QRIS/Star Ratings Systems...Feedback

[Annalee]

What do you like/dislike about the program?
I feel our program relies too heavily on provider education, and puts very little stock in experience. I think education SHOULD be a factor, but also feel that if someone can meet all the standards without a degree, they should be a 5 star program, not be stuck at a 3. We've had people who taught the daycare classes who can't be a 4 or 5 star unless they go back to school. At 60 years of age; with 30 years experience. That's unreasonable, IMO. I also feel the way they use the FCCER's is not appropriate, because they are using it critically; looking for short comings, not assets. Basically, they are going in with a measuring tape and stop watch and trying to measure quality. There should be a much larger emphasis on provider interactions and activities, not ideals like hand washing to the point where children's hands are quite literally raw.

Does it work in the manner in which it was designed to?
Somewhat. I think it's brought about a lot of awareness among providers about what children need. I think there has been a lot of training offered, and encouraged, which is also great. It is raising the bar, no question.

Are parents using it as a tool to choose/decipher quality care from other programs?yes, in some areas, mostly in the cities. In rural areas, parents don't even know about the program, and even the caseworkers don't seem to direct them to the website

Do you feel the program is provider friendly?As a family provider, I will say mostly, no. There is a heavy emphasis on the formality and structure that is more appropriate in a center. The largest family childcare license here is 8 children, and each child under 2 takes 2 of those spots. For the most part, we are in our own homes, not institutions. That should not be considered a negative.

Is it geared primarily for centers or in-home care or does your state have separate framework for each environment? It appears to be geared towards centers, then "trickled down" to FCC

Is the highest star level attainable without a degree?NO

Does your state have specific curriculums you are required to use?NO, but to get points for curriculum, it must meet the Wisconsin Model Early Learning Standards.

Does your state require assessments? Yes, but there is not specific one, or even a specific time frame. However, in order to receive points for this criteria, the teaching cycle of assessment-goals-curriculum-assessment-goals-curriculum must be demonstrated

How often and what types?One option is Ages and Stages, and free training was provided

To add:
The process here is that you can either get an automated rating (a two-star), or go for a higher rating. For a 3, you work with a technical consultant and set goals for your program. For a 4 or 5, you must also have a separate person come and rate the program. This is where the big hitch is. Your technical consultant can get you ready, think you're program is just fantastic, and then a rater will come and literally look for problems. To my knowledge, none of the raters have FCC backgrounds, and very few have actually worked in childcare at all. THERE is the problem, right there, and that's got to be hard on the center folks, as well.

Also, if you are nationally accredited (or city accredited where available), you automatically "bump up" to a 4 or 5 star (depending on that degree), because they built that in to the system. It's annoying for those of us who aren't in Madison; because national accreditation is pricey and cumbersome, but at least it's an option.

Accreditation is not listed in our Professional Development component but we supposedly get an extra point for that but it shows up nowhere. An AS degree will get the 3 star in that area. All stars are combined/averaged for final star count. The highest is 3. But all components are for naught unless you score above that "4" on the state-mandated assessment. Components consist of Prof. Development, Developmental Learning Standards, Parent/family Involvement, Business Mgmt, and Program Assessment. I have 3's in all categories including assessment as I have since 2002 when it began, but if assessment become an opt-out component, I would take a 0 there and my average would be 2.4 but I would take the 2-star and NOT do assessment....That explains how disgruntled I am with the ASSESSMENT!!!!

[Annalee]

Does it work in the manner in which it was designed to?
Somewhat. I think it's brought about a lot of awareness among providers about what children need. I think there has been a lot of training offered, and encouraged, which is also great. It is raising the bar, no question.

I think the extra trainings in the beginning with a new QRIS system brought about a higher morale and raised the bar in the beginning. However, providers began to feel betrayed, leading to frustration. Now with all the budget cuts, there are very few local trainings offered. Conferences still are available through private organizations, but the state cut funding for technical assistance diminishing workshops to one training per county per month. This would not even supply the hours needed for 1 star in Prof development. The entire process after 2002, in my honest opinion, has nothing positive left. QRIS was done in the name of quality and you can't measure a hug....a smile.......a laugh........ You sure can't measure it by counting our materials......The best things in life are free. Play is FREE! Let the children explore, discover, imagine, dream in our learning environments. Providers know their own kids and prepare environments accordingly...without the help of a FCCERS-R book!!!!

