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6.01.2026

Children’s Cabinet Spotlight: Helping Families Find Quality Child Care Through QRIS

Choosing child care is one of the biggest decisions families make during their child’s early years. Parents want to know their children are safe, supported, and learning in a positive environment. At the same time, child care providers work hard every day to create programs that help children grow and succeed.

This is why the Nevada Silver State Stars Quality Rating and Improvement System (QRIS) is so important. Supported by The Children's Cabinet, QRIS helps child care providers improve the quality of care they offer while giving families helpful tools to make informed decisions about early learning programs.

By supporting providers and strengthening early childhood programs, QRIS helps create better outcomes for children and families across Nevada.

Why Early Childhood Quality Matters

The first five years of life are a critical time for growth and development. During these early years, children develop important language, social, emotional, and problem-solving skills that help prepare them for school and life.

High-quality early learning programs help children:

• Build confidence and communication skills • Learn how to interact with others
• Develop healthy routines and behaviors
• Prepare for kindergarten and future learning

Children learn best when they are in safe, nurturing environments with caring adults who understand child development. That is why the quality of early childhood programs matters so much.

For families, quality child care also provides stability. Parents can go to work or school knowing their children are in environments focused on learning, safety, and healthy development.

What Is QRIS?

The Nevada Silver State Stars QRIS is a statewide program designed to help early childhood programs improve and maintain quality over time.

QRIS supports many different types of early learning programs across Nevada, including:

• Center-based child care programs• Family child care homes
• Head Start and Early Head Start programs
• School District Pre-K programs
• Tribal child care programs

Programs that participate in QRIS show they are committed to going the extra mile for children and families.

The program recognizes that quality improvement is an ongoing process. Every child care program is unique, with different strengths, goals, and challenges. Because of this, QRIS focuses on individualized support and meaningful growth instead of a one-size-fits-all approach.

Understanding the Star Rating System

One of the most recognizable parts of QRIS is the Silver State Stars rating system.

Programs earn a rating from one to five stars based on their participation and progress in quality improvement. Ratings consider areas such as:

• Health and safety practices• Classroom environments
• Teacher-child interactions
• Professional development and staff training
• Family engagement

The star system helps families better understand the quality of child care programs when making decisions for their children. For providers, the rating system encourages continuous improvement and highlights the work they are doing to strengthen their programs. The goal is not competition between providers. Instead, QRIS focuses on helping programs continue growing and improving over time.

Coaching and Support for Providers

One of the most valuable parts of QRIS is the support providers receive throughout the process.

The Children’s Cabinet has a team of trained QRIS Coaches who work directly with early childhood professionals across Nevada. Coaches help providers identify strengths, set goals, and improve classroom practices and learning environments.

Support may include:

• Improving classroom organization and materials• Strengthening teaching strategies
• Supporting family communication
• Enhancing child engagement and learning experiences
• Providing guidance on assessments and quality standards

Rather than using the same plan for every provider, coaches tailor support to fit each program’s individual culture and needs. This personalized approach helps providers feel supported while creating stronger learning environments for children.

Supporting Hundreds of Programs Across Nevada

Today, more than 500 early childhood programs participate in QRIS statewide. Providers who join the program gain access to coaching, professional development opportunities, and resources that help them continue improving over time. This growing participation means more Nevada families have access to programs focused on high-quality care and early learning. As more providers strengthen their programs, children across Nevada benefit from better learning experiences during their most important developmental years.

Why QRIS Matters for Families

For many parents, choosing child care can feel overwhelming. Families often wonder how to identify programs that will best support their child’s growth and development. QRIS helps make this process easier. The star rating system gives families a simple way to learn more about program quality and understand which providers are actively participating in improvement efforts.

When families choose QRIS-participating programs, they know providers are working to strengthen areas like safety, learning environments, staff training, and family engagement.

For families, this can mean:

• More confidence when choosing care• Stronger communication with providers
• Safe and nurturing learning environments
• Programs focused on helping children succeed

Reliable, high-quality child care also helps families maintain stability at home. Parents can work, attend school, and support their households knowing their children are in caring environments.

Building Stronger Communities

Strong early childhood programs benefit entire communities. When families have access to quality child care:

• Parents are better able to remain in the workforce• Children build important lifelong skills
• Providers strengthen their programs and businesses
• Communities become healthier and more stable

QRIS helps create these positive outcomes by supporting the professionals who care for Nevada’s youngest children every day. The program also shows that improving quality is not a one-time goal. It is a continuous journey focused on helping children thrive.

Looking Ahead

As Nevada continues working to strengthen its early childhood system, programs like QRIS will continue playing an important role in supporting providers and families. More providers are joining the program each year, and more families are learning how high-quality early learning experiences can positively shape a child’s future.

For providers, QRIS offers guidance, coaching, and resources that support long-term success. For families, it provides confidence that their children are in safe and enriching environments. And for Nevada’s youngest children, it helps create stronger foundations for lifelong learning and growth.