Family engagement is integral to quality child care and improved child and family outcomes. This project:
- Explores the state of family engagement in Quality Rating and Improvement Systems (QRIS);
- Identifies and defines key family engagement features and indicators from best-practice models and research; and
- Recommends their incorporation into statewide early care and education quality improvement systems and provider practices.
Read and explore the materials below to learn more about this project.
State of Family Engagement in QRIS Efforts brief (PDF)
National Aggregate Charts: Child Care Centers & Family Child Care Homes
These charts present family engagement indicators used to assess quality in child care centers and family child care homes in QRIS programs throughout the nation. The charts report on the 4 Key Features of Family Engagement introduced by the State of Family Engagement in QRIS Efforts brief (PDF) and adopted by the QRIS Compendium for their data collection efforts in 2016. They are communication, family needs and feedback, collaborative activities with families and community resources and family support. The National Aggregate Charts represent a nationwide snapshot of the utilization of the 4 Key Features of Family Engagement in QRIS for child care centers and family child care homes as of 2016.
View our national aggregate charts, which includes tabs for both child care centers and family child care homes.
National Aggregate Charts (XLSX)
State Charts
Click on the individual state name below to access state-specific information on family engagement indicators.
Files by state (PDF):
 |
 |
Key Features of Family Engagement
The family engagement features discussed in the brief above are used to categorize corresponding indicators. Derived from a review of research and best practice literature, this table can help providers and state QRIS program staff align their programs with quality family engagement practices. Family engagement as a foundational element of high-quality care merits recognition as both a standalone assessment category and to be woven throughout all QRIS.
Key Features of Family Engagement (PDF)
Additional QRIS Resources and Frequently Asked Questions
- QRIS Compendium
- The National Center on Parent, Family, and Community Engagement (PFCE)
- PFCE Framework
- Family Provider/Teacher Relationship Quality (FPTRQ)
Have further questions? We have answers! Please refer to our Frequently Asked Questions about QRIS.
