What is Alabama Quality STARS?
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.
Alabama Quality STARS Guidelines
Last Revision: June 2026
Click on the link above to learn more about our Alabama Quality STARs Specialists
Look for the STARS!
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. Think of the STARS as levels of quality standards—not review scores.
| Google/Amazon Stars ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ | Alabama Quality STARS ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ |
| Based on customer opinions and reviews | Based on defined quality standards and program practices which have been assessed by a team of trained Alabama Quality Specialists. |
In Alabama Quality STARS, all STAR ratings are a reflection of quality!
A childcare provider with a 1 STAR meets the DHR Performance Standards for licensing, while providers with higher ratings are building upon established quality practices in their programs.
Visit the DHR Childcare Locator by clicking the button below to see the ratings of licensedAlabama child cares.
What does it mean if my childcare provider has a low rating or is not rated at all?
- All licensed programs that have been open and operating for a year and that are in good standing with DHR are eligible to apply. Programs that cannot be licensed (military, public schools, Alabama Community College System, University, Tribal, etc.) are also eligible.
- Alabama Quality STARS is optional. Participation as a 1 STAR is voluntary and occurs initially upon licensing. The decision to participate in the STAR rating program shall have no effect on the DHR licensing process.
STAR Rating Descriptions
 | STAR 1 | The program has met and maintained all licensing standards through the Alabama Department of Human Resources |
 | STAR 2 | Programs have exceeded the licensing standards and are going above and beyond to continue to build foundational quality*. They look to highlight what their program does well and challenge themselves to do more. |
 | STAR 3 | Programs have built upon foundational quality and continue to strengthen and advance it with more focus on quality teacher-child interactions* |
 | STAR 4 | Programs have empowered their teams to continue to strengthen teacher-child interactions and implement advanced program-wide quality initiatives. |
 | STAR 5 | Programs have continued to strengthen foundational quality through internal mentorship and have consistently high levels of program-wide, quality teacher-child interactions, as well as solid business practices. |
Foundational Quality: Programs are assessed through a Best Practice Rubric, which has been developed from research, publications focused on quality in early childcare, and feedback from stakeholders. This includes evaluating a program’s curriculum, instructional, screening, and assessment practices, family engagement, professional credentials, learning environment, and overall program design.
Quality Interactions: Programs are also assessed using the Classroom Assessment Scoring System (CLASS) which is focused on teacher-child interactions that promote positive outcomes for children across age levels. This assessment includes evaluating how teachers within the childcare program meet the level of support, organization, sensitivity, warmth, excitement, and engagement needed for children to develop age-appropriate skills and behaviors.
What are my options as a provider if I have never been through the assessment process?
You have options! Assessment or Guided Support
Click on the buttons below to read more about each option.
How can I get STAR Rated?
Click the links below to see process maps
Links to Agency Websites
