Does the California Quality Rating and Improvement System Predict Child Outcomes?
Summary
Governor Newsom's commitment to enhancing early childhood education (ECE) was overshadowed by economic challenges caused by COVID-19. The state's limited resources for ECE demand a focus on identifying and delivering the most crucial quality aspects for children, especially considering increased poverty and stress due to the pandemic. This involves re-evaluating Quality Counts California (QRIS), currently used to rate program quality. A PACE report highlights weak connections between child outcomes and QRIS elements like teacher qualifications and program environments. To improve QRIS's accuracy in gauging child development, strategies include refining observation measures, employing comprehensive assessments for literacy and math skills, and considering factors like staff pay and curriculum implementation. Ensuring ratings suit various age groups and settings, exploring diverse rating rubrics, and aligning points with child outcome predictors are vital. Amid challenging resource allocations ahead, policymakers must use robust data to enhance critical program dimensions for children effectively.