What is Colorado Shines?
Since 2015, our state has utilized the Colorado Shines Quality Rating Information System (QRIS) to rate quality and support the continuous quality improvement for all of Colorado’s licensed early care and learning programs serving children birth – 5. Colorado Shines is embedded into the State’s childcare system, and all licensed childcare providers participate in this system and are rated from Levels 1-5. Licensed programs automatically receive a Level 1 rating and have the option and opportunity to pursue higher ratings at Levels 2-5. Coaching and quality improvement supports are available through funding available to providers annually.
Colorado Shines promotes quality in early care and learning programs by connecting families to licensed, quality-rated childcare and empowering providers to create safe, nurturing and educational environments. The rating is a tool for assessing, enhancing and communicating the level of quality in licensed early care and education programs. The QRIS provides a structure for rating early care and education programs that serve children birth-5 and uses research-based standards for supporting each program’s continuous quality improvement journey.
Colorado Shines Rating Process At-A-Glance
A Colorado Shines rating is a symbol of quality. The Colorado Shines rating is a guarantee to families that your program is licensed, in good standing and meets basic health and safety standards.
Colorado Shines rates the quality of Colorado’s early learning programs, on a scale of 1 to 5, based on how well your program:
Once you receive a rating, Colorado Shines provides support to help your program continue to improve its quality. Colorado Shines is a flexible process that can be customized to meet the needs of each program.
Quick Links
Colorado Shines website
Colorado Shines is the official website for early childhood programs and families. It provides information on licensing, Colorado Shines quality ratings, and a searchable directory of licensed child care and preschool programs.
RMECC Quality Improvement Journey Packet (QIJ)
The QIJ is a provider guide that helps licensed early childhood programs navigate the Colorado Shines quality system. It includes step-by-step information on ratings, coaching, quality improvement planning, available funding, and resources to support programs as they strengthen the quality of care they provide.
CSQI Provider Resources
This folder contains important documents, resources, and templates that are specific to our Council region and will support you throughout your Colorado Shines journey. Please let us know if you are unable to access these documents!
Professional Development Information System (PDIS)
The PDIS is Colorado’s online learning and professional development system for early childhood professionals. It allows educators to complete training, track professional development, manage credentials and qualifications, and maintain their professional records in one place.