Burlington Public Library

Colorado's Next Generation Quality Rating & Improvement System (QRIS) is a method to assess, enhance and communicate the level of quality in early education and care for all licensed providers in Colorado. QRIS provides standardized criteria for all childcare providers in Colorado to be rated for quality, and provides incentives and supports to providers that wish to raise the level of quality care available at their facility.

In 2011, the Colorado General Assembly passed House Bill 11-1027 (sections 26-6-601-605, C.R.S.) which required the CDHS to develop a quality rating and improvement system (QRIS) for school district and charter school early childhood education programs are embedded in licensing for all early education and care programs, including programs based in public school districts and charter schools.

The purpose of this report is to describe the educational, demographic, and economic trends in Southwestern Colorado.