STARS for KIDS NOW
 STARS for KIDS NOW is Kentucky's voluntary quality rating system for licensed type I child care centers and type II and certified family child care homes. This system uses a scale of one through four STARS to identify levels of quality. All STAR levels surpass the minimum certification and/or licensing requirements that all programs must meet.
Early care and education programs participating in STARS for KIDS NOW work to meet standards associated with quality care that result in positive outcomes for young children. Programs are assessed in the following areas: staff/child ratios, group size, curriculum, parent involvement, training/education of staff, regulatory compliance and personnel practices.
STARS for KIDS NOW provides parents with a tool to help identify levels of quality when seeking a child care setting outside of their home. Family child care homes and child care centers participating in STARS for KIDS NOW demonstrate a commitment toward providing quality care and education. Parents can use the rating system to gain an understanding of the factors that contribute to quality care and education, and can choose a child care setting that best matches their family's needs.
STARS for KIDS NOW standards are based on research that demonstrates what combination of criteria are essential for quality early childhood environments. The recommendations for the content of each level were constructed by a representative group of consumers, child care providers, nonprofit group representatives and others who work and live with young children.
STARS for KIDS NOW represents a collaborative effort to ensure that young children in Kentucky are in early care and education settings that are seeking ever-increasing quality. STARS for KIDS NOW is administered by the Cabinet’s Division of Child Care.
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Informational Resources for Providers and Parents |
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We wish to post both the Parent and Provider slide shows to inform the general public of the STARS for KIDS NOW Quality Rating System. Both slide shows will provide basic information about the voluntary program and resources and supports available to both parents and providers wishing to obtain additional information or wishing to participant in the Quality Rating System (QRS).
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