Press Room
Local Early Learning partners selected to help design rating system
The Department of Early Learning has selected Vancouver as one of five sites in Washington to design a pilot rating system for child care, preschool and school-age programs throughout the state. Educational Service District 112 will serve as the lead agency, bringing key partners together to help create a model rating system designed to help parents find the best early learning opportunities for their family.
This is the first phase of Washington's efforts to test a statewide voluntary Quality Rating and Improvement System (QRIS). The QRIS is an opportunity for educators and programs to demonstrate the quality of care they provide for children, and for parents to easily access the kind of information they want. A key component of the QRIS is providing incentives for providers to boost their rating through professional development opportunities for staff and other program quality improvements.
"The goal is to improve the quality of care so all children thrive in a positive environment," said Debbie Ham, ESD 112's Director of Early Learning. In addition, Ham said parents will have a strong voice in designing the system and the needs of child care providers will be identified. "We are enthused about partnering with the Department of Early Learning and the other communities in this planning effort," she added.
Creating a voluntary QRIS was a key recommendation of the Early Learning Council as part of Washington Learns, Gov. Chris Gregoire's 18-month review of Washington's public school system.
The communities have until July 1, 2008, to design their QRIS program. DEL expects to work with these same communities on implementation of the pilot testing of specific ratings that the state will determine in conjunction with parents and communities.