Existing literature highlights the positive influence of high-quality early care and education on the development of young children, and particularly young children in impoverished or low-income families. Reflecting the promising influence of high-quality early care and education on children's developmental outcomes, policy makers and state administrators in Maryland are currently in the process of developing a statewide Quality Rating and Improvement System (QRIS), entitled Maryland EXCELS. This system has two primary purposes: (1) to improve the quality of care offered to children by formalizing a professional development system that rewards high-quality practices; and (2) to inform parents about the quality of care offered by providers. Maryland EXCELS will be modeled, in part, after those currently being implemented or piloted in 26 other states and counties. One key element to a successful QRIS is providing parents with information about the quality of providers as they are choosing an early care and education arrangement. This research brief aims to provide information that can help shape the development of Maryland EXCELS through examination of low-income parents' experiences accessing and choosing among early care and education arrangements for their preschool-aged children. Drawing from qualitative data, this brief sheds light on parents' definitions of high-quality care, priorities in selecting early care and education arrangements, the process parents engage in when selecting an early care and education arrangement, and challenges parents face when choosing a provider. (Contains 2 tables and 12 footnotes.)