About
STARS is Vermont’s Quality Recognition and Improvement System (QRIS) for child care, preschool, and afterschool programs.
Participation in STARS means that a program is striving beyond licensing regulations to meet higher quality standards, uphold professional practices, and commit to continuous quality improvement.
STARS Revision
On July 1, 2023, the Child Development Division (CDD) launched a revision to STARS.
The revised model reflects the unique culture and identity of quality practices in Vermont’s early childhood and afterschool programs and offers equitable opportunities for programs and providers to participate. The system focuses Vermont’s efforts more closely on positive outcomes for children, engagement of families, and support of our early childhood and afterschool programs.
STARS Revision Acclimation Period
A STARS Revision Acclimation Period has been extended through June 30, 2025. The acclimation period allows programs to navigate changes in the new model with coaching support at their current STARS level.
Participating programs will maintain their current STARS levels during the pilot period. The STARS Team will contact programs due to renew their STARS certificates to offer training and guidance, and to introduce new resources.
STARS Trainings
Live Training Sessions
The live sessions count towards professional development hours as required by Vermont Child Care Licensing Regulations.
Next session:
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TBD
Training Videos
Training videos on YouTube (Subscribe to our Channel):
Resources and Tools
- STARS Revision Levels and Content Areas Chart (pdf)
- STARS Guidance Manual (pdf) - The manual is a living document that will be updated frequently during the pilot period.
- Level 2 Self-Study of Knowledge Areas
- Level 2 Self-Study of Knowledge Areas--ASP
- STARS Youth Survey for Afterschool Programs (pdf)
- Abbreviated Strengthening Families Self Assessment for Program Staff (pdf)
- STARS Annual Update Form (pdf)
- STARS FAQs (pdf)
- New program supports are now available! CDD and the Vermont Association for the Education of Young Children (VTAEYC) have launched the System for Program Access to Resources for Quality Supports (SPARQS) to help guide programs through the new revision and to build and execute their plans for quality improvement.
- Learn more about the CLassroom Assessment Scoring System (CLASS) with resources and supports specifically for Vermont's early learning leaders, educators, and providers.
Templates and Examples
- CQI Plan Template (pdf)
- CQI Plan Example (pdf)
- STARS Evidence Examples for Afterschool Programs
- STARS Evidence Examples for Early Childhood Programs
- Child Observation Example Questions (pdf) and Child Observation Template (pdf)
- Learning Activity Planning Template (AOE) (pdf)
- Learning Activity Planning Template (STARS CQI) (pdf)
Apply to STARS
Use the online STARS Application portal to submit your program’s first STARS application since the July 2023 revised model launch or to renew your 3-year STARS certificate:
Complete the online STARS application!
Use the online STARS Annual Update portal to report your program’s CQI progress. This update must include your program’s current CQI plan and STARS Annual Update Form.
Complete your STARS Annual Update!
Questions or Feedback
- Contact the STARS team at STARS@vermont.gov or 1-800-649-2642, option 8.
- STARS FAQs (pdf)
- STARS Revision Model Information and Training Feedback Survey
