YMCA After School Program earns Level 4 rating
The Mahaska County YMCA
The Mahaska County YMCA After School Program has achieved a level 4 Iowa Quality Rating System (QRS) rating from the Iowa Department of Human Services.
This level 4 rating is based on a five level scale of quality measures. Previously the facility had not had a rating score. This is their first ever score on the QRS system.
Iowa’s QRS is a voluntary child care and preschool rating system for child development homes, licensed child care centers and preschools, and child care programs that are operated by school districts. Ratings reflect information provided by the program at their time of rating.
In choosing a child care program, parents should discuss the current licensing status with the program and be aware that child care centers are required to prominently post licenses. The QRS was developed:
-To raise the quality of child care in Iowa
-To increase the number of children in high-quality child care settings
-to educate parents about quality in child care
There are five levels in QRS. For program to be rated at:
Level 1: All level 1 criteria must be met.
Level 2: All level 1 and level 2 criteria must be met.
Level 3-5: All level 1 and level 2 criteria must be met, and then the program must earn a minimum of one point in each of the level 3-5 categories. For levels 3-5, the level is determined by the total number of points earned.
As a child care and preschool provider, the Mahaska County YMCA puts into practice what research has shown for some time. The quality of care that young children receive in out-of-homes settings provides a foundation upon which their future learning is built. Children who attend high quality child care and preschool settings display better cognitive, language, and social competencies.
The Y plays an invaluable role in the growth and development of each and every child in our care. Our participation in QRS demonstrates our commitment to provide ongoing quality care for children.
All school age staff should be commended for this achievement. For any questions regarding Mahaska County YMCA Child Care or Preschool, contact 641-673-8411 or www.mahaskaymca.org.
