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 voluntary 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.
Visit the DHR Childcare Locator by clicking the button below to see the ratings of licensedAlabama 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