[drseuss]

I feel much the same as Heidi, and we are in the same state. I began the star rating program and withdrew when I realized what a bunch of bunk it is. Everything seems so centered around how things look on PAPER. Not enough on reality. The diapering and handwashing procedures alone are enough to literally take up our entire day. Heidi's comment regarding children's raw hands? Yep. Right on. That's just one little thing. The technical consultant told me that when she comes, I should expect the nosy mother in law treatment in every room of my home, even the ones not being used for my license. That would include looking through all the drawers in my bedroom, master bath and closet. Etc.

I do not like it, Sam I Am.

Participation in the program is currently not a requirement in our state, but I am assuming that it will eventually be required, sooner rather than later. At that point, I will reassess and either find a job outside the home or just go unregulated. I was probably doing a better job when I was legally unlicensed because I had more time to concentrate on the things that matter the most and didn't have to worry myself sick that there might be a penny in my nightstand drawer in a room that my daycare children do not even have access to. They don't give anybody credit for having a single brain cell in their head anymore. It's CYA all the way up to the top.

[Heidi]

I feel much the same as Heidi, and we are in the same state. I began the star rating program and withdrew when I realized what a bunch of bunk it is. Everything seems so centered around how things look on PAPER. Not enough on reality. The diapering and handwashing procedures alone are enough to literally take up our entire day. Heidi's comment regarding children's raw hands? Yep. Right on. That's just one little thing. The technical consultant told me that when she comes, I should expect the nosy mother in law treatment in every room of my home, even the ones not being used for my license. That would include looking through all the drawers in my bedroom, master bath and closet. Etc.

I do not like it, Sam I Am.

Participation in the program is currently not a requirement in our state, but I am assuming that it will eventually be required, sooner rather than later. At that point, I will reassess and either find a job outside the home or just go unregulated. I was probably doing a better job when I was legally unlicensed because I had more time to concentrate on the things that matter the most and didn't have to worry myself sick that there might be a penny in my nightstand drawer in a room that my daycare children do not even have access to. They don't give anybody credit for having a single brain cell in their head anymore. It's CYA all the way up to the top.

I, too, will most likely eventually withdraw from the whole thing. Depends on where it heads. Currently, I have 4 children enrolled, and 2 of those are 4 days a week. I have no state-funded kiddos. So, I am literally doing it for the $500 MICRO (as in teeny) grant. I also like my technical consultant, she's very sweet.

[drseuss]

Yes, the micro grant is the carrot they swing in front of you to get you into the program. I was not doing it for that, but I was doing it so that I would be eligible for the TEACH scholarship. There are so many strings attached to both the micro grant and the scholarship that I did not want to be bound to.

I could go on and on about this but I'd probably end up getting mouthy about it, and being new here, I'd rather not. ::

[Heidi]

Yes, the micro grant is the carrot they swing in front of you to get you into the program. I was not doing it for that, but I was doing it so that I would be eligible for the TEACH scholarship. There are so many strings attached to both the micro grant and the scholarship that I did not want to be bound to.

I could go on and on about this but I'd probably end up getting mouthy about it, and being new here, I'd rather not. ::

Hahaha! I can hear your voice echoing in my own brain!

[Annalee]

Hahaha! I can hear your voice echoing in my own brain!

I think the letters QRIS brings out a voice/attitude in providers that legislators didn't count on.....Don't mess with us! ::::::::

[Country Kids]

What do you like/dislike about the program?
I like how it makes you look at your program differently. I did do alot of changes to my program but didn't change the way I did care. Either way I give 100% quality care to my families.

What do I dislike about the program-how they want you to be a headstart set up in your home. I initally joined to be the voice for those doing it out of their livingrooms. What the program requires and the changes I have done, I personally do not see it working with someone who does this in hteir livingroom.

Does it work in the manner in which it was designed to?I'm not really sure on this. Everyone that I know personally doing it already were excellent providers. It needs to be geared towards those who are running babysitting businesses, watching tv all day and think its easy money.

Are parents using it as a tool to choose/decipher quality care from other programs?Since it has only been in my area for a year, I'm not sure if parents are using it or not.


Do you feel the program is provider friendly? No-that is why it has taken me so long to do it. Over spring break I cracked the whip and worked all week on it. It took me over 20-25 hours to type out my portfolio. The reason for me getting it out was we had a money incentive and it was seriously the first time I had a very low ratio of children and could sit, concentrate and work on it. My dining room table was covered with papers and laptop though for a full week. I don't think they realize that we work long hours/weeks, have families and seriously I don't have alot of free time to be able to do this. My specialist finally had a workday for us and we all were able to get so much done during that time. I think that is what it took, a Sat. with no interuptions, someone there to answer questions, and just having someone rooting you on.

