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"Children are like wet cement. Whatever falls on them makes an impression."
- Hiam Ginnot
Maryland's Quality Rating Improvement System is expected to begin with a pilot program in 2011, with full implementation by the end of 2011. It is a voluntary program that replaces Tiered Reimbursement but has similar goals: to recognize and reward child care programs that go above and beyond licensing standards. There are five levels to the QRIS, with minimum licensing at level one, or one "star."
Liz Kelley explained that Maryland's QRIS has five key areas:
1. Licensing and compliance (programs must be in good standing)
2. Rating scale assessment/accreditation (programs are involved in using the environment rating scales and accreditation standards to assess their programs)
3. Developmentally appropriate learning and practice (programs use developmentally appropriate curriculum and assessment)
4. Staffing and professional development (programs are using the Maryland Child Care Credential)
5. Administrative policies and procedures (programs use a variety of practices to support children, families, and staff)
A state-wide committee continues to work on the QRIS criteria and process. We will continue to share information as it becomes available. In the meantime, find out more about accreditation options and the Credential program to decide if these programs may be right for you. For more information, contact us at help@applesforchildren.org. |
