Child Trends is conducting a validation study of Arizona’s Quality Improvement and Rating System (QIRS), known as Quality First. In Phase I of the study (2015–2017), Child Trends examined whether Quality First’s rating system worked as expected and whether it effectively distinguished between different levels of quality. In Phase II (2018–2020), Child Trends is evaluating the fidelity of implementation of Quality First components, such as coaching, assessment, specialized assistance, professional development, and financial incentives. We are also examining whether these Quality First components effectively contribute to programs’ quality improvement. In addition to the validation study of the current Quality First model, Child Trends is evaluating a field test of a redesigned model that intends to use resources more efficiently so that Quality First can serve more programs.

Funder

First Things First

Resources

Quality First: Arizona’s Early Learning Quality Improvement and Rating System Implementation and Validation Study

Staff

Senior advisor: Kathryn Tout
Co-Principal Investigators: Dale Epstein and Sarah Daily
PD/PM: Julianna Carlson
Study 1 Lead: Sarah Daily
Study 2 Lead: Joy Sotolongo

May 2019