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
QUALITYstarsNY Celebrates 60 years of Head Start
This month, Head Start is celebrating its 60th anniversary. For decades Head Start has provided a wide-ranging catalogue of services to help families meet their most basic needs and put their children on the road to future success. With 425 of New York’s Head Start programs participating in QUALITYstarsNY, we are proud to partner with an organization whose service to over 37 million children and their families since 1965 shows that our country is at its best when we uplift those who need it most.
NYC Mayor’s Office Seeks Child Care Provider Feedback
The Innovation Team at the NYC Mayor’s Office is looking to interview child care providers about their experience finding and using child care resources online and their experience supporting families through the child care search and application process.
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.
Finding QUALITYstarsNY at the 2025 NYAEYC Annual Conference
QUALITYstarsNY is excited to attend the New York Association for the Education of Young Children’s annual conference in April in Verona, NY. Check out the schedule of workshops QUALITYstarsNY is leading at this year's meeting and we're to find us in the Exhibit Hall.
For Families
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!