A proposed quality rating system for early childhood centers is in danger of staying in its infancy – again.

For the second year in a row, Sen. Charlie Shields, R-St. Joseph, has pushed the star-rating system for day cares at the legislative level.

The Senate in March passed the measure in a slim 19-14 vote.

Mr. Shields has argued the system would bring accountability to providers and improve children’s chances for success later in school and life, but opponents warned the system would increase child care rates and ultimately hurt affordability.

SB 726 would make the voluntary rating system available to all Missouri centers, with one star starting at the basic licensing level up to five stars, which would require accreditation among other targets.

While passed in the Senate, the bill still needs clearance from the House of Representatives before it can go to the governor’s desk and become law.

Mr. Shields this morning went before a House committee to present the rating system – nearly a week away from the end of the session.

Also, Sen. Gary Nodler, R-Joplin, the Senate’s budget chairman, said this week the 2008-2009 budget, which the Legislature may approve tonight – doesn’t include any funds for the rating system.

Even though more than a handful of supporters of the legislation turned out this morning to plug the system – such as Kansas City’s Partnership for Children, the Missouri Teachers Association, Citizens for Missouri’s Children and the Association for Education of Young Children – final passage this year isn’t looking good.

Mr. Shields said the program’s first year of roughly $800,000 in funding wouldn’t need to happen until 2010 anyway, but “I would’ve felt more comfortable if this happened a couple of weeks ago.”

He remained optimistic, however, saying that the hearing’s timing was no indication on whether it would see final play in the session.

He said he’d received no indication from House leadership on whether it would receive attention.

Mr. Shields’ bill to repeal campaign contribution limits, SB 1038, is poised, however, to come up for final passage in the House late this week or early next week.

The session ends May 16.

Legislators have until Friday to approve a final budget.