Glossary
Data Element Glossary Terms
Definitions for each of the unique data point collected and reported in the QRIS Compendium. These definitions are organized using the same categories as in the Create a Report and State Profile tools. Browse to the category with the glossary term that is of interest to you for more specific definition.
- QRIS name
The name of the Quality Rating and Improvement System operating in the state or locality.
- Overall management
The organization(s) primarily responsible for the administration and management of the QRIS.
- Service area
Geographic area eligible to participate in the QRIS.
- Pilot
A test-run of a QRIS that takes place in a defined service area during a specific timeframe. A pilot is designed to identify and address program issues before broad scale implementation.
- Information about last major revision to the QRIS
The date the last major revision to the QRIS was implemented and a description of the last significant revision to the QRIS. A revision includes any major changes to the policies, processes, and rating standards of the QRIS.
- Year the QRIS first became operational
The year the QRIS began operating within the state/locality
- Geographic Area
If not statewide, a description of the counties, cities, or other geographic area the QRIS covers.
- About this QRIS
A general overview of the QRIS operating within the state or locality.
- Goals and Mission
The articulated purpose or vision statement of the QRIS program and/or anticipated results of program activities.
- Partnerships
The responsibility, name, and type of partner agency. Additionally, the type of agreement with partner agency responsible for the overall management of the program.
- Racial Equity Approach
Information about the ways the quality initiative incorporates an approach to racial equity.
- Mental Health Focus
Information about the ways the quality initiative incorporates topics around mental health.
- Theory of Change
Indication of whether the quality initiative has a plan for how they intend to achieve long-term goals.
- QRIS Participation
Whether QRIS participation is voluntary or required by law, regulation, or funding stream, by program type.
- Total number of programs participating in the QRIS
Total number of programs currently enrolled in the QRIS, whether rated or unrated, at the time of data collection.
- Other information about programs in the QRIS
Additional comments or details to note about program information.
- Program Density
Percent of participating and rated programs by program type. Due to the various ways in which states calculate density, these numbers are only for licensed center-based or family (home-based) child care. The numerator is the number of programs of each type with a QRIS rating; the denominator is the total number of licensed programs of that type in the state or locality.
- Unrated programs participating in the QRIS
The number of unrated programs currently participating in the QRIS. Programs can be considered participating and unrated if they have signed some sort of participation agreement and are in the process of receiving a rating.
- Rated programs participating in the QRIS
The number of programs with a rating in the QRIS per program type and rating level.
- Funding Stream
Distinct funding source for programs in the quality initiative.
- Frequency of participation data in use
The frequency with which the QRIS uses participation data to understand ECE program participation in high-poverty communities
- Time from application to rating
The time in months that it takes for a program to receive a QRIS rating after they complete an application or enroll in the QRIS.
- Different process for re-rating
If applicable, a description of the re-rating process for programs participating in the QRIS.
- Number of levels
The number of levels in the QRIS.
- Rating structure
Three different methods are typically used in a QRIS for combining information from the quality indicators: a building block approach in which a set of quality indicators must be met in full before a program can receive the rating for that level, a points system in which points are awarded for meeting each quality indicators and then a summary score is created by adding the points from each indicator and then assigning the program to a quality level based on the number of points earned, or a combination of the building block and points approach.
- Hybrid rating structure
If hybrid rating structure was selected, follow up questions are asked to capture more information.
- Length of time rating is valid
The length of time that a rating is valid.
- Rating process
Information about the process used to determine the program rating.
- Verification process
Information about the process used to verify rating informations.
- Online automation of rating process
If parts of the rating process used taking place in an online format.
- Receipt of Rating Level
The flexibility with which programs can apply for and receive ratings.
- Separate standards or rating processes for different types of programs
Basic information about if there are different requirements for different types of programs.
- Automatic rating/Alternative rating available
Information on whether an automatic rating/Alternative Pathways to rating is available to programs based on achievement of standards as defined through an "alternative" system.
- Cause for re-rating to occur before rating expires
Details about triggers for re-ratings.
- Appeal process
Process for appeals in the QRIS.
- Who assigns the QRIS ratings
Description of the people or process used to make determinations of overall QRIS ratings.
