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Home Families Quality: The Key to Education

Quality: The Key to Education

FACT: Children who attend a quality early learning and care program are more likely to do well in school and less likely to drop out or need remedial support later in their education.

To help improve the quality of early learning and care programs for infants, toddlers, and preschool-aged children, we work with local Quality Rating and Improvement Systems (QRISs).

What is a QRIS?

A QRIS:

  1. Rates participating programs on how well they meet program standards for quality
  2. Makes the ratings available to families to help them choose a program for their child
  3. Works with the participating programs to continually improve, as needed.

What quality elements do QRISs rate and work to improve?

Every early learning and care environment should provide these quality elements:

  • Loving and nurturing relationships between adults and children
  • Teachers, directors, and child care providers trained in early education
  • A safe and healthy environment
  • Learning activities that support each child’s interests, growth, and needs
  • Low teacher-child ratio
  • Supportive relationships between families and program/staff

Why is a QRIS important?

A QRIS helps improve the quality of participating programs so they are better prepared to help all children grow socially, emotionally, and physically in a healthy environment, with knowledgeable and caring providers who engage children in a range of enriching activities.

Ultimately, the better the program, the better your children grow and learn.

Additional Resources

  • QRIS Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
  • Care About Quality: Your Guide to Child Care
  • California Department of Social Services Child Care Licensing Program
  • TrustLine or 1.800.822.8490

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Quality Counts California: Raising the Quality of Early Learning and Care
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