Today, the Vermont legislature approved changes to the STep Ahead Recognition System (STARS) administrative rules and cleared the Child Development Division (CDD) to begin steps for rolling out the revised STARS model. STARS is Vermont’s Quality Recognition and Improvement System (QRIS) for early childhood and afterschool programs. The new model is the result of an in-depth review of STARS that incorporated an evaluation of the current system, technical assistance from national experts, current research on best practices, and feedback from stakeholders.
The STARS revision reflects the unique culture and identity of Vermont’s quality practices and offers equitable opportunities for programs and providers to participate. The new system focuses more closely on positive outcomes for children, engagement of families, and support of our early childhood and afterschool programs.
STARS changes will begin rolling out on July 1, 2023, with full implementation expected by July 1, 2024. The first year of the revision launch, July 1, 2023 – June 30, 2024, is a pilot year for programs to become familiar with the new system and for CDD to test new processes. Participating programs will maintain their current STARS levels during the pilot year. The STARS Team will contact programs due to renew their STARS certificates to offer training and guidance and to introduce new resources.
Among those resources is the newly announced System for Program Access to Resources for Quality Supports (SPARQS) facilitated by the Vermont Association for the Education of Young Children (VTAEYC) in partnership with Vermont Afterschool. SPARQS will be in place later this summer to help programs navigate the revised STARS as they take steps to improve their program quality.
For more information about the STARS revision, including an overview of the new STARS structure and requirements, guidance manual, training opportunities, and application process, please visit the STARS Revision Project website or contact a STARS Team member at STARS@vermont.gov or 1-800-649-2642 option 8.
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