The QRIS star rating system is a valuable resource for families evaluating the quality of childcare programs and also provides support to assist providers in improving the quality of their childcare offerings. It was specifically designed to facilitate comparisons among different programs by utilizing a standardized set of quality standards. In Nevada, the QRIS star rating system operates on a scale from 1 to 5 stars, although it should not be mistaken for a rating system akin to Yelp or other consumer review platforms.

Participating in QRIS involves a significant commitment from child care programs, as they go above and beyond the foundational level of licensing requirements. QRIS acknowledges the additional work and effort put forth by these programs to provide exceptional care and education.

It is important to note that QRIS does not replace a child care license. A child care license signifies that providers have met the fundamental health and safety requirements. However, QRIS takes the evaluation further by assessing the quality of crucial factors that contribute to a child's development. These factors include language and communication skills, positive interactions between teachers and children, the use of developmentally appropriate practices, and the encouragement of problem-solving and creative expression in children.

By participating in QRIS, child care programs demonstrate their commitment to going the extra mile in providing a nurturing and enriching environment for children. The QRIS star rating system helps families make informed choices and ensures that every child has access to high-quality early care and education experiences.

Families and providers can search for the star rating of all programs at the link here.

Child care programs can be searched by zip code or by name, and the search radius around a location can also be adjusted. The star rating of each program is prominently displayed, represented by blue stars, giving you a quick indication of its quality level. Additionally, for a more comprehensive understanding, you can easily access the licensing report directly from the school profile. With the intuitive search functionality, families can confidently navigate through your options and make informed choices for their child's care and development.

What factors contribute to the star rating calculation?

The QRIS star rating is determined by combining the QRIS Required Criteria with the ERS assessment scores.

What are the QRIS Required criteria?

QRIS evaluates specific key components, each with varying degrees of intensity depending on the desired star level that programs aim to attain. These quality elements encompass factors such as staff membership in the Nevada Registry, QRIS group size and ratio, and additional requirements for achieving the highest star rating.

How often each program will be rated?

When a program enrolls with QRIS, they will be placed on the waitlist until their assigned coach contacts them. The next phase of the program is Steps to Stars (STS), which lasts six months. On-site coaching will NOT be available during the STS phase. However, the coach will meet and greet the director and deliver the ERS scale books. The coach will assist the directors in setting up Easy Folio login and registering for the required director training during the STS phase. Additionally, the coach will assist with all documentation reviews during the STS phase. An assessment of the program will take place after six months so that the coach can develop a Quality Improvement Plan (QIP) for the next 24 months. Following the STS star rating, programs move into the Initial Coaching phase, which spans 24 months. Ratings are conducted after every coaching cycle (24 months).

Re-rating Requests

A new rating may be requested prior to the 2-year mark, provided the barrier does not incur an additional cost to the QRIS system, and 6 months have passed since the most recent rating. In cases where both the program and coach agree that the additional ERS assessment will help earn a higher star rating, the QRIS program will cover the cost of the additional assessment.