United States Child Care Policy and Systems of Care: The Emerging Role of Quality Rating and Improvement Systems

International Journal of Child Care and Education Policy - 2009
Cynthia K. Buettner1, David W. Andrews2
1Department of Human Development and Family Science, The Ohio State University, Columbus, USA
2Department of Human Development and Family Science, The Ohio State University, 135 Campbell Hall, Columbus, OH, 43210, USA

Tóm tắt

Abstract The developmental and educational importance of high quality early care and education is well documented. The value of access to high quality care combined with the increasing demand for care has made access to high quality child care a central focus of U.S. public policy. State level licensure and national accreditation are the most prevalent strategies for promoting and assuring higher levels of care. More recently, Quality Rating and Improvement Systems (QRIS) have emerged as mechanisms for motivating child care professionals to provide higher quality care. QRIS systems are in their infancy, but are gaining popularity in several states. The future of these ratings systems will be determined by their predictive validity in improving observed levels of care, and ultimately in improved child outcomes. Strategically planned and rigorously designed research is needed to validate the use of these potentially effective rating systems.

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Tài liệu tham khảo

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International Journal of Child Care and Education Policy

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