YoungStar<\/strong><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li dir=\"ltr\">\n<p dir=\"ltr\">YoungStar is Wisconsin\u2019s five-star quality improvement and rating system (QRIS) for childcare providers.The rating system is based on four categories: education levels of providers, children\u2019s learning environment, providers\u2019 business practices, and the health and well-being of children. We give parents the tools and information they need to raise happy, healthy kids. And, we help preschools, home-based programs, learning centers, and other child care providers give children safe, nurturing places to grow.<\/p>\n<ul>\n<li dir=\"ltr\">\n<p dir=\"ltr\">How do we do it?<\/p>\n<ul>\n<li dir=\"ltr\">\n<p dir=\"ltr\">By objectively measuring child care quality. We rate thousands of child care providers, awarding up to five stars for the best quality of care.<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<li dir=\"ltr\">\n<p dir=\"ltr\">By giving parents an easy way to compare their local child care options and find the programs that match their family&#039;s lifestyle, budget, and special needs.<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<li dir=\"ltr\">\n<p dir=\"ltr\">By supporting providers with tools and training to deliver high-quality care<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<li dir=\"ltr\">\n<p dir=\"ltr\">By setting a consistent standard for child care quality<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/li>\n<li dir=\"ltr\">\n<p dir=\"ltr\">Of course, the most important incentive for participation in YoungStar is the opportunity to improve program quality and thus improve the outcomes for the children enrolled in your program. Other benefits available to programs participating in YoungStar are:<\/p>\n<ul>\n<li dir=\"ltr\">\n<p dir=\"ltr\">On-site training and technical assistance, upon request<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<li dir=\"ltr\">\n<p dir=\"ltr\">Local training opportunities<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<li dir=\"ltr\">\n<p dir=\"ltr\">Micro-grants to support the goals outlined in programs\u2019 Quality Improvement Plans<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<li dir=\"ltr\">\n<p dir=\"ltr\">Professional development counseling and supports for credit- and noncredit-based growth opportunities, through Wisconsin Early Childhood Association (WECA) Professional Development Consultants and YoungStar Technical Consultants.<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/li>\n<li dir=\"ltr\">\n<p dir=\"ltr\">YoungStar accepts the National Early Childhood Program Accreditation (NECPA) as equivalent to a 4 Star or 5 Star rating under the following conditions:<\/p>\n<ul>\n<li dir=\"ltr\">\n<p dir=\"ltr\">If a program is accredited by NECPA and the program meets the educational requirements of a 4 Star program in their respective YoungStar rating track, that program would be eligible for a 4 Star rating.<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<li dir=\"ltr\">\n<p dir=\"ltr\">If a program is accredited by NECPA and the program meets the educational requirements of a 5 Star program in their respective YoungStar rating track, that program would be eligible for a 5 Star rating.<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<li dir=\"ltr\">\n<p dir=\"ltr\">When a program becomes accredited or extends\/renews their accreditation by NECPA, it is the responsibility of the program to send their certificate of accreditation\/re-accreditation to the Department of Children and Families via fax: 608-224-6178 or via email to: youngstar@wisconsin.gov<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p dir=\"ltr\"><strong>Sources:<\/strong><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li dir=\"ltr\">\n<p dir=\"ltr\"><a href=\"https:\/\/dcf.wisconsin.gov\/youngstar\">https:\/\/dcf.wisconsin.gov\/youngstar<\/a><\/p>\n<\/li>\n<li dir=\"ltr\">\n<p dir=\"ltr\"><a href=\"https:\/\/dcf.wisconsin.gov\/youngstar\/providers\/apply\">https:\/\/dcf.wisconsin.gov\/youngstar\/providers\/apply<\/a><\/p>\n<\/li>\n<li dir=\"ltr\">\n<p dir=\"ltr\"><a href=\"https:\/\/dcf.wisconsin.gov\/youngstar\/providers\/faqs\">https:\/\/dcf.wisconsin.gov\/youngstar\/providers\/faqs<\/a><\/p>\n<\/li>\n<li