Simplified STARS Application Available Online

Vermont’s Quality Recognition and Improvement System (QRIS), known as the STep Ahead Recognition System (STARS) now has a simplified online application. The application is available to child care, preschool, and afterschool programs applying to STARS for the first time or for programs wishing to apply for an increase in their STARS level and can be found on the Child Development Division (CDD) STARS webpage.

The simplified application is part of the CDD’s ongoing STARS revision to reduce administrative burden for providers and streamline how they document their program’s quality. The STARS revision will also reduce redundancy with licensing regulations and shift from a point-based system to a continuous quality improvement (CQI) model. CQI coaching will play a role in the new STARS, to help programs assess their work and support their quality initiatives.
 
During the revision period, July 2022 – July 2023, participating STARS programs will not need to renew their certification to maintain their STARS level.  New procedures and guidelines will go into effect next summer and renewals will be due one year after the program’s STARS expiration date. For example, if your program’s STARS expiration date is October 1, 2022, your renewal application will be due on October 1, 2023.

If you have questions about your program’s STARS certification, becoming a STARS program or the STARS revision project, please contact STARS@vermont.gov or 800-649-2642, option 8.