There’s a lot of stuff to do to get all these points – do I have to do it all at once?

STARS is meant to begin where you are right now; so, NO, you don’t have to do everything at once.

Start by identifying the standards your program meets now. In each of the 5 arenas, read the standards for 1 point first, then decide if the program has achieved those. If yes, go to the next level. If no, opt to be “not rated” in that arena. Use this process to figure out your best point level in each arena.

You don’t have to have the same points in all the arenas, and you don’t have to wait until you have the highest points. You can earn more points once the other standards are met.

Can I participate when I first open or do I have to wait a year?

You do not have to wait a year before applying for STARS. Newly opened programs are encouraged to participate in STARS, getting the points they can at start up and using STARS as a guide to program growth over time.

Can my program participate?

All programs that are registered or licensed with the Child Development Division can apply. However, your program cannot have any uncorrected regulatory violations.

Do I have to take classes to participate?

There are no specific classes you have to take to participate. However, if there is a STARS information presentation in your area, please try to attend. Many providers have found it useful to attend a session and learn more about the program details and application process.

How long does it take to get into STARS?

The time it takes to prepare the first application depends on the program specifics: its size, what it does, and the number of points it is trying to achieve. Another big factor is how much time the applicant can devote to putting the application together. It will take longer for those with just an hour or two per week to work on it, than it will for those who can put in, say, an hour a day.

Many of the materials needed are ones the program already has and is using. If you “start where you are” and get points for what you are already doing, the application can, in most cases, be completed in less than five hours.

Often, what takes time is doing new things to meet the STARS standards. That's why programs are encouraged to use the time after joining STARS to put new things in place and get recognized for that growth down the road – earning more points and stars along the way.

If you spend more than 20 hours working on an application, please contact Learning Partners at (802) 479-5261 or learningpartnrs@aol.com to be sure the instructions are clear.

After the application is sent to Learning Partners, it takes 6 to 8 weeks to complete the process and receive your certificate.

Does a program need to renew its STARS?

Your STARS certificate and recognition level is valid for one year, starting with the first day of the month after the complete application is processed. You need to apply to renew your STARS rating to maintain your listing as a STARS provider. If your program closes (the license or registration is closed or terminated), your certificate becomes invalid. If your program reopens (a new Child Development Division program number assigned), you must submit a new application. 

Does the number of stars ever increase or decrease?

At renewal time each year, the program requests the number of points that can be verified for each arena. This may be higher, the same, or lower than before. STARS is flexible, allowing programs that have experienced changes to reestablish their standing, programs that are satisfied with their achievements to maintain their standing, and programs that are growing to improve their standing.

I’ve heard that when new rules go into effect, programs are going lose stars. What’s the story?

Programs that are in STARS when the new rules go into effect will keep the star level they have at that time. They will be able to use the old standards for two more years – since those are the standards they have been using to maintain and strengthen their programs. They will transition to the new standards after that. In other words, programs will have two years from their next renewal before they have to use the new standards. Programs can switch to the new standards at an earlier renewal time if they want.

So, no program will suddenly have a different star level. There will be a few changes programs will need to adjust to when they move to the new standards, though most won’t be that different from what they already do. Those programs that are already familiar with STARS should find the adjustments pretty straightforward.

NOTE: Many providers have questions about the goals of STARS, how it works and how to apply. Answers to questions, technical assistance, and STARS applications are available through Learning Partners at (802) 479-5261 or learningpartnrs@aol.com.