Background on Seeds to Success field test

Washington’s QRIS model is based on a voluntary, two-year field test called Seeds to Success. The Department of Early Learning (DEL) and our partner, Thrive by Five Washington, tested the system in five communities: East Yakima and White Center; and Spokane, Clark and Kitsap counties. Twenty child care facilities in each of the five communities were part of this test, including 10 family home child care facilities and 10 child care centers.

The field test was conducted with public funding through the federal American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009 and with private funding from Thrive and the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation.

The quality standards tested in the five communities between July 1, 2010, and June 30, 2011, included four categories:

  • Curriculum and learning environment
  • Professional development and training
  • Family and community partnerships
  • Leadership and management practices

Thrive’s website includes information on the results from the first year of the Seeds to Success field test.

The University of Washington prepared a preliminary report on the second year of the Seeds to Success field test.

Compendium of Quality Rating Systems and Evaluations

The Seeds to Success Modified Field Test: Findings from the Impact and Implementation Studies

View DEL's Seeds to Success pilot documents.

Seeds to Success accomplishments

After a successful two-year field test administered by our partner Thrive by Five Washington, we are ready to begin implementing and expanding Washington’s Quality Rating and Improvement System (QRIS) statewide over time. Participating facilities have made incredible progress over two years but the real winners are the children and families they serve. We are so proud of all of the field test participants and congratulate them on a job well done!

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