Page 278

7.4 Quality Rating and Improvement System (QRIS)

Lead Agencies may respond in this section based on other systems of quality improvement, even if not called a QRIS, as long as the other quality improvement system contains the elements of a QRIS. QRIS refers to a systematic framework for evaluating, improving and communicating the level of quality in early childhood programs and contains five key elements:

1. Program standards 2. Supports to programs to improve quality 3. Financial incentives and supports 4. Quality assurance and monitoring 5. Outreach and consumer education

7.4.1 Does your state/territory have a quality rating and improvement system or other system of quality improvement? Effective Date: 10/01/2018

No, but the state/territory is in the QRIS development phase. If no, skip to

7.5.1. No, the state/territory has no plans for QRIS development. If no, skip to 7.5.1. Yes, the state/territory has a QRIS operating statewide or territory-wide Describe how the QRIS is administered (e.g., statewide or locally or through CCR&R entities) and any partners and provide a link, if available. Step Up to Quality is jointly administered through the Nebraska Departments of Health and Human Services and Department of Education, Office of Early Childhood Education. A leadership team of individuals, key to the operation of the initiative, meet regularly. They include staff from NDE, Step Up to Quality team, DHHS child care subsidy, and child care licensing. http://www.education.ne.gov/StepUptoQuality/

Yes, the state/territory has a QRIS initiative operating as a pilot-test in a few localities or only a few levels but does not have a fully operating initiative on a statewide or territory-wide basis. Nebraska Page 278 of 314