History in Wisconsin: Who Was Missing and Why Is This Important?
We launched an engaging and transformative mini-series focused on the power of collaboration in shaping policies and programs that impact children and families. Parents, educators, community leaders, researchers, and advocacy leaders from across Wisconsin began sharing their stories about supporting systems change in early care and education. In this session, we discussed Wisconsin's history, identified who was absent from the conversation, and explored why their involvement is crucial.
In the upcoming sessions, participants will learn about and receive resources on forming a parent/caregiver cabinet, using educator data and stories to improve policies, developing and implementing advocacy tools, and the lessons learned throughout this process. Participants will hear directly from those involved in driving sustainable and equity-focused systems change for Wisconsin’s children and families.
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Leading an Early Childhood Team Through the Quality Improvement Process
Article October 7, 2026
Published in Young Children, this 2024 article provides an operational guide for aligning state QIS requirements with broader national standards, quality grants, and staff incentives.
Much-Needed Changes in Child Care Quality Rating and Improvement Systems Should Promote Equity
Blog October 7, 2026
Blog authors Gina Adams and Danielle Ewen outline systemic flaws in traditional models. This 2024 blog details how traditional QRIS frameworks often inadequately support parents, underinvest in actual center improvement, and inadvertently exacerbate funding inequalities among diverse childcare providers.
Four Trends in Early Care and Education Quality Rating and Improvement Systems
Fact Sheet October 7, 2026
This 2024 brief evaluates Parent Aware (Minnesota's system) and synthesizes interviews across six states (Delaware, Louisiana, Michigan, Pennsylvania, Vermont, and Washington). It identifies critical, modern pathways for administrators looking to overhaul and redesign state frameworks.