DCDEE is pleased to announce the release of the Request for Applications for “Quality Rating and Improvement System (QRIS) Support and Supplement”.

Quality Rating and Improvement System (QRIS) Support and Supplement

This Request for Applications (RFA) aims to identify supports needed to increase participation in North Carolina’s modernized QRIS, Pathways to the Stars, among Family Child care Homes, Centers Located in a Residence, and small capacity centers serving 50 or fewer children, with emphasis on rural areas and counties where child care deserts exist. This will be achieved through conducting the Quality Rating and Improvement System Study. The successful applicant will create an implementation plan to conduct outreach and eligibility determination, pre and post surveys with participating providers, coordination of four webinars with participation tracking, interim and final reporting to support QRIS supplement participation.

One award of up to $955,931 will be made under this RFA to provide services set forth in the Scope of Services.  Eligibility for the renewal is contingent upon contract compliance, project performance, and availability of funding. The initial contract period is expected to be February 2, 2026 – July 31, 2026.

Eligibility requirements are included in the RFA.

Applications are due by 5:00 pm on December 22, 2025.

Application Face Sheet RFA # 007-DCDEE-2025

Request for Applications: “Quality Rating and Improvement System (QRIS) Support Supplement Study”

Line-Item Budget and Narrative Instructions 

Attachment B Line-Item Budget Template

Questions and Answers