ERIS Self-Assessment Submitted, What’s Next?

After COA conducts a desk review of the submitted ERIS self-assessment, they will assign your program a rating based on a cumulative point system and then determine the next step for your program in the application process.

What happens if my program substantially meets the ERIS standards?

If your program substantially meets the ERIS standards according to the point system, then your program will be rated as Licensed Plus. Programs that score exceptionally well in the ERIS self-assessment will be notified by COA that they have also been invited to participate in a site visit. The satisfactory completion of the site visit may upgrade the program into Approved Provider status, the highest level of quality possible.

If a program is assessed using the ERIS, a site visit is required to become an Approved Provider. Only programs rated as Approved Providers can qualify for financial benefits, such as subsidies and grants, from the DoD. Approved Providers also may be eligible for equipment, supplies, and facility improvements and will qualify for training and technical assistance to improve the level of quality care at your program.

What if my program is rated as Licensed Plus but I didn’t receive an invitation for a site visit?

We recognize that some programs may be unable to substantially meet most of the ERIS standards. The Licensed Plus rating recognizes your program’s efforts to provide quality care and meet a portion of the ERIS standards. Some of the Licensed Plus programs will not meet enough standards to be invited for a site visit. Although your program will not undergo a site visit, you will qualify for training and technical assistance and may also be eligible for equipment, supplies, and facility improvements.

What happens if my program is unable to meet the ERIS mandatory standards?

If your program is unable to meet the mandatory standards, then your program will be rated as Licensed. Links to online help guides and templates in the ERIS are provided to assist a program in achieving these mandatory standards. Your program will not undergo a site visit but will qualify for training and technical assistance to improve the level of quality care at your program.

Visit Project Tiers for a detailed explanation of the different tiers of quality ratings in the Expansion Project.