dir=\"ltr\">\n<p dir=\"ltr\"><a href=\"https:\/\/dcf.wisconsin.gov\/files\/youngstar\/pdf\/policies\/accreditation-policy.pdf\">https:\/\/dcf.wisconsin.gov\/files\/youngstar\/pdf\/policies\/accreditation-policy.pdf<\/a><\/p>\n<\/li>\n<li dir=\"ltr\">\n<p dir=\"ltr\"><a href=\"https:\/\/dcf.wisconsin.gov\/files\/youngstar\/pdf\/ys-faq\/ys-faq-accred.pdf\">https:\/\/dcf.wisconsin.gov\/files\/youngstar\/pdf\/ys-faq\/ys-faq-accred.pdf<\/a><\/p>\n<\/li>\n<li dir=\"ltr\">\n<p dir=\"ltr\"><a href=\"https:\/\/dcf.wisconsin.gov\/youngstar\/providers\/point-detail\">https:\/\/dcf.wisconsin.gov\/youngstar\/providers\/point-detail<\/a><\/p>\n<\/li>\n<li dir=\"ltr\">\n<p dir=\"ltr\"><a href=\"https:\/\/dcf.wisconsin.gov\/files\/youngstar\/pdf\/evaluation-criteria\/2017-eval-criteria\/2017-gcc-evaluation-criteria.pdf\">https:\/\/dcf.wisconsin.gov\/files\/youngstar\/pdf\/evaluation-criteria\/2017-eval-criteria\/2017-gcc-evaluation-criteria.pdf<\/a><\/p>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p>\n<\/div><div class=\"kc-elm kc-css-888108 kc_text_block\"><\/p>\n<p>\n<strong><u><a href=\"#topofpage\">Return to top of page<\/a><\/u><\/strong><\/p>\n<p>\n<\/div><div class=\"kc-elm kc-css-125165 kc_text_block\"><\/p>\n<h2 id=\"\u201c#wyoming\u201d\"><a id=\"wyoming\"><\/a>Wyoming<\/h2>\n<p>\n<\/div><div class=\"kc-elm kc-css-863782 kc_text_block\"><\/p>\n<p dir=\"ltr\"><strong>WY Quality Counts<\/strong><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li dir=\"ltr\">\n<p dir=\"ltr\">WY Quality Counts helps Wyoming parents and child care providers identify and create quality learning experiences today, which helps ensure a bright, innovative and viable workforce for the future.<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<li dir=\"ltr\">\n<p dir=\"ltr\">WY Quality Counts\u2019 mission is to raise awareness about why quality child care matters for Wyoming\u2019s children, their families and our future. The program promotes quality education opportunities, preparing children for success by using developmentally-appropriate teaching methods and materials to develop cognitive, language, social\/emotional and motor skills. WY Quality Counts also provides funding for professionals in early childhood education.<\/p>\n<ul>\n<li dir=\"ltr\">\n<p dir=\"ltr\">Education, training and professional development are critical for a child care provider to be the best they can be. That\u2019s why we offer funding in the form of scholarships and grants. As a 100% state-funded program, WY Quality Counts\u2019 resources are subject to availability of funds. All scholarship and grant applications are due to the Department of Workforce Services between 45 and 110 days prior to the start of your training, degree or certificate program.<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/li>\n<li dir=\"ltr\">\n<p dir=\"ltr\">By making life easier for child care providers, WY Quality Counts can help you feel empowered, energized and more free to do what you love: lead, teach and nurture the kids of Wyoming.<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<li dir=\"ltr\">\n<p dir=\"ltr\">QRIS currently not in place<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p dir=\"ltr\"><strong>Sources:<\/strong><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li dir=\"ltr\">\n<p dir=\"ltr\"><a href=\"http:\/\/www.wyqualitycounts.org\/providers\/scholarships-and-grants\/\">http:\/\/www.wyqualitycounts.org\/providers\/scholarships-and-grants\/<\/a><\/p>\n<\/li>\n<li dir=\"ltr\">\n<p dir=\"ltr\"><a href=\"http:\/\/www.wyqualitycounts.org\/providers\/align-training\/\">http:\/\/www.wyqualitycounts.org\/providers\/align-training\/<\/a><\/p>\n<\/li>\n<li dir=\"ltr\">\n<p dir=\"ltr\"><a href=\"http:\/\/www.wyqualitycounts.org\/providers\/\">http:\/\/www.wyqualitycounts.org\/providers\/<\/a><\/p>\n<\/li>\n<li dir=\"ltr\">\n<p dir=\"ltr\"><a href=\"http:\/\/www.wyqualitycounts.org\/providers\/early-learning-guidelines-and-foundations\/\">http:\/\/www.wyqualitycounts.org\/providers\/early-learning-guidelines-and-foundations\/<\/a><\/p>\n<\/li>\n<li dir=\"ltr\">\n<p dir=\"ltr\"><a