In 2003, the Midwest Child Care Research Consortium (MCCRC), a 4-state ( Iowa, Kansas, Missouri and Nebraska) Consortium of research universities and state-level agencies advanced a research agenda focused on the development and implementation of Quality Rating Systems. This study proposed to (1) pilot and validate four linked, state Quality Rating Systems (QRS) in selected rural and urban communities within each state; (2) document and measure effects of training among providers at different levels within the QRS for a year in a pre-post design; (3) imbed qualitative in-depth studies of parents and providers; and (4) use the current MCCRC database for documenting baseline characteristics relative to the QRS and for linked analyses to new data. In collaboration with the Early Childhood Institute at Mississippi State University, the rural sample size across the states was increased. The QRS study addresses two Child Care Bureau priority areas: investments in child care quality and provider training and professional development, and outcomes that relate to alternative child care subsidy policies.

In Missouri, three Quality Rating System models are being studied (home-based programs, center and group homes programs, and school-age/after-school programs). It is anticipated the Quality Rating System will:

  For more information, please contact: Wayne Mayfield , MayfieldW@missouri.edu