Summary
Introduction
Study questions
Methods
Findings
Recommendations
Precursors to a successful QRIS
System development process
What should QRSS include?
Quality improvement
Evaluate the effectiveness of the QRIS
Acknowledgments
Acronyms
Introduction
Background
Quality Rating and Improvement Systems
QRIS theory
QRIS in practice
Limitations in our understanding of QRISs
Lack of data
Limited understanding of QRISs as systems
Dearth of practical knowledge
QRIS stakeholder consortium
Study limitations
Organization of the report
Methods
Sampling of states
Interviewee selection
Interview guide
Data collection, management, and analysis
Other research informing this study
The pioneer QRISs and how they were developed
Elements of a rating system
Rating systems in the five targeted states
Oklahoma / Reaching for the Stars
Colorado / Qualistar Rating System
North carolina / Star-Rated License
Pennsylvania / Keystone STARS
Ohio / Step Up To Quality
Summary
QRIS design and implementation processes
Goal-setting and feasibility assessment
System design
System implementation
System outputs
Lessons learned
State self-assessments
States generally believe that their QRISs have had a positive impact on the child care sector and the children and families they serve
Factors that contribute to the success of a QRIS
Challenges to success
Impediments to success
Setting goals, expectations and standards
Establishing incentives and supports
Monitoring performance through ratings
Encouraging provider improvement through QI support
Dissemination of information about the QRIS and about provider ratings
QRIS system components and their relationships to each other
Recommendations
Precursors to a successful QRIS
System development process
What should QRISs include?
Quality improvement
Evaluate the effectiveness of the QRIS
References
Appendix A. Interview guide
Appendix B. Unpublished MANI paper on QRISs.