- Process to ensure the reliability of individuals assigning QRIS ratings
Process to ensure the reliability of the people or process used to make determinations of overall QRIS ratings.
- Other information about rating
Additional comments or details to note about ratings in the QRIS.
- Use of continuous quality improvement in rating
Whether and how the QRIS incorporates continuous quality improvement in the rating process.
- Re-rating Fees
Fees associated with re-rating for programs in the QRIS.
- Monitoring
The monitoring processes that occur between ratings.
- Funding amounts and sources
The funding type, amount, and sources for the QRIS in the most recent fiscal year.
- Other information about funding
Additional comments or details regarding QRIS funding.
- Financial incentives
The types of financial incentives programs receive to participate in the QRIS and the range in the amounts a program can receive for each financial incentive type.
- Tiered reimbursement rates by QRIS level
If tiered reimbursement is an incentive, the percent or number above the maximum reimbursement rate programs receive at each rating level.
- Other information about financial incentives
Additional comments or details about financial incentives.
- Required training, certification, or approval for onsite assistance provider
Training, certification, or approval is required of onsite assistance providers in the QRIS or in the professional development system more broadly.
- Targeted programs for onsite assistance
The target population for onsite assistance.
- Use of standardardized process in provision of onsite assistance
Onsite assistance follows a particular model or sequence/process with designated steps and assessment of progress.
- Additional information about improvement process
Additional comments about the improvement process.
- Duration of Technical Assistance
The typical length of time programs receive quality improvement technical assistance.
- Technical Assistance Provider Type
Information about the providers of quality improvement technical assistance to programs participating in the QRIS.
- Technical Assistance Type
The types of technical assistance provided to programs participating in the QRIS.
- Technical Assistance Focus
The focus or content of the technical assistance provided to programs participating in the QRIS.
- Quality improvement technical assistance providers
A description of the people providing quality improvement assistance to programs in the QRIS. Include people whose positions are at least partially dedicated to working with programs in the QRIS.
- Measuring Effectiveness of Technical Assistance
How the quality initiative measures the effectiveness of technical assistance provided to programs.
- Training for observers
- Whether training is required for observers conducting observations.
- Initial reliability
The process for establishing initial reliability with an anchor for the observational tool.
- Ongoing reliability periodicity
The process for establishing ongoing reliability.
- Additional information about the use of observational tools
Additional comments about the use of observational tools.
- Selection of classrooms for observation
The observation tool, the type of classroom selection, and the number of classrooms selected (in each age group).
- ERS Scores by Quality Level
The score on any Environment Rating Scale tool that is required by the quality initiative to receive a specific rating.
- CLASS Scores by Quality Level
The score on any Classroom Assessment Scoring System (CLASS) tool or subscale that is required by the quality initiative to receive a specific rating.
- Status of evaluation
The status of evaluation of the QRIS.
- Type of evaluation
The type of evaluation.
- Evaluation addresses validation
How the evaluation addresses validation.
- Topics addressed in evaluation
A list of research questions/topics addressed for ongoing evaluation.
- Published reports
Includes the name, date, and hyperlinks of published reports.
- Additional information about evaluation
Additional comments about evaluation.
- Public awareness
The groups receiving public awareness communications, the entities providing them, and the methods of provision. Public awareness may include information about ratings for parents, recruitment information, or promoting general awareness of the QRIS.
- Funding method and amount to promote public awareness of QRIS
- Amount of funding dedicated to promoting awareness of the QRIS to parents, providers, and the community.
- Additional information about outreach
Additional comments about outreach.
- Feedback
A description of how feedback is gathered from different groups in regards to the quality initiative.
- Data system
Information about the QRIS data system.
- Data included in the data system
Description of the types of data included within the QRIS data system.
- Data Linkages
A description of how the quality initiative's data are linked with other data or data systems. Linkages include connecting different data that are stored in separate systems to one another using a common identifier or matching process
- Data uses
- Description of the various ways data is used.
- Year QRIS data system started
- Year the QRIS data system first became operational.
- Additional information about data systems
Additional comments about data systems.
