Shining Brighter With Alabama Quality STARS!
Last Updated: 03/23/2026
Guidelines and Assessment Tool Information
STAR Rating Incentive Payment Information
What Is Alabama Quality STARS?
About Us
Alabama’s QRIS (Quality Rating and Improvement System) is a partnership between the Alabama Department of Human Resources and the Alabama Department of Early Childhood Education. This system awards STAR levels to early childhood care and education programs that meet a set of defined program standards which are comprised of standardized, research-based criteria. By participating in this program, early care and education providers will embark on a path of continuous quality and improvement. Alabama Quality STARS is committed to recognizing a program’s strength while providing support to forge a path to continuous improvement. Programs have to meet a minimum score requirement on both the Best Practice Rubric and CLASS scoring model in order to meet different STAR levels.
We are all familiar with Google and Amazon star ratings. The ratings on these platforms are not the same as the Alabama Quality STAR rating for childcare providers. In Alabama’s childcare system, a provider with a 1 STAR meets the DHR Performance Standards for licensing, and providers with higher ratings are building upon the already established quality practices in their programs. All STAR ratings are a reflection of quality! Visit the DHR Childcare Locator to see the STAR ratings for all Alabama child cares.
Preparing to Achieve a STAR 2 Or Higher
Review Over the Assessment Process
Become familiar with our assessment tools and prepare questions if you have them.
Explore Technical Assistance Options
These two options pair you with one of our quality specialists to answer questions and guide you as you prepare for your assessment.
Childcare Center Assessment Documents
Center directors should download and review the documents while preparing for an assessment for a STAR 2 and Above.
Family and Group Home Assessment Documents
Family and Group Home providers should download and review the documents while preparing for an assessment for a STAR 2 and Above
STAR 1 Rating Information
It is important to note that being STAR 1 Rated means the childcare program has successfully met licensing standards.
Renewing Your STAR 2-STAR 5 Rating
Providers rated STAR 2 or higher must apply for to go through a full assessment every three years.
Application Process
Step-By-Step Instructions and tutorial videos on connecting to AlaCEED, Completing Orientation, and Applying for Assessment, Guided Support, or Enhancement.
AlaCEED
Direct Link to AlaCEED Dashboard. AlaCEED is where a provider connects to their site location, completes orientation, and applies to be rated a STAR 2 or Higher