Quality Rated

Quality Rated is Georgia’s system to determine, improve, and communicate the quality of child care programs. Similar to rating systems for restaurants and hotels, Quality Rated assigns one, two, or three stars to early education and school-age care programs that meet or exceed the minimum state requirements.

Quality Rated

By participating in Georgia’s voluntary Quality Rated program, providers commit to continuously improving the quality of care they offer to children and families. Parents and families need an independent, trustworthy resource to help them find high-quality child care, preschool, and Pre-K programs, and that’s where Georgia’s Quality Rated comes in. It offers an online tool that helps families locate child care programs in their area that have been evaluated by credentialed early childhood experts and have earned a star rating. Families can have peace of mind knowing that any participating child care program is dedicated to providing children with an environment and experience that best supports their development.

Provider Enrollment

QR Payments

Find Child Care

Rating Process

Child care programs earn a star rating based on:

Structural Quality: demonstrated through uploaded documentation in the program’s online portfolio
Process Quality: demonstrated through Environment Rating Scale (ERS) assessments of classrooms completed by highly reliable Quality Rated Assessors. The ERS assessments evaluate children’s learning environments and experiences, including health, safety, learning activities, teacher interactions and more.

Star Ratings (1-Star, 2-Star, 3-Star)

1-Star rating indicates the program meets quality standards above the minimum licensing standards.
2-Star rating indicates higher quality.
3-Star rating represents the highest level of quality.

Participation

Child care centers, family child care homes, and early learning programs can choose to participate. Quality Rated participation is not mandatory.
- Does my Program need to be Quality Rated to receive CAPS funding?
  - Yes, in Georgia, child care programs must be Quality Rated in order to participate in the CAPS (Childcare and Parent Services) program.
  - As of December 31, 2020, all child care providers must be Quality Rated (or in the Provisional or Probationary Status) to receive CAPS funding.
  - Non-participating providers are generally ineligible to accept CAPS subsidies unless they qualify for an exemption (such as serving a specialized population). Contact CAPS with inquiries.

Benefits for Parents

Helps parents make informed decisions about child care.
Programs that participate have made a commitment to continuous quality improvement for the children in their care.
Programs that are Quality Rated are eligible for CAPS participation.

Benefits for Providers

A key benefit of achieving a Quality Rated star rating is increased credibility and trust with families seeking high-quality child care. Programs also gain access to valuable resources, professional development opportunities, and potential financial incentives. Additionally, participation can lead to improved program practices, higher staff qualifications, and most importantly, better outcomes for children.

Improvement and Support

Programs can receive free technical assistance, training and resources to improve their quality.
Financial incentives are available periodically for participating programs.

How to Find Quality Rated Child Care in Georgia?

Parents can search for Quality Rated childcare programs through Georgia’s Quality Rated website: https://qualityrated.decal.ga.gov

This website for providers will guide you through the Quality Rated process. Click on the button below to apply to participate. For answers to questions about Quality Rated, email the Quality Rated Help Desk at QualityRated@decal.ga.gov or call 1-855-800-7747.
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For Familes

What Every Family Should Know About Quality Rated

This website will answer many of your questions about the importance of high quality child care, including how to find a one, two, or three star Quality Rated provider near you. Click on the button below to access qualityrated.org.

For answers to questions about how to find Quality Rated child care, call toll-free 1-877-ALL-GA-KIDS.
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