Provider Perceptions of Parent Aware: Minnesota’s Quality Rating and Improvement System
The purpose of this report is to present findings from surveys of ECE providers about Parent Aware. Surveys were administered to currently Rated and previously participating Parent Aware providers to gather data about their participation in Parent Aware, including their motivation for participating, their experiences thus far, and changes they have made to their program as a direct result of participating in Parent Aware. Additionally, providers eligible to participate but not yet enrolled in Parent Aware were surveyed about their reasons for not participating currently and reasons they may participate in the future.
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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.