href=\"http:\/\/www.wyqualitycounts.org\/\">http:\/\/www.wyqualitycounts.org\/<\/a><\/p>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p>\n<\/div><div class=\"kc-elm kc-css-850777 kc_text_block\"><\/p>\n<p>\n<strong><u><a href=\"#topofpage\">Return to top of page<\/a><\/u><\/strong><\/p>\n<p>\n<\/div><div class=\"kc-elm kc-css-201671 kc_text_block\"><\/p>\n<h2 id=\"\u201c#district-of-columbia\u201d\"><a id=\"district-of-columbia\"><\/a>District of Columbia<\/h2>\n<p>\n<\/div><div class=\"kc-elm kc-css-567842 kc_text_block\"><\/p>\n<p dir=\"ltr\"><strong>QRIS: Capital Quality<\/strong><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li dir=\"ltr\">\n<p dir=\"ltr\">The Office of the State Superintendent of Education\u2019s (OSSE) Division of Early Learning (DEL) recently launched Capital Quality, the District of Columbia\u2019s enhanced Quality Rating and Improvement System (QRIS). Capital Quality replaces Going for the Gold, the District\u2019s original QRIS, with a system that measures program quality and focuses on continuous quality improvement.<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<li dir=\"ltr\">\n<p dir=\"ltr\">OSSE recognized the need to modify to the original QRIS due to changes in the District\u2019s education sector and an increased need for a common measure of quality across all three sectors (public charter schools, DC Public Schools, and community-based organizations). Most importantly, Capital Quality will be public-facing, which will allow parents to review and compare the program quality of various child development providers throughout the District, and make informed decisions when deciding where to enroll their child.<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<li dir=\"ltr\">\n<p dir=\"ltr\">While accreditation will not be a part of the Capital Quality rating, a program\u2019s accreditation status will be included on the program\u2019s Capital Quality profile and available for families to see when choosing a child care facility that best meets their child\u2019s needs.<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<li dir=\"ltr\">\n<p dir=\"ltr\">Will there be funding available for materials needed for achieving goals towards quality?<\/p>\n<ul>\n<li dir=\"ltr\">\n<p dir=\"ltr\">In the fiscal year 2018 (beginning Oct. 1, 2017), OSSE will provide incentives and supports to programs participating in Capital Quality in increasing quality through the purchase of materials and supplies. More information about available supports to programs in the form of technical assistance, coaching, mentoring, and professional development will be forthcoming in the coming months.<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p dir=\"ltr\"><strong>Sources:<\/strong><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li dir=\"ltr\">\n<p dir=\"ltr\"><a href=\"https:\/\/osse.dc.gov\/page\/capital-quality-qris\">https:\/\/osse.dc.gov\/page\/capital-quality-qris<\/a><\/p>\n<\/li>\n<li dir=\"ltr\">\n<p dir=\"ltr\"><a href=\"https:\/\/osse.dc.gov\/node\/1242691\">https:\/\/osse.dc.gov\/node\/1242691<\/a><\/p>\n<\/li>\n<li dir=\"ltr\">\n<p dir=\"ltr\"><a href=\"https:\/\/osse.dc.gov\/sites\/default\/files\/dc\/sites\/osse\/page_content\/attachments\/Capital%20Quality%20FAQ_0.pdf\">https:\/\/osse.dc.gov\/sites\/default\/files\/dc\/sites\/osse\/page_content\/attachments\/Capital%20Quality%20FAQ_0.pdf<\/a><\/p>\n<\/li>\n<li dir=\"ltr\">\n<p dir=\"ltr\"><a href=\"https:\/\/osse.dc.gov\/service\/early-learning-funding-opportunities\">https:\/\/osse.dc.gov\/service\/early-learning-funding-opportunities<\/a><\/p>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p>\n<\/div><div class=\"kc-elm kc-css-951385 kc_text_block\"><\/p>\n<p>\n<strong><u><a href=\"#topofpage\">Return to top of page<\/a><\/u><\/strong><\/p>\n<p>\n<\/div><div class=\"kc-elm kc-css-505795 kc_text_block\"><\/p>\n<h2 id=\"\u201c#department-of-defense\u201d\"><a id=\"department-of-defense\"><\/a>Department of Defense<\/h2>\n<p>\n<\/div><div class=\"kc-elm kc-css-190771 kc_text_block\"><\/p>\n<p dir=\"ltr\"><strong>Child Care Aware of America<\/strong><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li dir=\"ltr\">\n<p dir=\"ltr\">Child Care Aware\u00ae of America operates a Fee Assistance Program that serves military and non-military families.