Quality Rating and Improvement Systems Explained

Many states rate child care providers above the licensing floor. Here is how these systems work, what they measure, and how to read a rating.

Updated 2026

This guide is informational and is not professional advice.

Category: staffing-and-quality · Updated 2026

A quality rating and improvement system is a state program that rates child care providers above the basic licensing floor. Providers earn levels or stars for staff education, curriculum, family engagement, and classroom quality. Because these systems are usually voluntary and differ by state, a rating is best read as one input among several.

What gets measured

Staff qualifications, training, and turnover
Learning environment and curriculum
Ratios and group sizes beyond the minimum
Family communication and engagement
Health, safety, and program administration

How ratings are assigned

Many systems combine a self-assessment, a portfolio of documents, and an on-site observation by a trained rater. Providers move up levels as they meet more criteria. Some states offer coaching and grants to help programs improve, and a higher level can unlock higher subsidy payment rates.

How to use a rating

Use the rating to start a conversation, not to end one. Ask what the provider did to earn it, how long it has held the rating, and what it is working on next. A strong rating in a state with rigorous standards says more than a high number in a system with loose criteria. Always read the licensing record alongside the rating. See Understanding State Child Care Licensing and Quality Ratings.

Sources: ChildCare.gov; U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, Office of Child Care; state quality rating systems.

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Frequently asked questions

Do all states have a quality rating system?

Most states operate one, though design and participation vary widely. Some systems cover centers and family child care homes, and some focus on one type.

Is participation required?

Usually not. Quality rating systems are generally voluntary, which means a good provider may simply not be rated.

Does a higher rating cost more?

Not necessarily. Some states pay higher subsidy rates to higher-rated providers, but tuition to private-paying families varies by program.

Where can I see a provider's rating?

Your state's quality rating system website or your child care resource and referral agency can show ratings and explain what each level means.

Data sources

ChildCare.gov · ChildCare.gov state licensing directory. This guide is informational and is not professional advice. Data as of 2026-10-07.

Required disclosures

For general information only. This website shares public data and general information about child care providers. It does not offer professional advice, and it cannot replace a visit to a provider, a review of public licensing records, or a conversation with the people you trust.

Independent and unaffiliated. DaycareFacilities.org is a private, independently run directory. It is not affiliated with, nor endorsed or operated by, any government agency, child care licensing authority, or child care provider. Government agencies have not reviewed or endorsed this site.

Confirm details before acting. Provider records come from public datasets and may lag or contain errors. Always verify current licensing status, hours, availability, capacity, and costs directly with the provider and with your state or territory licensing agency.

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