The Early Learning Coalition of Duval (ELC of Duval) is the one-stop resource of information about early learning experiences in Jacksonville and Duval County. ELC of Duval helps families get their children into early learning care by providing financial assistance, while also helping childcare providers improve the quality of their early learning program. In the last decade, 11 communities in Florida have developed local quality rating improvement systems (QRIS). In November 2014 a collaborative of QRIS funders, the Early Learning Coalitions, and Children’s Services Councils, convened to share best practices, challenges and explore ways to strengthen community models. This document summarizes the recommended standards, each of which is substantiated by research, and are ambitious yet achievable.

Our Quality Rating System (QRS) began in January 2004 with a pilot phase of 14 providers. Over the years we have continuously worked to improve upon the quality standards and implementation of our QRIS. The success of Guiding Stars of Duval is due to the extraordinary collaborations with the community.