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11.01.2025

Observing QRIS Coaching in Action

By Luciana Watson, Community Navigator and EFMP Specialist, The Children’s Cabinet

Recently, I had the opportunity to observe a QRIS (Quality Rating and Improvement System) site visit at Key’s Kids, a family childcare program run by provider Kisha Gray.

As a Children’s Cabinet employee, it was inspiring to see firsthand how this coaching program supports teachers and caregivers in providing the best possible care for children.

What is QRIS?
QRIS stands for Quality Rating and Improvement System. It is a comprehensive program designed to improve the quality of care children receive in childcare programs.

Coaches use research-based best practices to assess classrooms and provide guidance for improvement. Every two years, a formal assessment measures program quality and identifies areas for growth.

The QRIS Rating Process
An independent assessor evaluates the site, and the Office of Early Learning and Development, under the Nevada Department of Education, reviews the results and assigns a rating. Afterward, the QRIS coach steps in to provide guidance and support.

Focus Areas of QRIS
During a site visit, the coach works with staff to enhance several key areas:

• Materials – Ensuring learning tools are engaging and age-appropriate.
• Class size – Making sure children get the attention they need.
• Engagement and interaction – Encouraging meaningful learning and play.
• Health and safety – Creating a safe and healthy environment.
• Inclusivity – Ensuring all children feel welcome and supported.

Beth Hart, QRIS coach, explains how she introduces the program:

"The first thing I do is explain the benefits of the program. I make it clear that I am not here to judge, but to encourage growth, not only in childcare practices, but also in areas like business planning and goal setting. My role is to provide support."

How Coaching Works
The QRIS coach observes classrooms, offers guidance, and uses tools like ITERS (Infant/Toddler Environment Rating Scale), ECERS (Early Childhood Environment Rating Scale), and FCCERS (Family Child Care Environment Rating Scale) to support improvement. These tools are grounded in research and help create high-quality learning environments.

Beth emphasizes that her role goes beyond evaluation:

"Patience is the most important aspect, along with offering encouragement, guidance, and focusing on the owner’s individual needs."

During visits, she observes classrooms, provides strategies, and shares resources. She often recommends professional development opportunities, workshops, and programs like the ones offered by The Children’s Cabinet.

A Provider’s Perspective: Kisha’s Story
Talking with Kisha Gray, the owner of Key’s Kids, highlighted how coaching feels from a provider’s point of view. She first heard about QRIS through a class at The Children’s Cabinet.

Coming from a fast-food background, where she often felt like she was “babysitting teenagers,” Kisha decided to give professional childcare a try, sparking the start of her childcare journey.

At first, she admitted she was nervous about coaching:

"I was overwhelmed at the thought of someone coming in and watching everything. Not that I was doing anything wrong, but I just didn’t want to be critiqued."

Over time, her perspective shifted thanks to her coach, Beth Hart:

"Beth has been nothing but supportive. She’s safe, non-judgmental, and just wants to help me grow. Honestly, she pushed me to start the accreditation process, and I’m so glad she did."

Kisha and Beth meet about twice a month, and the changes inspired by coaching have had an immediate impact. Rearranging furniture and updating the outdoor play area, for example, positively affected the children.

"The kids love it. They notice everything and just seem happier. Their vocabulary has grown, and they’re even learning a few Spanish phrases."

Parents have noticed the improvements too:

"Parents tell me their kids are happier and excited to come here. They see the positive changes, and it means a lot."

Her biggest challenge was letting go of the fear of being “watched,” but Beth helped her overcome it:

"With support and kindness, I realized it’s not about judging, it’s about growing."

Her advice to new providers:

"Go for it! Get into QRIS and get a coach. It makes such a difference."

Looking ahead, Kisha’s main goal is to finish accreditation and continue preparing children for success in kindergarten and beyond:

"I hope the lessons my kids learn here stay with them as they grow."

Benefits of QRIS Coaching
From observing the visit at Key’s Kids and talking with Kisha, it’s clear that QRIS coaching:

• Helps teachers create safer, more engaging, high-quality learning environments.
• Provides practical strategies rooted in research.
• Builds supportive relationships between coaches and educators.
• Connects programs to valuable community resources.

Beth shares her hopes for the future of QRIS:

"I’m hopeful about the upcoming changes to QRIS, as I hope this will make it easier for programs to get the support they need to improve."

Why It Matters
The visit reinforced that QRIS coaching empowers teachers rather than judging them. By focusing on improvement, programs gain confidence, and children benefit from richer, more nurturing experiences.

At the Children’s Cabinet, we see firsthand how QRIS strengthens early childhood programs. When teachers are supported, children thrive, learning, growing, and exploring in environments designed for their success.