The state of California has joined the national movement to quantify and support the improvement of early childhood programs. Under the leadership of the State Department of Education, CocoKids is participating in the federal Race to the Top Early Learning Challenge Grant that will educate parents and improve the quality of early childhood programs statewide.
Quality Rating and Improvement System will easily identify quality levels of early learning programs, by using a star rating system, as well as offering incentives and supports to help programs improve quality and move through the various identified levels.
The purpose of QRIS is:
- Parents will have easily accessible information about what quality looks like in early childhood programs
- Programs and professionals that assist programs will have a streamlined set of standards connected to supports and financial incentives to help programs meet and maintain the standards of quality
- Providers will receive feedback and will be involved in continuous program improvements
The components of QRIS address:
- Child Development and School Readiness
- Teachers and Teaching
- Program and Environment
CocoKids will be offering guidance to help families understand and choose a quality level of early childhood services. The Learning Institute of CocoKids will be offering workshops, professional coaching and a variety of resources to help early childhood professionals continually improve the level of school readiness offered in their programs.
The levels of quality that will be measured and the point system that accompanies the criteria are shown in this matrix.