QRIS Frequently Asked Questions

Frequently Asked Questions

Why is there a Quality Rating and Improvement System in Place?

The federal government requires that each state examine its Quality Rating and Improvement System (QRIS) through a lens of continuous improvement. This means states are always challenging themselves to develop tools not only to improve quality but also to make lasting impacts.

While the existing system did make quality impacts that were beneficial for participating programs, the Alabama Department of Human Resources (DHR) saw an opportunity in 2021 to create a system that would appeal to more programs, and thereby increase participation to expand quality care and early education for more children and families. The mandate for continuous improvement challenges states to step outside their comfort zone and examine current practices to determine where opportunities for growth can be found. We looked closely at the previous QRIS system and gathered feedback from the field to raise quality, accessibility, and support for early childcare and education programs in the state of Alabama. We officially launched the new system in January of 2022.

Who is implementing the QRIS system?

DHR receives federal and state funding to implement the QRIS system in Alabama. The Alabama Department of Early Childhood Education (ADECE) has been selected by DHR to administer the QRIS system in Alabama through an interagency agreement.

How was the current system developed?

The new QRIS system was developed with consideration of public survey responses from STAR-rated and unrated programs. An advisory council has been created with prominent stakeholders in private childcare, family childcare, Head Start, higher education, advocacy groups, and community leaders. Input from other states regarding the progress of their own QRIS system, as well as ideas from state and national voices, also offered a broader perspective.

Has the system continued to use a “STAR” Rating?

Yes. QRIS determines a standard of quality and serves as a system of information for families who are selecting from childcare options. Many states use the ‘STAR’ as a recognizable marker of quality for their QRIS programs. A statewide education campaign will showcase the many benefits of continuing to use the ‘STAR’ in Alabama.

What if my program was in the process of preparing for a STAR rating before 2021?

If your program was in the process of gathering information for a STAR rating prior to 2021, please refer to the assessment page on this website to view the new criteria for assessment.

According to the new system, what are the criteria for a STAR 1 rating?

According to the recently revised Child Care Licensing and Performance Standards, licensed centers and homes meet the criteria for a one (1) star rating in Alabama Quality STARS. There are no additional requirements for a STAR 1 Rating. Programs that opted out of the STARs program will not receive the STAR 1 incentive.

If I opted out of STAR 1, can I still apply for a higher STAR rating when the new system is fully implemented?

Yes, programs that are interested in a higher STAR rating may apply, even if they opted out of STAR 1.

When can I apply for a higher STAR rating? Do I need to wait for my annual review or relicensing date?

Providers may apply for a higher STAR rating assessment at any time during the year after they have been licensed by DHR for 1 year. It does not need to be at the time of your annual review or relicensing date.

Providers may apply for only one (1) technical assistance option (Guided Support or Enhancement) once per year based on the completion date of the previous technical assistance model in which the provider participated.

What about incentive payments? When will I receive it? How many times a year do I receive a payment?

If you have specific questions about STAR incentive payments or have not received your STAR Incentive Payment, please contact DHR Child Care Subsidy at DHR_QRISpayments@dhr.alabama.gov. Please allow 60-90 days after your assessment for your payment to process.

How many times may I request a STAR Rating assessment in a year?

Effective immediately, any program that has already been assessed for a STAR 2 or higher in the newly revised system must wait 6 months from the completion date of their previous assessment before they can request another assessment.

If I am not satisfied with the result of my STAR rating assessment, what are my options?

If a provider has a valid dispute with the Alabama Quality STARs Guidelines or the assessment procedure, he or she may appeal to have their STAR rating assessment reviewed following the protocol outlined in Section 13.00 on page 15 of the updated Alabama Quality STARs Guidelines. Otherwise, the provider may apply to participate in the Enhancement program to receive technical assistance and support in implementing quality practices to improve their rating, or they may apply for a new assessment in 6 months.

What if my STAR Rating is up for annual review or renewal?

Providers who are STAR 1 Rated will have their rating reviewed at their licensing annual or renewal visit. Programs that meet licensing performance standards are automatically STAR 1 rated unless they have opted out.

A STAR 2 or higher rating is good for 36 months as long as the provider remains in good standing with DHR and continues to meet the criteria for their STAR rating. Providers should apply for an assessment to renew their STAR Rating no later than 3 months before their STAR Rating is set to expire.

Providers who are rated STAR 2 or higher will have an annual review visit within the month of their initial assessment date. If it is determined during the annual review visit that the provider has continued to meet the criteria of their STAR Rating, then their STAR rating remains active. If a provider no longer meets the criteria for their STAR rating, their STAR rating may be reduced or invalidated. Providers whose STAR rating has been invalidated may apply for a new assessment after a year.

Where can I complete the Alabama Quality STARs (QRIS) Orientation?

There is a required orientation all providers must complete. This orientation is available on-demand virtually through the AlaCEED platform. Visit the Getting Started page on this website and complete Steps 1 and 2 to start the process of requesting a connection to your site in AlaCEED and begin orientation. Anyone who completed a QRIS Orientation under the previous system (prior to 2021) must complete the updated orientation before they can apply for a STAR 2 or higher.

How do we apply?

Please visit the Getting Started page by clicking the link below to view the process map, step-by-step instructions, and tutorial videos on how to apply to the new system for assessment, guided support, or enhancement.

Who do I contact with questions?

For more program information contact:

QRIS Administrator: Kellie Holcomb

Email: info@alabamaqualitystars.org

Phone: 334-604-6260

Website: www.alabamaqualitystars.org

For STAR 1 Questions and STAR Rating Incentive Payments and Certificates for all STAR Levels contact DHR:

Email: DHR_QRISpayments@dhr.alabama.gov

Please allow 60-90 days for incentive payments to process.

Early Child Care