ExceleRate/Quality Rating & Improvement System (QRIS)
ExceleRate, the new Quality Rating and Improvement System (QRIS) in Illinois is here!
ExceleRate for Licensed Child Care Centers and Licensed School-Age Programs
Visit the ExceleRate website to learn more.
ExceleRate for Licensed Family Child Care Homes and Group Homes
Visit the ExceleRate website to learn more.
Quality Specialists
Quality Specialists are available to assist providers through the ExceleRate process. The Specialists provide support, training, and consultation in understanding the ExceleRate process including:
- Offering required trainings
- Assistance in understanding and using the Environment Rating Scales (ERS), Program Administration Scale (PAS), and Business Administration Scale (BAS)
- Onsite consultations, observations, and assessments
- Assistance with the application process to ExceleRate
- Development of program improvement plans
- Referral to additional resources
Assessment Tool Information
Environmental Rating Scales (ERS)
The Environmental Rating Scales (ERS) are the tools used to assess quality in an early childhood or school age program.
ERS Tip Sheets
- Tips for Using the Early Childhood Environment Rating Scale
- Tips for Using the Family Child Care Environment Rating Scale
- Tips for Using the Infant/Toddler Environment Rating Scale
- Tips for Using the School-Age Environment Rating Scale
Program Administration Scale
The Program Administration Scale (PAS) is a tool for measuring the overall quality of administrative practices of early care and education programs. Learn More
- About PAS at the McCormick Center for Early Childhood Leadership Website
- Getting Ready for PAS Online Module
Business Administration Scale for Family Child Care
The Business Administration Scale for Family Child Care (BAS) is a tool for measuring the overall quality of business and professional practices in family child care settings. Learn more:
- BAS at the McCormick Center for Early Childhood Leadership Website
- Getting Ready for the BAS Online Module
License Exempt (Non-Licensed) Home Child Care Providers
For license-exempt family child care providers, there are three tiers of training to the Quality Rating and Improvement System (QRIS). Providers caring for Child Care Assistance Program (CCAP) children receive a quality bonus of 10%, 15%, or 20% to the standard payment for CCAP children in care.
How to begin the QRIS process:
ECE Credential Level 1 Online Orientation and Training (To obtain QRIS Tiers 1-3)
- Register to attend a QRIS Orientation. Find current QRIS orientation dates on the YWCA Child Care Solutions Training Calendar.
- Visit the I-Learning website and complete the ECE Credential Level 1 Online Orientation.
- After taking the orientation you will be provided with information on starting the ECE Credential Level 1 Online Training (16 modules). This is a 32-hour online training. You must complete all 16 modules.
Questions? Contact a YWCA Quality Specialist:
Heather Gordon, (815) 484-9442 ext. 228