- Data Integration
A description of how the quality initiative's data are integrated with other data or data systems. Data integration includes connecting data that are stored in the same system.
- Number indicator categories for center-based programs
- The number of categories used to organize center-based indicators in the QRIS.
- Center-Based indicator categories
The names and associated categories for the center-based indicator used in the QRIS.
- Licensing required for enrollment
- If licensing is required for enrollment of child care centers in the QRIS.
- Process for license-exempt programs
- If there is a process for license-exempt programs in the QRIS.
- Licensing equivalent to the first level
- If licensing is required at the first level of the QRIS and no other requirements are in place to achieve the first level.
- Features of health and safety indicators
- Components related to health and safety included in the QRIS indicators.
- Features of curriculum indicators
- Features related to curriculum included in the QRIS indicators.
- Curriculum identified for infant/toddlers
- If curriculum for infants/toddlers is identified in the QRIS indicators and if so, which curriculum is approved.
- Curriculum identified for preschoolers
- If curriculum for preschoolers is identified in the QRIS indicators and if so, which curriculum is approved.
- Curriculum review process for self-developed or bundled curriculum
- If self-developed or bundled curriculum are allowable, whether the QRIS reviews curriculum as part of the rating process.
- Features of child assessment indicators
Features related to observational child assessment included in the QRIS indicators.
- Child assessments identified
If observational child assessment(s) are identified in the QRIS indicators, and if so, which assessments are approved.
- Child assessment review process
- Activities related to child assessment review processes.
- Features of environment and interaction indicators
Description of the stand-alone environment and interaction-related indicators in the QRIS or whether those features are captured as part of an observational assessment by an outside rater or a self-assessment.
- Features of program administration, management, and leadership indicators
- Components related to program administration, management, and leadership included in the QRIS indicators.
- Incorporation of accreditation
- Different ways accreditation is incorporated in the QRIS rating.
- Approved accrediting bodies
- List of accrediting bodies approved by the QRIS.
- Accreditation used as an alternative pathway to rating
- Description of how accreditation is used as alternative pathway to rating.
- Features of family partnership & engagement indicators
- Components related to family partnerships and engagement included in the QRIS indicators.
- Other information about center indicators
Other center indicators included in the QRIS.
- Features of professional development indicators-Centers
Features of the professional development indicators for licensed center-based programs.
- Professional development staff type-Centers
If the QRIS has professional development indicators for centers for staff, and if so, which staff type.
- Content of required training-Centers
The content of trainings that licensed center-based programs are required to complete to achieve points or levels within the QRIS. Include trainings that are required at any level, not just those required at every level.
- Features of cultural/linguistic diversity indicators
Further information about indicators related to cultural/linguistic diversity.
- Observational tools
A description of the observational tools used in the QRIS rating process. This includes the age groups observed using the observational assessment, the frequency at which the observations are completed, and the minimum and maximum scores for rating or points.
- Features of developmental screening for preschoolers
Whether there are indicators related to developmental screening for preschoolers and if so which developmental screens are used.
- Features of developmental screening for infants and toddlers
Whether there are indicators related to developmental screening for infants and toddlers and if so which developmental screens are used.
- Features of teacher support indicators- center
The features of the QRIS indicators related to supports for teachers in center-based programs.
- Features of community involvement indicators
Further information about indicators related to community involvement.
- Features of continuous quality improvement indicators
Further information about indicators related to Continuous Quality Improvement.
- Features of provisions for children with special needs indicators
Further information about indicators related to provisions for children with special needs.
- Features of staff qualification indicators
Features of the staff qualification indicators for licensed family child care programs.
- Features of curriculum indicators
A description of the features of indicators related to curriculum
- Inclusion
Inclusion for children with identified or suspected delays, disabilities, or special medical needs
- Observational tools
A description of the observational tools used in the QRIS rating process. This includes the age groups observed using the observational assessment, the frequency at which the observations are completed, and the minimum and maximum scores for rating or points.
- Features of child assessment indicators
Features related to observational child assessment included in the QRIS indicators.
- Number of indicator categories for family child care programs
- The number of categories used to organize family child care indicators in the QRIS.
