Qualistar Ratings

What is Qualistar?

Qualistar is a statewide orgaization in Colorado whose mission includes:

"improving child development and age-appropriate learning experiences for all children by collaboratively creating a statewide system that promotes high quality child centered care; supports and empowers parents as teachers and decision makers; supports and empowers child care providers; and is adequately funded and permanently sustainable."

What is a Qualistar Rating?

A Qualistar Rating is a process to measure best practices related to quality care as established by Qualistar. A rating of 0-4 stars are awarded based on points received through this process. Components of the rating are:

• Learning Environment: Based on Environment Rating Scales
• Family Partnerships: Based on parent surveys, provider interview and documentation
• Training and Education: Based on provider educations and training.
• Ratios and Group Size: Based on provider to child ratios and group sizes
• National Accreditation: Based on program accreditation with a national agency.

Not all components are weighted equally and points for home providers are not the same as for centers.

For more information about the rating, please review the Guide to the Qualistar Rating or visit the Qualistar website.

The Early Childhood Council's Quality Support Coaches provide support to prepare for Qualistar Ratings and support after a rating has been done. For more information, please contact us.