What is BrightStars?
BrightStars is a five-level quality rating and improvement system (QRIS). QRIS initiatives exist in many states across the country, and although each state model is unique, all QRIS programs are designed to rate the quality or level of a child care program, identify areas for improvement, inform consumers about levels of quality, and target technical assistance.
QRIS programs benefit children, families, and child care and early learning programs by emphasizing the importance of quality care and giving parents information to make choices about their children’s care. Child care and early learning programs participating in BrightStars can use the system to develop benchmarks, guide improvement, and access quality improvement tools and resources.
All licensed child care centers, licensed family child care homes, and approved preschools in Rhode Island are welcome to participate in BrightStars. BrightStars will begin work with licensed school-age programs in 2010.