QRIS 101: Diverse Perspectives on Building an Equitable Quality Framework
This session was a BUILD 2022 National Conference pre-conference session.
This session focused on developing quality in early childhood education with respect for the diversity of children, families, child care programs, providers, and communities across islands, states, and tribes.
Diverse perspectives were shared as panelists highlighted:
- Tribes’ cultural and linguistic differences and perspectives on quality in early childhood education.
- Island communities’ strengths, challenges, and perspectives on quality in early childhood education to meet the needs of diverse populations
- State quality initiatives and innovations in community responsiveness to meet the needs of diverse populations
- Research perspectives, community cultural assets, recommendations and reflections
- National overview of the past 20 years of QRIS and opportunities for the continuous quality improvement of early childhood education
Explore More
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.