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The Application Process

Who can apply?

Providers who are regulated by the Child Development Division AND are in regulatory compliance may apply. This includes registered and licensed family child care homes, as well as licensed center-based programs, such as early childhood, preschool, afterschool, and non-recurring care programs.

Are we ready to apply?

You may apply for STARS at any time. Even if you feel your program is not yet operating at its ideal level, do not hesitate to apply. STARS is designed to recognize providers’ achievements in the arenas in which they are strongest, while they continue to improve in other arenas. Receiving even one STAR is an accomplishment and indicates that you have gone above and beyond Vermont’s basic regulatory standards.

What is the application process?

  1. Download application materials from this website. Or contact Learning Partners to request materials. Call (802) 479-5261 or email learningpartnrs@aol.com .
     
  2. If your program has not been visited by a licensing specialist in the past two years, let Learning Partners know and they will make arrangements for a visit.
     
  3. You may apply for recognition in five arenas:
  • Compliance history;
  • Staff qualifications and training;
  • Families and communities;
  • Program assessment; and
  • Program administration.
  1. Decide which point level you are able to achieve. You can choose to apply for 1 to 3 points, in some or all arenas, for a total of anywhere from 1 to 15 possible points. In any arena, you can indicate that your program is operating according to state regulations and you are not seeking additional points.
     
  2. Read the instructions to see what to send in.
     
  3. Put your application together.
     
  4. Submit your application along with all the required attachments (clipped together – no binders, please) to Learning Partners at the address listed in the application instructions.
     
  5. Learning Partners validates your self-assessment and supporting documents.
     
  6. Points are totaled across all five arenas to determine the number of STARS you can receive.

  1 - 4 points    –   One Star
  5 - 7 points    –   Two Stars
 8 - 10 points   –   Three Stars
11 - 13 points  –   Four Stars
14 - 15 points  –   Five Stars

  1. The Child Development Division awards the appropriate level of STARS recognition. Certificates are valid for one year and must be renewed annually to continue participation.

For more detailed information about the application process, download and read the STARS Program Guide.

How do I get an application form?

You can get a STARS application by:

  • Downloading application materials from this website;
  • Calling Learning Partners at (802) 479-5261; or
  • Emailing Learning Partners.

No application fee is required.

Is help available?

If you would like to help with the application process, please call Learning Partners at (802) 479-5261. You can also send them an email and they will get back to you. Be sure to let them know the best ways to reach you.