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U.S. gender wage gap grows for first time in a decade; Trump has embraced NC's Mark Robinson, calling him 'Martin Luther King on steroids'; Volunteers sought as early voting kicks off in MN; Women's political contributions in congressional races fall short of men's.

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Rising threats of political violence, a Federal Reserve rate cut, crypto industry campaign contributions and reproductive rights are shaping today's political landscape.

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A USDA report shows a widening gap in rural versus urban health, a North Carolina county remains divided over a LGBTQ library display, and Minnesota Gov. Tim Walz' policies are spotlighted after his elevation to the Democratic presidential ticket.

Childcare Rating System Coming to WA

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Monday, August 13, 2007   

There are rating systems for cars, movies and restaurants, and now, Washington is developing a rating system for childcare. The Quality Rating and Improvement System, or "QRIS," will be voluntary and pilot programs will be in place next summer. Nina Auerbach of Child Care Resources says more than 20 states already rate childcare providers for two important reasons.

"It gives parents a way to differentiate between one program and another. But probably even more important, a rating system will help all childcare programs to improve because it gives them incentives to do that."

The rating system is in the planning stages in White Center and Yakima. The effort to educate providers and parents about the system is being funded in part by a three-year grant from the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation.

The most recent statewide survey shows about half of Washington kindergarteners lack at least some skills needed for starting school. According to Auerbach, that points out the need to give parents more tools to compare childcare options.

"It's really hard for parents to be able to sort out what the difference is between the center down the street and the center two miles away. That's why having an easy way to be able to differentiate between programs would be helpful."



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