Dear Toddler Town Families
I would like to share some exciting news! You may have noticed a star window cling on our door – this
means that we’re participating in Grow NJ Kids, New Jersey’s quality rating and improvement system
(QRIS) administered by the Departments of Children and families, Education, Health and Human Services.
As a Grow NJ Kids participant, we are showing our commitment to offering high-quality childcare and
getting your child ready for school.
You might be wondering – What is QRIS? A QRIS is a process fro supporting and strengthening care
provided by childcare and early learning programs. More than 40 states including New Jersey have a
statewide QRIS. New Jersey began implementing our system in April 2013. Similar to a hotel rating,
participating childcare and early learning programs are assigned a star rating based on observed quality.
Observed quality means that Grow NJ Kids staff will be coming into our program to work with us in
reviewing quality standards. Working together, we will review things such as our activities and
curriculum, how we work with families and how we interact with children. As a Grow NJ Kids
participant, we will get resources to help our program improve – including coaching, training and
scholarships.
Family involvement is an important part of Grow NJ Kids. You can help support our participation by
asking questions and staying involved. We will share our rating once we receive it and provide more
information as needed.
If you still have questions or want more information about Grow NJ Kids, please visit their website at
www.GrowNJKids.gov. And don’t forget to look for our star window cling!
Thank you,
Kristie Privitera/Owner