Is it geared primarily for centers or in-home care or does your state have separate framework for each environment? Both-there is a big push for it to be in all childcare areas. There is a FCC, Certified CC and Childcare Centers manuals. Each one has different expectations.

Is the highest star level attainable without a degree? No-even the three star you have to have a ton of education. I qualified for the education part but the funny thing-non of it pertained to childcare. It was a bunch of mismatch courses I took 25 years ago but the way it was broken down they all fit in the appropriate "category" to be counted. If you have assistants they also have to have a certain amount of education.

Does your state have specific curriculums you are required to use? Yes and for each age level. If you do not want to use them you have to "proof" the curriculum you use goes with the National Standards.

Does your state require assessments? How often and what types? Yes-within 30 days of a child starting your program. We have to use ASQ3 or TS Gold (something like that). We also have to survey our families once a year and average out our scores from them.

When I received my portfolio back I didn't obtain a certain star level for the following reasons: Did not have assesments done-was a new policy to my program and was starting in Sept. I have to do them before that time to get my Star level. Did not have a certain "education" level but have exceeded that but still have to resubmit everything. I exceeded it but the QRIS program did check with the program over that so that is why I counted down on that. I also apparently do not potty train they way they would like (it all in the wording) so I have to redo that part.

I find it funny the things they consider quality care that you don't think about: child size eating utensils is the one I can think right off the top. Also, I pretty much have to have a classroom outside. Anything inside should be ecsessiable outside as well.

If I think of anymore I will post later!

[nanglgrl]

I am currently participating in my state's QRIS or star rating system.

Since these programs are fairly new (within the last 5 years) and have not reached all states yet, the process is an on-going learning experience for both the state as well as the provider and families in care.

I am currently collecting feedback data from providers (both in home and center based) about their experiences with their state's QRIS program.

Basically I am wondering if any of you who do participate (whether just starting to or having completed the process) would be willing to share with me their feedback/comments/experiences.
I've been on QRS since it started in Iowa, at least 5 years but I'm pretty sur even longer, so I'd be happy to help.

• What do you like/dislike about the program? I Like the grant we get every 2 years for participating and that by participating we are able to get the TEACH grant for school. I dislike that they only consider degree's/classes in child development or education for the higher stars and don't give any points for experience or other education I think any education beyond high school should be rewarded. I also dislike that a horrible daycare can get QRS stars as long as they meet minimum requirements.
• Does it work in the manner in which it was designed to? No, not here at least. Parents don't care and I've never had a single one ask what my QRS rating is. When I've mentioned my QRS rating to prospective clients they have no idea what I'm talking about. Most providers don't opt to do it and the ones that do are usually the types that would be improving the quality of their daycare regardless of a program or grant money.
• Are parents using it as a tool to choose/decipher quality care from other programs? Not many if any at all. Most people around here are still looking for the cheapest and in this area the cheapest are the unlicensed homes. It's legal in our state to be unlicensed so there are a lot of bad, cheap daycares that are over in their numbers. I'm not saying all unlicensed is bad or that all licensed is good just that without any accountability for unlicensed providers and a ton of accountability for licensed the system is not working here.
• Do you feel the program is provider friendly? I do. Our local CCRR office works closely with us so we can get on the program and the program is doable even if some of the requirements are silly.
• Is it geared primarily for centers or in-home care or does your state have separate framework for each environment? Our state has a separate framework.
• Is the highest star level attainable without a degree? I will have to look for sure but I want to say yes, because my state has it set up so that you just have to earn some points out of every category and the total points of all categories determines our star. In the education category we can earn points for a degree but also for single college courses or course series that are taught by our local CCRR.
• Does your state have specific curriculums you are required to use? No, we are not required to teach curriculum.
• Does your state require assessments? How often and what types? No, but there are points given if we choose to do them. However you could just decide to earn points from another option in that category.

ANY other feedback you want to give in regards to your experiences both during the rating process as well as afterwards that you are willing to share would be awesome! When hearing about other state's QRS programs I think our state is doing pretty well comparatively. My biggest grievances are really minor.

If you don't want to post openly, you are MORE than welcome to PM me or e-mail me.

I responded in bold.

[Blackcat31]

THANK YOU LADIES!!!

I appreciate that you took the time to respond!

