About the Parent Aware Rating Tool

Links on this page:

Where is the pilot program taking place?
How does the pilot program work?
How do I get started? (getting ready/documentation)
What is a provisional rating and how is it different from a full rating?
What if my program is accredited?
What if my program is a school-based program?
What if my program is a HeadStart program?
Will there be a cost to participate?
Why is a quality rating system needed?
Where can I find more answers?

The Parent Aware Rating Tool is built upon the understanding that providing high-quality child care and early learning are not easy tasks and the pressures placed on our providers are many. The rating tool is designed to recognize early educators for the quality of care they deliver and build on this quality by supporting their efforts at program improvement.

Bringing together the latest research on children's learning and the current needs of our community, the Parent Aware Rating Tool will build upon the good work completed by earlier quality rating system planning efforts.

Where is the pilot program taking place?

The pilot phase of the Parent Aware Rating Tool will include licensed child care providers/early educators in five locations: the cities of Minneapolis and St. Paul, Blue Earth and Nicollet Counties and areas of Wayzata.

How does the pilot program work?

Programs will receive ratings using a point system. The star ratings are based on a
number of factors, such as:

Family Partnerships

Providers/early educators involve parents in the learning process and respect them.

Teaching Materials and Strategies

Providers/early educators use learning materials that effectively prepare children for school.

Tracking Learning

Providers/early educators track children's school readiness progress and regularly
share findings with parents.

Teacher Training and Education

Providers/early educators have the preparation and training needed to best prepare children for school.

Child Safety

The program space is clean and there are rules that help keep children safe and healthy.

How do I get started?

Getting Ready/Documentation

Child care providers/early educators who are interested in getting involved in Parent Aware are encouraged to begin by filling out the appropriate Getting Ready Checklist below.

Providers/educators who are able to answer “Yes” to 40-50 percent of the questions asked are likely ready to begin the rating process and should contact a Parent Aware provider resource specialist. If you were unable to answer “Yes” to around half of the questions posed in the checklist, we have excellent training and consultation options to help you prepare for the rating. Please contact a provider resource specialist for more information.

• Getting Ready Checklist (PDF):
  • family child care providers
  • child care centers
• Quality Documentation Packet
  • family child care providers
  • child care centers

Quality Indicators/Scoring

• Quality Indicators for Full Ratings:
  • family child care providers
  • child care centers
• Quality Indicators for Provisional Ratings (for both child care centers and family child care)
• Best practices and scoring summary:
  • family child care providers
  • child care centers.

Teaching Strategies & Materials

• List of Approved Curricula
• Guide to the Curriculum/approval process
• Curriculum Review Process
• Form for Submitting Curriculum
• CLASS Exception Policy

Tracking Learning Assessments

• List of Approved Assessments
• Assessment Review Process Form
• Child Assessment Nominations Form

What is a provisional rating and how is it different from a full rating?

The provisional rating is a temporary rating that allows child care/early learning programs to receive a Parent Aware rating quickly, so that families receiving early learning scholarships can participate in your program sooner. The other advantages of the provisional rating are that it requires less paperwork, requires documentation of fewer indicators, and does not require onsite observation.

• Quality Documentation Packet Provisional family child care providers, child care centers
• Provisional Rating Curriculum and Assessment Training Worksheet

For more information and forms, please visit the benefits page.

What if my program is accredited?

Programs who have undergone certain accreditation processes qualify to be four star programs.

• Recognized Accreditations
• Participation Agreement
• Quality Documentation Packet, accredited

What if my program is a School-Based Program?

Programs that operate under specific state and federal statutes qualify to be four star programs based on these aligned indicators.

School-Based Program Aligned Indicators

What if my program is a Head Start Program?

Programs that operate under specific state and federal statutes qualify to be four star programs based on these aligned indicators.

Head Start Program Aligned Indicators

Will there be a cost to participate?

There is no cost to participate in the Parent Aware Rating Tool.

Why is a quality rating system needed?

A kindergarten readiness study conducted by the Minnesota Department of Education found that only 50 percent of Minnesota children arrive at kindergarten ready to learn. The good news is that mounting research demonstrates that quality child care can reverse this trend and offer our youngest citizens lifelong benefits. The Parent Aware Rating Tool is designed to raise the number of Minnesota children fully prepared for learning success by empowering child care providers/early educators.

Where can I find more answers?

For more information about the Parent Aware Rating Tool and the pilot program, download our list of frequently asked questions.