Kansas Quality Rating System Pilot Project

The Kansas Quality Rating System (KQRS) is a tiered quality rating system developed by Qualistar Early Learning. It is a scientifically researched tool used to measure the level of quality care in early learning programs. KACCRRA is currently piloting this change-driven system that will transform the way in which early care and education programs engage in quality improvement. In our region there are 4 sites in Salina enrolled in the pilot currently.

In the future, child care providers can volunteer to have trained quality rating specialists spend several hours in their program collecting information and evaluating their program. They summarize their strengths and opportunities for growth in a report which is used to set goals, write for quality improvement grants and provide guidance for future coaching services.

KQRS consists of four elements:

  • Quality Rating
  • Quality Improvement
  • Classroom Support
  • Educational Support

Once KQRS expands from the pilot locations and more programs are engaged in KQRS, the system will become market-driven as programs request Quality Ratings and parents demand rated programs. For the first time ever, parents will have access to comprehensive information about levels of quality care as they search for early learning programs for their children.

If you are interested in participating in this program in the future and you live in region 2 Cloud County Community College Early Childhood Resource and Referral you may contact Kelly Buckley, KQRS Coach at kbuckley@cloud.edu or contact Jennifer Hecker, Project Director at jennifer@kaccrra.org.
Click here to look at Kelly Buckley's profile.

What are the Benefits of KQRS?

  • Feedback from qualified, reliability checked, independent assessors
  • Annual grants may be available for capital improvements, professional development, quality improvements
  • Support Group
  • Coaches assist programs reach their own goals and answer questions
  • Technical Assistance and resources provided by Coaches who personally are committed to your program’s success
  • Professional Development- locate training sources or provide training in-service in needed areas
  • Star ratings will be a great and easy way to promote your programs quality.

One participant summed it up this way:

“KQRS is a wonderful program to become involved in. I have found that through the process of going through the rating system I was challenged as a professional and personally challenged as to my vision for my child care; I experienced professional growth through this process.  To my child care, KQRS has been a refining process that can only help us to continue to deliver high quality, affordable child care.  I look forward to the continued growth through the program as I am not only meeting new goals; I am also supporting other providers going through the KQRS process.”
Sherron French
Happy Hearts Child Care

To learn more about a successful KQRS participant, Joy Mortimer, click here!