Development and implementation of quality rating and improvement systems in Midwest Region states

This report describes common and unique approaches that Regional Educational Laboratory (REL) Midwest Region states have adopted in developing and implementing their quality rating and improvement systems (QRISs). A QRIS is a method for assessing, improving, and communicating the quality of early childhood education and care providers. The study examined the ways that Race to the Top--Early Learning Challenge grants have shifted the QRIS landscape and how states have been influenced by the grant process in developing their QRISs, incorporating observations into their QRISs, using alternate pathways to ratings, and incentivizing providers to participate in QRISs. The report provides a knowledge-sharing outlet for states in the REL Midwest Region and beyond that may inform potential QRIS revisions. The following are appended: (1) Data collection and analysis methods; and (2) Semi-structured interview protocol. Contains notes.