Accountability talk : a qualitative study examining quality rating and improvement systems and their Influence on early childhood language and communication outcomes.

The development of language and communication skills in early childhood is foundational for a child’s cognitive, social, and academic growth, significantly influencing lifelong success. Early language experiences lay the groundwork for problem-solving, literacy, and effective social interaction, with strong communication skills correlating to enhanced school readiness, academic achievement, and career outcomes. In response to the critical need for accessible high-quality education, Quality Rating and Improvement Systems (QRIS) have emerged as an essential framework in early childhood education. QRIS assess and enhance program quality by focusing on improving staff qualifications, curriculum, learning environments, and family engagement. These systems provide families with transparent information about program standards while encouraging providers to pursue continuous improvement. This dissertation explores the intersection of early childhood education quality, language development, and the role of QRIS in shaping positive developmental trajectories for young learners. By conducting interviews with early learning program directors, this research provides an in-depth understanding of how QRIS influence language and communication development in young children.

Name thesis:degree_name

Ed.D.

Level thesis:degree_level

Doctoral

Grantor

Baylor University.

Year dc:date.issued

2025

Author dc:creator

• Hart, Stevee Felice, 1987-

Advisor dc:contributor.advisor

• Gibson, Janet (Professor)

• Quality rating and improvement systems (QRIS)
• Language development.
• Young children.
• Early childhood education.
• Early language experiences.
• Leaning programs.
• Improving staff qualifications.
• School readiness.
• Curriculum.
• Learning environments.
• Family engagement.
• Academic achievement.
• Continuous improvement.
• Career outcomes.

Statement dc:rights

• Baylor University works are protected by copyright. They may be viewed from this source for any purpose, but reproduction or distribution in any format is prohibited without written permission. Contact libraryquestions@baylor.edu for inquiries about permission.

Language dc:language.iso

en

Handle dc:identifier.uri

https://hdl.handle.net/2104/13845

OAI identifier oai:identifier

oai:baylor-ir.tdl.org:2104/13845