Council hears Spark redesign: equity‑focused QRIS aims to boost provider participation and family information

DELC staff and the Spark accountability team presented the redesigned Spark quality improvement system (New Spark) to the council on Dec. 11, framing it as a move away from point‑based QRIS portfolios toward a goal‑based cycle that centers families and providers.

"QRISs are not working as originally intended," Ash Michaels, Spark specialist at DELC, told the council, arguing the redesign focuses on educator‑child interactions and family well‑being rather than easily measured but less predictive checklist items. The accountability team described a four‑stage cycle — connection, planning, implementation/documentation, and evaluation/recognition — that enables programs to set locally relevant goals and document progress in multiple formats.

Parents and providers who helped design the accountability team recordings said the redesign improves accessibility and equity. Parent Fernanda Lucas said the approach helps programs set goals at their own pace, and parent Sage said greater provider participation will make Spark more useful for families: "More participation in Spark by providers will allow parents to use Spark as a tool to make meaningful comparisons between programs," the recording states.

Council members asked detailed questions about aligning Spark with licensing, other reporting systems, and costs of participation; TRI and DELC staff said the effort will be phased and include technical assistance and platform supports, with pilots and continued tribal consultation. Staff said aspects of the redesign are already being piloted and that further implementation details and timelines will be provided in early 2025.