@Dr Suess....feel free to PM me your feedback. Mouthy replies are welcome too! ::

[Lucy]

I've been clear elsewhere on the forum that I am strongly against this program. I have no interest in stars. I get my clients from ads in our local newspaper, and occasionally, from personal referrals. Not once in 20 years have I ever been sent a prospect from the county's referral service. So a rating would not benefit me. The parents I get know nothing about this program.

Even if I DID get several county referrals, I still have no interest in doing this. I provide "just like family", or "just like home" care. I have always gotten them at a very young age - some just weeks old - and kept them long term. (10-12 years) It seems, to my understanding of the system, that it is largely based on having a curriculum of some sort. Tell me how I would do that for my current group of 6-11 year olds?

To go even further, even if I DID do pre-school ages, I have zero interest in doing a formal curriculum, although I might reluctantly do a half-assed one next school year for 3 hours/day while the bigger kids are in school ... only because I need that income. But it's going to be by MY design, which I know for sure would NOT fit the stars system's criteria. I certainly don't want the government involved in it; telling me what curriculum is ok to use and sticking their noses in to make sure I'm doing it "right" (THEIR version of "right").

So... all that being said... it is currently voluntary in my state, and obviously I did not volunteer. But if, on the off chance, that perfect family checked with the county to be matched up with a provider in my small town, are they going to call the 3, 4, 5 star provider, or someone who isn't even rated?

Parents will think of it like Hotel stars. Wouldn't you rather stay at a 5-star hotel than a 1-star? Or worse yet, one that wasn't even good enough to warrant ANY stars?

You see, it discriminates against me. And it seems I've heard there are financial kickbacks for reaching certain plateaus? I could be wrong there, but something in the back of my mind is saying that I read that somewhere. If so, I'll never see any of that.

I don't want to run the type of program that the stars system wants. I want to have families enroll with me, have their kids come to my house and feel as safe and comfortable as they do in their own house, to make great friends here, to WANT to come here, to grow up here, to take them to the summer reading program, swim lessons, basketball camp at the local church, the free lunch program our town offers in summer, the awesome Lego store in town, the park, McDonald's playland on rainy days, etc., etc. I'm not the type to be tied down at home with a forced curriculum and schedule. My kids learn -- don't get me wrong!! I take every organically-occurring opportunity to teach. I've had some pretty smart kids go through here, and I recognize and nurture that. I just don't want to do it THEIR way (the state's). Call me a rebel I suppose. I just know that I have ZERO interest in the stars program.

I'm sure all that ^ isn't what you were after, but I feel pretty strongly about this.

Also, where's the money coming from to implement and maintain this system? I feel there are MUCH better places to put that money than to have Big Brother peering into my home. I don't begrudge those of you who like it. In fact, if this is for you, then I encourage you and cheer for you to receive the top star rating. It's just not for me.

[Childminder]

What do you like/dislike about the program? Haven't found anything I like about it unless it was the micro-coaching I received before when it was being developed and all of the individual attention and program incentives I received. / My big dislike is the amount of time I have spent doing "busy" work on the survey and submitting my paperwork. That and I can never be any more than a "C" or three star. I am not going back to school.

Does it work in the manner in which it was designed to? Other than this and a couple other forums I have no idea. The hours I work and the seclusion of the field doesn't allow for much feedback.

Are parents using it as a tool to choose/decipher quality care from other programs? Parents are all about their cost. I have not yet talked to one parent that knows anything about QRIS or the website or star ratings.

Do you feel the program is provider friendly? NO, neither the process of becoming rated nor the benefit of being rated. Possibly for centers but I feel it's trying to eliminate us smaller family programs.

Is it geared primarily for centers or in-home care or does your state have separate framework for each environment? Centers, though we as in-home providers made such a stink about it that it was revamped about 6 months in to be more accessible to in-home.

Is the highest star level attainable without a degree? NO. Experience means very little.

Does your state have specific curriculums you are required to use? Mmmm... yes they have a list to pick from but it has an "other" selection that you can put your chosen one for approval.

Does your state require assessments? How often and what types? They will and it depends on the star level. It's one of the things that I have issues with. I feel that I'm not educated on assessing children. Maybe that's because I have been in this business so long and have always been told I don't have the degrees to assess a child. Until recently it wasn't something we were allowed to do. Even just recently I recommended that a 1yr old child be observed because I felt that his development level was about 6 months. A lot of babies have been held in these arms during the 49 years I have cared for children but it was dismissed as unfounded, without any professional observation, with one phone call to the parent who had never been around children other than him.

