RATING INFORMATION
HELPING FAMILIES MAKE INFORMED DECISIONS
To measure progress, each program enrolled in QSSB is assessed and given a rating, ranging from 1 to 5 leaves. These ratings are based on what research shows are the key components of quality early care, including adult-child interactions, learning environments and appropriate learning activities. For parents and families, ratings are easy-to-understand indicators of quality.
QSSB is about continuous quality improvement. The standards are high, and reaching the quality levels is often a long-term process for child care and preschool programs. Those achieving ratings in the quality levels (3 leaves and above) have met these standards, and all programs enrolled in Quality Start are committed to making improvements that help prepare kids for school and life. It's also important to keep in mind that ratings are just one of several factors to consider when finding the right child care or preschool program for your family's needs. Click here for more information and a downloadable Keys to Quality checklist to help inform your decision making process.
QUALITY START PROVIDER RATINGS
HIGHEST QUALITY
Far exceeds quality standards
QUALITY
Meets quality standards
EMERGING QUALITY
Committed to quality improvement
QUALITY PLUS
Exceeds quality standards
RISING QUALITY
Approaching quality standards
NO RATING
Program is enrolled in Quality Start but does not yet have a public rating
Types of child care and preschool programs
Center-based: A center setting often involves the care of larger groups of children in a commercial building. They are either owned and operated privately or associated with a larger corporation. They can be a part of a community center, religious organization, or non-profit.
Family Child Care: This is care offered from the home of a licensed provider. Many serve families with traditional and non-traditional schedules. Children may be of the same group, preschool age for example, or in mixed-age groups.
State-Preschool: State preschools are free programs for families who meet state income and family size criteria. These programs receive state funding and typically serve children 3 to 4 in preschool or pre-kindergarten classrooms.