<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<li dir=\"ltr\">\n<p dir=\"ltr\">National Early Childhood Program Accreditation (NECPA)\u00a0is recognized by the DoD for either on-base child care or for the DoD\u2019s Off-Base Child Care Military Fee Assistance Program<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<li dir=\"ltr\">\n<p dir=\"ltr\">National accreditation is an additional criteria used to determine the quality of a child care program. Family child care homes and child care centers may pursue accreditation in order to increase the quality of their care. Accredited providers must meet higher standards than those set forth by licensing. These programs offer the kind of care, attention, and educational activities parents look for in quality child care programs, in addition to offering activities and experiences that will aid in a child\u2019s growth and development and that will help prepare them for school.<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<li dir=\"ltr\">\n<p dir=\"ltr\">In order for child care centers to meet MCCYN requirements, they must meet OMCC criteria AND be accredited by one of the approved national accreditation agencies listed below:<\/p>\n<ul>\n<li dir=\"ltr\">\n<p dir=\"ltr\">National Association for the Education of Young Children (NAEYC)<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<li dir=\"ltr\">\n<p dir=\"ltr\">National Accreditation Commission (NAC)<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<li dir=\"ltr\">\n<p dir=\"ltr\">National Early Childhood Program Accreditation (NECPA)<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<li dir=\"ltr\">\n<p dir=\"ltr\">Council on Accreditation (COA)<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<li dir=\"ltr\">\n<p dir=\"ltr\">AdvancED Accreditation<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p dir=\"ltr\"><strong>Sources:<\/strong><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li dir=\"ltr\">\n<p dir=\"ltr\"><a href=\"https:\/\/usa.childcareaware.org\/feeassistancerespiteproviders\/feeassistance\/\">https:\/\/usa.childcareaware.org\/feeassistancerespiteproviders\/feeassistance\/<\/a><\/p>\n<\/li>\n<li dir=\"ltr\">\n<p dir=\"ltr\"><a href=\"https:\/\/usa.childcareaware.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2015\/10\/initial_letter_to_providers_-_background_check_requirement.pdf\">https:\/\/usa.childcareaware.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2015\/10\/initial_letter_to_providers_-_background_check_requirement.pdf<\/a><\/p>\n<\/li>\n<li dir=\"ltr\">\n<p dir=\"ltr\"><a href=\"http:\/\/naccrrapps.naccrra.org\/navy\/directory\/search.php?program=omcc\">http:\/\/naccrrapps.naccrra.org\/navy\/directory\/search.php?program=omcc<\/a><\/p>\n<\/li>\n<li dir=\"ltr\">\n<p dir=\"ltr\"><a href=\"http:\/\/naccrrapps.naccrra.org\/navy\/directory\/search.php?program=mccyn\">http:\/\/naccrrapps.naccrra.org\/navy\/directory\/search.php?program=mccyn<\/a><\/p>\n<\/li>\n<li dir=\"ltr\">\n<p dir=\"ltr\"><a href=\"https:\/\/texasrisingstar.org\/providers\/trs-eligibility\/\">https:\/\/texasrisingstar.org\/providers\/trs-eligibility\/<\/a><\/p>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p>\n<\/div><div class=\"kc-elm kc-css-824478 kc_text_block\"><\/p>\n<p>\n<strong><u><a href=\"#topofpage\">Return to top of page<\/a><\/u><\/strong><\/p>\n<p>\n<\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/section><\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"","protected":false},"author":4,"featured_media":0,"parent":2267,"menu_order":0,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","template":"template-blank-4.php","meta":[],"yoast_head":"<!-- This site is optimized with the Yoast SEO plugin v18.0 - https:\/\/yoast.com\/wordpress\/plugins\/seo\/ -->\n<title>Resources By State - NECPA<\/title>\n<meta name=\"robots\" content=\"index, follow, max-snippet:-1, max-image-preview:large, max-video-preview:-1\" \/>\n<link rel=\"canonical\" href=\"https:\/\/necpa.net\/page\/resourcesbystate\/\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:locale\" content=\"en_US\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:type\" content=\"article\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:title\" content=\"Resources By State - NECPA\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:description\" content=\"Early Childhood Education Program Resources by State As a non-profit organization, our mission is to encourage and recognize as many high-quality programs as possible. 