1. (1) Each program of an eligible license type from OL shall receive a CCQS rating or status, unless the program withdraws from participation following the process established by OCC policy.

   1. (a) A licensed center program that chooses not to apply for a certified quality rating will receive a default Foundation of Quality rating.
   2. (b) An eligible child care program shall participate in CCQS by maintaining at least a default Foundation of Quality rating. An eligible program is not required to apply for a certified quality rating.
   3. (c) CCQS ratings or statuses shall be made public on the Care About Childcare website.
   4. (d) An eligible child care program that withdraws from participation in CCQS will become ineligible to receive CC subsidy and CCQS grants or funding.

2. (2) A program may apply for a certified quality rating in accordance with OCC policy through the Care About Childcare website.

   1. (a) A rating shall be awarded or a status shall be assigned no later than 180 days after the application was submitted.
   2. (b) Certified quality ratings will be published publicly on the first day of the month of the certified quality rating period.

3. (3) A certified quality rating shall remain in place during the 12-month certified quality rating period unless a program:

   1. (a) loses its license in good standing and goes on conditional license; or
   2. (b) is disqualified from accepting funds from CCDF.
4. (4) A program with a certified quality rating of high quality or high quality plus that is assessed a civil money penalty from OL shall be reduced to a certified quality rating of building quality for the rest of the 12-month certified quality rating period during which the civil money penalty was assessed.
5. (5) The 12-month certified quality rating period may be modified when a program is receiving CCQS technical assistance and support from OCC, in accordance with OCC policy.

6. (6) Recertification. A program must recertify to maintain a certified quality rating.

   1. (a) A program must follow the recertification procedures established by OCC policy.

   2. (b) A program failing to recertify in a timely manner may receive one of the following ratings or statuses until a certified quality rating is awarded:

      1. (i) a default Foundation of Quality rating for an eligible program;
      2. (ii) not participating status for a program that is not eligible; or
      3. (iii) denied participation status for a program operating on a conditional license at the time of recertification.

KEY: child care, grant programs

Date of Last Change: December 8, 2025

Notice of Continuation: August 14, 2025

Authorizing, and Implemented or Interpreted Law: 35A-3-203; 35A-3-209; 35A-3-310; 45 C.F.R. 98.21