Update QRIS & Accreditation Content on Programs page

Here are updated blurbs for the QRIS/Accreditation sections on the programs page.

What does “Quality Rating” (QRIS) mean? Quality Ratings are assessments of early learning programs used by Excelerate Illinois to help families understand program quality and help providers prioritize improvements. Excelerate Illinois, the state’s rating and improvement system, sets a research-based standard for early learning and development providers, reflected in its tiered Circles of Quality. The higher the tier, the more the program has made meaningful improvements that better the child for school and life. Reviewing a potential preschool program’s rating in Excelerate’s Circles of Quality can help Illinois families make a more informed decision for their child. More information can be found at ExcelerateIllinois.com.

What does “Accreditation” mean? Accreditation is another way of measuring and understanding early learning program quality; accredited status means that a program has met high standards of excellence determined by a national organization such as the National Association for the Education of Young Children (NAEYC), National Early Childhood Program Accreditation (NEPCA), or the Council on Accreditation (COA). These quality standards measure areas such as teaching, curriculum, learning assessments, health, community relationships, physical environment, and management. To learn more about accreditation of early learning programs and how such standards can help guide families searching for early learning programs, click on one of the following links: National Association for the Education of Young Children National Early Childhood Program Accreditation Council on Accreditation

smartchicago / chicago-early-learning

Update QRIS & Accreditation Content on Programs page #854