New York’s Quality Rating & Improvement System
QUALITYstarsNY is New York’s Quality Rating and Improvement System (QRIS) for early childhood programs, providing support and resources to improve and sustain high quality across New York State. We believe that all early childhood educators are committed to the young children they work with and are always intrinsically motivated to improve their practice. QUALITYstarsNY exists because we believe that early childhood educators across the state deserve the support to engage in continuous quality improvement.
Participate in 
Join QUALITYstarsNY to receive individualized support and resources to enhance the quality of your early childhood program. All types of regulated child care programs are eligible to participate in QUALITYstarsNY at no cost to programs. Interested in participating? Apply now or attend a virtual Information Session to learn more about QUALITYstarsNY and the benefits of participating.
Find an Early Childhood Program in Your Area
Search our interactive map to find early childhood programs participating in QUALITYstarsNY in your area! By participating in QUALITYstarsNY, programs demonstrate a commitment to excellence and are supported with a range of resources and expert guidance to create the best program they can for the children and families they serve.
Featured Resources
For Providers
The Value of High-Quality Professional Development
Whether you are looking to increase your knowledge about a topic related to early childhood education, earn a degree or credential, or ensure you are meeting training-related requirements for your job, choosing high-quality professional development is an important step in increasing your knowledge, skills, and abilities which in turn have a valuable impact on your work with children. With a little help from available professional resources, you can ensure that the professional development you take part in is vetted for quality and helps you to meet your professional goals.
Transitions & Brave Hearts: Easing Separation Anxiety in Early Childhood
As summer winds down, many families find themselves in a season of big transitions. Children may be moving into a new classroom, starting kindergarten, or attending daycare or preschool for the very first time. While these milestones are exciting steps forward, they can also stir up feelings of separation anxiety for both children and parents. As early childhood educators, it’s important to reassure families that separation anxiety is a normal part of child development, and with the right supports, children can build the confidence and security they need to thrive.
Why Put It in Writing: The Importance of Documenting Program Policies and Practices
One effective way to keep your program running smoothly is by documenting your policies and practices in writing. This is where family and employee handbooks come in. Well-written handbooks are essential to the success and quality of your program. They’re like instruction manuals, often answering questions before they’re even asked. Specialist Susan DiNatale explores the power of putting policies and practices in writing.
Elevating Learning Through Play: The Power of Staff-Child Interactions
QUALITYstarsNY Specialist Stella Lundie gives examples of how early childhood education professionals can promote learning through play.
For Families
Transitions & Brave Hearts: Easing Separation Anxiety in Early Childhood
As summer winds down, many families find themselves in a season of big transitions. Children may be moving into a new classroom, starting kindergarten, or attending daycare or preschool for the very first time. While these milestones are exciting steps forward, they can also stir up feelings of separation anxiety for both children and parents. As early childhood educators, it’s important to reassure families that separation anxiety is a normal part of child development, and with the right supports, children can build the confidence and security they need to thrive.
Quality Care Checklist & Guide
View this guide to the options you have for child care, with a breakdown of the different features of each.
Choosing a quality early care and education program
Check out our brochure for help finding and promoting quality early learning experiences for your child!