Credentials and Accreditation

Research clearly shows that education and specialized training in early childhood practice improves the quality of an early learning program!  Be sure to ask about the teacher’s credentials.

Kansas Quality Rating System (KQRS) is a 5 star quality rating system for child care centers, preschools, Head Start facilities, faith-based preschool programs and family child care homes.  Participating child care programs receive a comprehensive assessment that results in a 1-5 star quality rating (5 stars is the highest possible rating).  Assessment is followed with on-site technical assistance by a Quality Improvement (QI) Coach to help the program make strategic improvement to overall quality of care.

The national Child Development Associate (CDA) program credentials qualified teachers who work with children from birth to age five.  For more information on this credential visit the Council for Professional Recognition.

Accreditation is a stamp of quality that means a program meets nationally recognized guidelines for high quality early care and education.  Child care centers may be accredited by the National Association for the Education of Young Children (NAEYC).  Family child care providers may be accredited through the National Association for Family Child Care (NAFCC). School-age programs may be accredited through the National School Age Care Alliance (NSACA).