Iowa Quality for Kids Announcement

Exciting news is coming your way!

September 20, 2021

Hello Child Care Providers,

You may have heard that a new and improved Quality Rating and Improvement System (QRIS) is coming to Iowa, and it’s true. Iowa QRS has been re-designed, re-branded and re-named!

The new QRIS is called Iowa Quality for Kids (IQ4K^TM). Some of the benefits of the new system include:

• IQ4K^TM is supported by a brand-new electronic database that will drastically reduce applicant paperwork requirements.

• IQ4K^TM will provide specialized tracks for providers already meeting enhanced program standards through alternative, DHS-approved, entities, ie: NAEYC Accreditation, NAFCC Accreditation, Head Start Performance Standards, Iowa Quality Preschool Performance Standards, etc.

• School-age-only programs will have their own IQ4K^TM application.

• Bonus amounts awarded upon successful completion of an IQ4K^TM level are being restructured. They will be significantly higher than they are in the current QRS and programs will be awarded the full assigned bonus amount at each successful IQ4K^TM renewal, regardless of whether they increase, stay the same or decrease in level.
• The continuous quality improvement approach of IQ4K^TM allows programs to assess their current level of quality functioning across all areas of programming and devise a structured plan to increase the overall level of program quality.
• Each CCR&R region has 2-full time IQ4K Specialist positions to assist programs and providers at every step of the IQ4K^TM process.

What's next?

IQ4K^TM will officially roll out on April 1, 2022. However, stay tuned in the next couple of months for some exciting new announcements. We are partnering with a marketing firm and have developed a strong marketing plan/timeline for the IQ4K^TM system rollout. We will be introducing Kaya, the IQ4K^TM Quality Kangaroo Mascot. Kaya will lead the charge and be the spokesmodel for the new QRIS. 

Additionally, we are developing and will be sharing several different, multi-channel, IQ4K-focused communications including: digital, social media, print materials and video outreach.

Micki Beard
Quality Program Manager
Division of Adult, Children & Family Services
Iowa Department of Human Services

Tags: qris , iq4k , quality rating system , qrs

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