Spark is Oregon’s Quality Recognition and Improvement System (QRIS) that is facilitated by The Research Institute (TRI) at Western Oregon University.
Spark meets child care programs where they are, offering assistance, tools, and connections to help achieve what matters most to providers and the families they serve.
Many states have their own versions of Spark, but Oregon’s perspective stands out with a focus on providing support and not just ratings. In 2021, the Oregon Legislature passed House Bill 2059, offering families and providers a chance to reshape Spark through a community driven process and transition away from tiered ratings to a non-tiered recognition system.
Today’s Spark
Programs can now participate in Spark through the Quality Improvement (QI) Cycle, where they can choose a goal that aligns with their priorities and with the unique needs of the children in their care.
The cycle has programs reflect on their practices and make meaningful changes with the help of available resources. For support throughout the process, providers can connect with others in the early child care system, like Quality Improvement Specialists at Child Care Resource and Referrals (CCR&Rs).
Programs may also be eligible to receive:
- $500 after submitting their goal
- $250 after submitting their reflection
- Opportunity for up to an additional $5,000 starting July 1st, 2026
Spark providers are engaging in this new framework in different ways. Such as making safety improvements to their outdoor play area, adding enriching activities to support children’s learning, or seeking professional development for themselves and their staff to better understand different teaching and care strategies.
The QI Cycle is a pilot model that will be further improved as more programs complete cycles and provide feedback. The hope is to help providers feel supported and celebrated, while encouraging continued partnership with families.
How Did Spark Get Here?
Communities across Oregon showed up for the Spark redesign. The first stage included three different listening teams made up of providers and parents. They made phone calls, answered surveys, talked to community members, and analyzed their communities’ experiences with Spark. This stage ended with recommendations for the new system and the formation of the Accountability Team.
Fourteen listening team members chose to continue the work, with a smaller group, known as the Accountability Team. The team, facilitated by TRI, met regularly via Zoom to build a new framework based on the recommendations. There were differences in opinions and life experiences within the team, but also a shared commitment to bettering the system for their fellow providers and families.
“I never thought I could have a job and be in a group trying to improve the world for this next generation, that people actually listen, that we have to fight, but we have to fight together. We don’t have to fight each other.” -Accountability Team Member
“I would like people to understand that the Accountability Team is here to hold the process accountable to the voices of the families, the teachers, providers, and the members of the community, especially the ones that have been usually left out from the decision-making process.” – Accountability Team Member
Learn more about the Accountability Team in the report- Redesigning Oregon’s QRIS (Spark)
Thank You to Oregon’s Early Learning and Care Community
The Spark redesign is a step towards strengthening Oregon’s early learning and child care system. It was made possible by the efforts and voices of people from various backgrounds across Oregon.
“I am grateful for the meaningful engagement in this redesign process from families and providers across the state,” said Alyssa Chatterjee, DELC Director.
“As these efforts continue to evolve, the dedication to lifting up community voices remains an important step in the right direction.”
Spark is continuing to evolve through a series of pilots. There will be more opportunities- and an important need – for communities to help make Spark a system that works for all.
Want to learn more about the redesign process?
Please visit the following sites:
- Department of Early Learning and Care : Program Quality Support : For Providers : State of Oregon
- Spark Redesign – Oregon Spark
Click below to view other Child Care Update articles
- July 2026 Community Newsletter
- Your Participation is Important in the 2026 Market Price & Supply Study
- Every Child Belongs is Now Available Statewide
- Spark: Evolving to Serve You Better
- The Department of Early Learning and Care is seeking applicants for the Closures and Inactive Status Rulemaking Committee (RAC)