Quality Rating Improvement Systems: Considerations for Structure
All Quality Rating Improvement Systems (QRIS) have several categories of standards to define quality at
progressive levels, usually 3-5 levels. There are three common QRIS structures: blocks, points and
hybrid (or combination). The earliest QRIS all used a block structure. More recently states have begun
to develop or re-design QRIS as points or a hybrid. In 2014, the rough split among states’ QRIS is: half
have a block structure, about a quarter have a points systems and about a quarter are hybrids.
Block structures require all items at one level across all categories to be met before advancing to the
next level. Blocks are based on the concept that quality is cumulative and progressive; this structure
assumes that the quality and characteristics of programs on the same level are fairly similar. This is
believed to be easiest to communicate to consumers because it is most like other rating systems such as
for hotels.
Points systems on the other hand, are based on the concept that quality can be expressed in a variety of
ways based on a program’s strengths. Providers desire to show their unique strengths and families
appreciate the more specific information. The categories of standards express the areas that define
quality. Each criterion is assigned a number of points. Generally, to assure some equivalence within a
given quality level, points systems require that points be earned in each category of standards. The total
points earned across all categories determine the level.
More recently developed QRIS have combined these approaches into a hybrid model, sometimes called
a combination model. Generally the lower level(s) are blocks (all criteria must be met) and points are
earned across categories to reach higher levels. Or certain items must be met (points earned). This
structure reflects the belief that the basics of quality (the blocks, or required items ) are necessary
conditions that should be achieved by all programs. The other aspects of quality are expressed more
individually by a program. Consumers can see that all programs have met basic standards and then
search for those programs that match their needs and desires for their children.
A few states (e.g., Rhode Island) that have block structures report to consumers the highest level
achieved in each major category of standards as well as the overall rating. The overall rating equals the
highest block level that is achieved in all categories. This retains the block structure while providing
more information to the consumer.
Below is the current status of QRIS structures across states.
Building block approach (19 states). Alabama, Arkansas, District of Columbia, Hawaii, Illinois, Indiana,
Kentucky, Maine, Maryland, Massachusetts, Mississippi, Montana, New Hampshire, New Mexico, North
Dakota, Oklahoma, Oregon, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island.
Point system (10 states). Delaware, Colorado, Georgia, Kansas, Michigan, New York, North Carolina,
Vermont, Virginia, Texas.
Combination approach or ‘hybrid’ (11 states). Arizona, Idaho, Iowa, Louisiana, Minnesota, Nebraska,
Nevada, Ohio, Tennessee (Star-Quality Child Care Program), Washington, Wisconsin.
Both Colorado and Delaware are moving from a points to a combination structure.
1|Structure
June 2014