Top Trends

As of 2021, all QIS included information on the goals and mission of their system. The most common theme across mission statements was quality improvement and recognition (43 QIS). The second most common theme was facilitating parent and public awareness (34 QIS). Under half of QIS included a statement about supporting children's healthy development and school readiness (20 QIS) or about access to high quality care (17 QIS). Nearly one-third of QIS included language on educating and training the workforce (14 QIS).

Of the 45 QIS with mission and goal statements, 42 mentioned more than one of the above themes. For example, Iowa's mission and goals includes the themes quality improvement, awareness, and access: "Iowa's Quality Rating System was established to raise the quality of child care in Iowa, increase the number of children in high-quality child-care settings in the state, and educate parents about quality in child care."

Oregon's mission and goals touch upon four of the five common themes among QIS: "Vision: All of Oregon's children will have access to quality care and education that promotes each child's development, school readiness, and continued success in academics and life.  Mission: Spark, Oregon's Quality Rating and Improvement System supports and incentives continuous quality improvements for care and education programs and their workforce. Spark partners with families and communities to highlight the importance of early learning experiences and to connect families and quality learning programs. Investments and resources are prioritized to increase access to quality care for children, families, and communities furthest from opportunity."

The figure below shows the number of QIS that include each theme in their mission and goals. Hover over each bar to see more details.