- Names of categories used in the QRIS
- The labels for the indicator categories used in the QRIS. (i.e., What are the different categories of QRIS indicators called in your state/region, for example "Partnering with Families" or "Learning Environment."
- Licensing required for enrollment
- If licensing is required for enrollment of family child care programs in the QRIS.
- Process for license-exempt programs
- If there a process for license-exempt family child care programs in the QRIS.
- Licensing equivalent to the first level
- If licensing is required at the first level of the QRIS.
- Use of existing ratio and group size standards
- If indicators reference existing ratio and group size standards.
- Features of health and safety indicators
- Components related to health and safety included in the QRIS indicators.
- Features of curriculum indicators
- Features related to curriculum included in the QRIS indicators.
- Curriculum identified for preschoolers
- If curriculum for preschoolers is identified in the QRIS indicators and if so, which curriculum is approved.
- Curriculum identified for infants/toddlers
- If curriculum for infants/toddlers is identified in the QRIS indicators and if so, which curriculum is approved.
- Curriculum review process for self-developed or bundled curriculum
- If self-developed or bundled curriculum are allowable, whether the QRIS reviews curriculum as part of the rating process.
- Child assessments identified
- If observational child assessment(s) are identified in the QRIS indicators, and if so, which assessments are approved.
- Child assessment review process
- Components related to child assessment review processes.
- Features of environment and interaction indicators
Description of the stand-alone environment and interaction-related indicators in the QRIS or whether those features are captured as part of an observational assessment by an outside rater or a self-assessment.
- Features of program administration, management, and leadership indicators
Components related to program administration, management, and leadership included in the QRIS indicators.
- Incorporation of accreditation
- Description of how accreditation is incorporated.
- Approved accrediting bodies
- List of accrediting bodies approved by the QRIS.
- Accreditation used as an alternative pathway to rating
Description of how accreditation is used as alternative pathway to rating.
- Additional information about incorporating accreditation
Additional comments about incorporating accreditation.
- Features of family partnership & engagement indicators
- Components related to family partnerships and engagement included in the QRIS indicators.
- Other information about FCC indicators
Other indicators included in the QRIS.
- Features of professional development indicators-FCC
Features of the professional development indicators for licensed family child care programs.
- Professional development staff type-FCC
If the QRIS has professional development indicators for FCC for staff, and if so, for which staff type.
- Content of required training-FCC
The content of trainings required of licensed family child care programs to achieve points or a level within the QRIS. Include trainings required at any level, not just trainings required of all levels.
- Features of cultural/linguistic diversity indicators
Further information about indicators related to cultural/linguistic diversity.
- Features of developmental screening for preschoolers
Whether there are indicators related to developmental screening for preschoolers and if so which developmental screens are used.
- Features of developmental screening for infants and toddlers
Whether there are indicators related to developmental screening for infants and toddlers and if so which developmental screens are used.
- Features of community involvement indicators
Further information about indicators related to community involvement.
- Features of continuous quality improvement indicators
Further information about indicators related to Continuous Quality Improvement.
- Features of provisions for children with special needs indicators
Further information about indicators related to provisions for children with special needs.
- Features of staff qualification indicators
Features of the staff qualification indicators for licensed family child care programs.
- Features of curriculum indicators
A description of the features of indicators related to curriculum
- Child assessments identified - FCC
A list of observational child assessment(s) identified in the QRIS indicators, and which assessments are approved
- Home-based indicator categories
The names and associated categories for the FCC indicator used in the QRIS
- Inclusion - FCC
Inclusion for children with identified or suspected delays, disabilities, or special medical needs
- Website
URL of the QRIS website used by the public.
- Language from statute
Hyperlink to language from state statute that refers to the QRIS (if available).
- Ratio and group size tables
A hyperlink to the QRIS ratio tables, if available.
- QRIS Logic Model
A link to the QRIS Logic Model, depicting the relationships among program activities and desired outcomes
- Career Lattice
A link to the Career Lattice, which supports flexible career pathways and professional development
- Implementation manual
A link to the QRIS implementation manual
- Career Pathways
A link to a document describing the career lattice or ladder used in the QRIS
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