Spring 2007
The Minnesota Quality Rating System Pilot
Sharing the Wisdom of Many Voices Conference
PROGRAMS AND INITIATIVES::
Contact: Julie Wasiluk
651-290-9704 ext. 119
Not by Chance:
Contact: Gail Mahr
651-290-9704 ext. 200
Ounce Scale MN Child Care Project
Contact: Mary Scott
651-433-2182
Sharing the Wisdom of
Many Voices Conference
Contact: Gail Mahr
651-290-9704 ext. 119
Building Blocks of Learning
Contact: Mary Wynne
651-290-9704 ext. 104
Contact: Cory Woosley
651-746-4024
The Minnesota Quality Rating System Pilot
An Initiative to Empower Parents and
Prepare Children for Kindergarten
What is Minnesota's Quality Rating System?
Minnesota 's Quality Rating System is intended to support our children by creating a rating system which identifies, recognizes, and celebrates quality in early care and education settings. The Minnesota Early Learning Foundation (MELF) is addressing this need by launching a three-year pilot program of the Minnesota QRS. The Minnesota Child Care Resource and Referral Network will serve as the coordinating home of the pilot in partnership with the Department of Human Services . Other partners include the Department of Education , Child Trends and Wilder Research .
Built upon the understanding that early care and education settings across Minnesota will differ dramatically, but that the things children need to grow and develop remain a constant, the QRS represents an important new tool for Minnesota parents. It also represents a unique opportunity for providers to voluntarily receive recognition for the quality of care and education they are delivering and build on this quality.
The pilot phase of the QRS will build upon the good work completed by the NorthStar Quality Improvement and Rating System task force, and the lessons learned through the “field test” of the NQIRS.
Where will the pilot take place? The pilot phase of the program will include early care and education providers who choose to enroll in the QRS in four locations: the City of St.Paul, areas of North Minneapolis , areas of Wayzata, and Blue Earth and Nicollet Counties .
When will the pilot program begin?
The application process for rating of programs within the Minnesota pilot areas will begin in July of 2007. Rating information for parents will be available in early 2008 .
When will the statewide program begin?
The timetable for statewide implementation of the Quality Rating System is still being determined. The MELF and its partners are committed to carefully evaluating the initiative during the pilot phase and using that information to ensure that the program meets the needs of families and children while effectively supporting participating providers.
Why should my program participate by becoming quality rated?
87% of parents surveyed say they'd find a quality rating system helpful and would indeed use it. Getting your program in on the “ground floor” as the system is piloted allows you to demonstrate proudly that you are delivering the best in care and/or are on the road to reaching this excellence. We are here to help you begin this exciting process and applaud you for your commitment to quality!
How Can I Become Involved?
Early care and education providers may volunteer to participate in the pilot and will have trained quality rating specialists available to help them through the process.
Programs will receive ratings using a point system. Program features in the following areas will be recognized:
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Child progress
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Curriculum and adult/child interactions
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Learning environment
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Staff qualifications
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Health and safety
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Family partnerships
Programs Interested in Participating in Minnesota 's Quality Rating System, please contact Scott Parker at Scottp@mnchildcare.org .