It looks like basic participation in QRS for licensed family child care providers is going to become mandatory under the new ExceleRate Illinois program as soon as 2015.
Up until now it has been strictly voluntary, with very few providers in my area participating at all. If I'm understanding this right, all licensed providers will be included, but how far you take it after that is up to you. They are using "circles" instead of "stars," i.e., Bronze Circle, then Silver Circle then Gold Circle.
Right now it involves Preschool For All, Head Start and Licensed Centers.
http://www.ilqualitycounts.com/news
http://excelerateillinois.com/