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Read More\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:url\" content=\"https:\/\/necpa.net\/page\/resourcesbystate\/\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:site_name\" content=\"NECPA\" \/>\n<meta property=\"article:publisher\" content=\"https:\/\/facebook.com\/thenecpa.inc\/\" \/>\n<meta property=\"article:modified_time\" content=\"2021-03-03T20:48:18+00:00\" \/>\n<meta name=\"twitter:card\" content=\"summary_large_image\" \/>\n<meta name=\"twitter:site\" content=\"@TheNECPA\" \/>\n<meta name=\"twitter:label1\" content=\"Est. reading time\" \/>\n\t<meta name=\"twitter:data1\" content=\"53 minutes\" \/>\n<script type=\"application\/ld+json\" class=\"yoast-schema-graph\">{\"@context\":\"https:\/\/schema.org\",\"@graph\":[{\"@type\":\"Organization\",\"@id\":\"https:\/\/necpa.net\/#organization\",\"name\":\"The National Early Childhood Program Accreditation\",\"url\":\"https:\/\/necpa.net\/\",\"sameAs\":[\"https:\/\/facebook.com\/thenecpa.inc\/\",\"https:\/\/www.instagram.com\/necpa\/\",\"https:\/\/www.linkedin.com\/company\/national-early-childhood-program-accreditation-necpa-\/\",\"https:\/\/www.youtube.com\/channel\/UCdLawSjPozmEb_CyesAIyEg\",\"https:\/\/twitter.com\/TheNECPA\"],\"logo\":{\"@type\":\"ImageObject\",\"@id\":\"https:\/\/necpa.net\/#logo\",\"inLanguage\":\"en-US\",\"url\":\"https:\/\/necpa.net\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/05\/NECPA_LOGO_EMAIL.jpg\",\"contentUrl\":\"https:\/\/necpa.net\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/05\/NECPA_LOGO_EMAIL.jpg\",\"width\":640,\"height\":273,\"caption\":\"The National Early Childhood Program Accreditation\"},\"image\":{\"@id\":\"https:\/\/necpa.net\/#logo\"}},{\"@type\":\"WebSite\",\"@id\":\"https:\/\/necpa.net\/#website\",\"url\":\"https:\/\/necpa.net\/\",\"name\":\"NECPA\",\"description\":\"National Early Childhood Program Accreditation\",\"publisher\":{\"@id\":\"https:\/\/necpa.net\/#organization\"},\"potentialAction\":[{\"@type\":\"SearchAction\",\"target\":{\"@type\":\"EntryPoint\",\"urlTemplate\":\"https:\/\/necpa.net\/?s={search_term_string}\"},\"query-input\":\"required name=search_term_string\"}],\"inLanguage\":\"en-US\"},{\"@type\":\"WebPage\",\"@id\":\"https:\/\/necpa.net\/page\/resourcesbystate\/#webpage\",\"url\":\"https:\/\/necpa.net\/page\/resourcesbystate\/\",\"name\":\"Resources By State - NECPA\",\"isPartOf\":{\"@id\":\"https:\/\/necpa.net\/#website\"},\"datePublished\":\"2019-02-19T18:56:14+00:00\",\"dateModified\":\"2021-03-03T20:48:18+00:00\",\"breadcrumb\":{\"@id\":\"https:\/\/necpa.net\/page\/resourcesbystate\/#breadcrumb\"},\"inLanguage\":\"en-US\",\"potentialAction\":[{\"@type\":\"ReadAction\",\"target\":[\"https:\/\/necpa.net\/page\/resourcesbystate\/\"]}]},{\"@type\":\"BreadcrumbList\",\"@id\":\"https:\/\/necpa.net\/page\/resourcesbystate\/#breadcrumb\",\"itemListElement\":[{\"@type\":\"ListItem\",\"position\":1,\"name\":\"Home\",\"item\":\"https:\/\/necpa.net\/\"},{\"@type\":\"ListItem\",\"position\":2,\"name\":\"page\",\"item\":\"https:\/\/necpa.net\/page\/\"},{\"@type\":\"ListItem\",\"position\":3,\"name\":\"Resources By State\"}]}]}<\/script>\n<!-- \/ Yoast SEO plugin. -->","yoast_head_json":{"title":"Resources By State - NECPA","robots":{"index":"index","follow":"follow","max-snippet":"max-snippet:-1","max-image-preview":"max-image-preview:large","max-video-preview":"max-video-preview:-1"},"canonical":"https:\/\/necpa.net\/page\/resourcesbystate\/","og_locale":"en_US","og_type":"article","og_title":"Resources By State - NECPA","og_description":"Early Childhood Education Program Resources by State As a non-profit organization, our mission is to encourage and recognize as many high-quality programs as possible. 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