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NC Child Care Commission’s QRIS Modernization Plan (QRIS Reform)

Starting your Pathway to the Stars

The DCDEE team looks forward to working with child care facilities across the state to transition to the new QRIS system, also known as Pathways to the Stars, located in Section .3200 of the Child Care Rules.  The transition will begin soon with the following informational opportunities:

  • In August, we’ll provide a rule roll out module in the DCDEE e-learning Moodle platform and host webinars on the following dates and times:
    • August 18 at 1:00pm (child care centers and centers located in a residence) Join webinar
    • August 18 at 6:30pm (family child care homes) Join webinar
    • August 20 at 1:00pm (family child care homes) Join webinar
    • August 20 at 6:30pm (child care centers and centers located in a residence) Join webinar
  • In September, child care consultants will host in-person facility operator/administrator meetings within the counties they serve to provide additional guidance on the changes, the transition plan and timeline.
  • Beginning In October, child care consultants will begin discussing the new rules in Section .3200; Standards for Two through Five Star Rated Licenses during licensing visits. Consultants will review the pathway options, identify facility needs, answer questions, and work with the facility operator to establish an individualized timeline for transition to a new rated license within 12 months based on the pathway chosen.

We understand this is a big change and are committed to ensuring  all providers have a good understanding of the new opportunities in order to make informed decisions on which pathway best suits the needs of the facility. We look forward to seeing you at these upcoming informational settings and working with you on your pathway to the stars!

Background

Better school and life outcomes for children depend on quality early childhood teachers who have the skills to ensure that children, supported by their families, have the early experiences they need for healthy development and a strong foundation for learning. North Carolina led the nation in 1999 when it launched its Quality Rating and Improvement System (QRIS), a star rating system for early childhood education facilities. QRIS is a systemic approach to assess, improve, and communicate the level of quality in child care. It encourages programs to engage in continuous quality improvement and families may use the star rating to make informed decisions when choosing a child care facility. 

Since February 2023, the NC Child Care Commission has been working toward revising the Quality Rating Improvement System (QRIS) as required by Session Law 2023-40. Listening to and communicating with early childhood professionals, families, communities and businesses is a critical component to ensure a successful QRIS modernization. In 2023, the Commission conducted 8 in-person listening sessions and 2 webinars; provided a QR code survey and offered a QRIS email account to collect feedback. Thus, informed by national research, trends and outcomes, and input from more than 1800 NC early childhood education professionals, the Commission formed recommendations for change, such as:

  • Offering a choice of three pathways to demonstrate quality and earn a 2-5 Star Rated License. 
  • Updates to education standards for early childhood educators to expand options; and
  • Adds standards for both educators and facilities that support continuous quality improvement and family/community engagement practices that promote communication and collaboration.

In addition, on July 8, 2024, Governor Roy Cooper signed Session Law 2024-34, which includes Quality Rating Improvement System (QRIS) Modernization.  This law established three pathways to earn star ratings, directed the Commission to continue with rulemaking to support the pathways and allowed the following while rulemaking occurs:

  • Extension of Hold Harmless provisions - star rated license assessments and reassessments for licensed child care providers will be conducted by provider request only, until the QRIS rulemaking process has been completed. Star rated license assessments continue to be required for new child care programs.
  • Accreditation Licensure - Child care programs currently accredited through the approved accrediting bodies may move to a 3- or 5-star license if they are not already at this star level. Providers will need to submit a request to their licensing consultant and provide a copy of their accreditation award/certificate for processing: Accreditation Licensure Request Form.
  • Updated Program Assessment Tool – Beginning on February 1, 2025, child care facilities will use the Environment Rating Scale – Third Edition for family child care homes, infant/toddler classrooms and preschool classrooms, if requesting a program assessment or reassessment.  This updated edition includes language and interaction measures, a need consistently identified by early childhood professionals during listening sessions.

Now, the Commission is deeply engaged in the rulemaking process to spell out and implement the changes it recommended in the QRIS Legislative Report.

RESOURCES | RECURSOS

Webinar: Information Session for Parents Webinar: Information Session for Child Care Professionals

Webinar: Information Session for Child Care Professionals
Seminario Web − Sésion de Información No. 4 para los Profesionales de Cuidado Infantil

Parents, learn more about proposed changes to the Star Rating Sytem Learn about the QRIS Modernization in this webinar for child care professionals. Learn more about the QRIS Modernization in this webinar for child care professionals.  Presented in English with live Spanish translation.
Obtenga más información sobre la modernización del QRIS en este seminario web para profesionales del cuidado infantil. Presentado en inglés con interpretación en vivo en español.
Webinar Slides Webinar Slides Webinar Slides | Las Diapositivas 

 

We understand that you may have questions as you consider this information. Questions about QRIS Modernization (Reform) may be sent to [email protected]. In an effort to provide consistent and accurate answers to all individuals, we collect questions and answer them in the Frequently Asked Questions document above.

 

 

 

2201 Mail Service Center | Raleigh, NC 27699-2200
919-814-6300 | 1-800-859-0829 (In State Only)
[email protected]

 

 
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