Why should I participate?
Current research shows that quality child care experiences can lead to better outcomes for children for their entire lives. QRIS/Spark provides a system to help you look at opportunities to increase the quality in your early childhood education program.
Who can participate?
Child care programs that are licensed with the Office of Child Care, have been in business for at least 2 years, and meet licensing compliance history for the Commitment to Quality rating.
How do I start?
The first step in the process is to call us to get started! For Multnomah County, call (503) 491-6234.
What is the QRIS Personnel Qualifications Report and where can I find it?
The QRIS Personnel Qualifications Report is a report in ORO that provides a snapshot of how your program is progressing in relation to the QRIS Personnel Domain (staff listed for your site, training hours, ethics endorsement and step on the Oregon Registry).
Your Quality Improvement Specialist at your local CCR&R agency can access and get this for you. For Multnomah County, call 503-491-6234.
Is QRIS/Spark mandatory?
No, it’s a voluntary program at this time. But there are incentives! Child care providers with a star-rating of 3, 4, or 5 may be eligible to receive monthly incentive payments from DHS if serving DHS clients receiving ERDC.
What types of evidence will the portfolio ask for?
The portfolio will ask for a variety of evidence such as written descriptions, program policies and pictures.
Can I handwrite in my portfolio?
Yes! Just make sure it’s legible for the reviewers. (Tip: if you handwrite pages for your portfolio, make copies before mailing your finished portfolio to WOU—just in case.)
How should I label evidence?
Each page of evidence should be labeled with the standard and the star indictor that the evidence is for.
Example:
If I am applying for a 4-star, do I need to show evidence for the 3-star also?
Yes! And if you are applying for a 5-star, you would need to show evidence for 3-star, 4-star and the 5-star.
What if I have more than one program?
There is a pathway for multi-site programs. Reach out to your Quality Improvement Specialist at your local CCR&R agency to find out what to do! For Multnomah County, call 503-491-6234.
How long does it take to complete a portfolio?
That depends on the star level you want to achieve and how many of the standards you already have in place. Completing your Quality Improvement Plan will help you to know what you need to do to meet your goals and how to prioritize your quality improvements. Some programs want to implement changes over a period of time and plan to take up to 18 months to complete the work. Other programs have many of the standards in place and take a few months to complete the portfolio. We recommend taking the time to really incorporate and implement any quality improvements you may be making.
I (or my staff) don’t have the right step. Should we wait until we do to submit our portfolio
You may submit your portfolio before you have met the step requirements in the PQ 1,2 and 3. You will not get a star rating, but you will get feedback on your portfolio and know your rating on the other standards.
How long does it take to get my portfolio back once I submit it?
Typically it will take 4-6 weeks. If a portfolio is incomplete, it can make the process take a bit longer.
I am stuck on a specific standard, who can I call for help?
Call your local CCR&R agency! For Multnomah County, call 503-491-6234.