On a side note I just was licensed for in-home group(12) after many years as family(6) and lost all of my stars. I can resubmit in 6 months and with more "busy" work get them back but should I bother? I am still the same person with the same program.

[Heidi]

What do you like/dislike about the program? Haven't found anything I like about it unless it was the micro-coaching I received before when it was being developed and all of the individual attention and program incentives I received. / My big dislike is the amount of time I have spent doing "busy" work on the survey and submitting my paperwork. That and I can never be any more than a "C" or three star. I am not going back to school.

Does it work in the manner in which it was designed to? Other than this and a couple other forums I have no idea. The hours I work and the seclusion of the field doesn't allow for much feedback.

Are parents using it as a tool to choose/decipher quality care from other programs? Parents are all about their cost. I have not yet talked to one parent that knows anything about QRIS or the website or star ratings.

Do you feel the program is provider friendly? NO, neither the process of becoming rated nor the benefit of being rated. Possibly for centers but I feel it's trying to eliminate us smaller family programs.

Is it geared primarily for centers or in-home care or does your state have separate framework for each environment? Centers, though we as in-home providers made such a stink about it that it was revamped about 6 months in to be more accessible to in-home.

Is the highest star level attainable without a degree? NO. Experience means very little.

Does your state have specific curriculums you are required to use? Mmmm... yes they have a list to pick from but it has an "other" selection that you can put your chosen one for approval.

Does your state require assessments? How often and what types? They will and it depends on the star level. It's one of the things that I have issues with. I feel that I'm not educated on assessing children. Maybe that's because I have been in this business so long and have always been told I don't have the degrees to assess a child. Until recently it wasn't something we were allowed to do. Even just recently I recommended that a 1yr old child be observed because I felt that his development level was about 6 months. A lot of babies have been held in these arms during the 49 years I have cared for children but it was dismissed as unfounded, without any professional observation, with one phone call to the parent who had never been around children other than him.

This!

I got the assessment training, but it requires parental involvement (they do the test, you score it). My parents have NO interest in that.

Over the years, I have referred children to Birth-3, but it was through my observations and experience that I noticed red flags, NOT a 3 page formal assessment.

[Annalee]

This!

I got the assessment training, but it requires parental involvement (they do the test, you score it). My parents have NO interest in that.

Over the years, I have referred children to Birth-3, but it was through my observations and experience that I noticed red flags, NOT a 3 page formal assessment.

Continuing education makes "me" feel better and I have learned so much BUT, in reality, a book doesn't teach how to love, cuddle, nurture, care, etc. Quality child care comes from the heart of the child care professional...NO book or professor can teach that. I do think providers would be more inclined to further education if they didn't feel forced to. My classes were a form of support for me. I learned from college classes, but also they offered re-enforcement that my child care practices in place were appropriate as well. As providers have been taught many times, each child learns differently...same as with child care providers, QRIS should let us choose our own career path!

[Blackcat31]

Continuing education makes "me" feel better and I have learned so much BUT, in reality, a book doesn't teach how to love, cuddle, nurture, care, etc. Quality child care comes from the heart of the child care professional...NO book or professor can teach that. I do think providers would be more inclined to further education if they didn't feel forced to. My classes were a form of support for me. I learned from college classes, but also they offered re-enforcement that my child care practices in place were appropriate as well. As providers have been taught many times, each child learns differently...same as with child care providers, QRIS should let us choose our own career path!

I think that is where the BIGGEST gap is.... they aren't looking for child care to be so focused on care but more on education.

NO WHERE in my rating process did it ask if I cuddled, nurtured, loved or cared for the children I enroll.

The sole focus was on the developmental progress in regards to academics and education.

Soon it will not be Child CARE at all but Child EDUCATION.

Notice the biggest advocate against this program are the providers who have years and years of experience but lack the "required education"?

I think THAT is going to be the divide.

If in home child care still exists in 10 years it will be on a level that is no where near and not at all in competition with the Early Childhood Educators who are teaching the kids academics. kwim?

We will have two VERY distinct groups of providers.

Those that operate like a preschool and focus soley on the academics and those who simply provide care.

If they do anything else, the government isn't going to care. I think they will be viewed as babysitters and the ability to actually make a living from it will be non-existent.

I believe they will be targeting the number of kids allowed next...limiting those that are not participating in the QRIS to so few kids it won't be financially worth doing anymore.

That's my 2 cents.