Studies show children in high-quality early learning programs develop better math, language and social skills sooner. Kentucky All STARS is Kentucky's expanded five-star quality rating and improvement system for type I, type II and certified family child care homes.

Please tell us if you need assistance because you do not speak English or have a disability. Free language assistance and/or other aids and services are available upon request. To receive free interpreter services, call toll free (866) 291- 8931.

Si no habla inglés o tiene una discapacidad, usted puede solicitar asistencia lingüística y/u otros servicios gratuitamente. Para recibir servicios de interpretación gratuitos, llame al 1 (866) 291-8931.

What does a Kentucky All STARS rating mean for your child?

STAR-rated centers and family child care homes show their commitment to quality by participating in Kentucky All STARS.

• Kentucky All STARS standards are based on specific domains: Family and Community Engagement, Classroom and Instructional Quality, Staff Qualifications and Professional Development and Administrative and Leadership Practices.
• Any provider participating at a Level 3 or higher has completed an evaluation of the program using a nationally standardized tool, the Environmental Rating Scale by Harms, Cryer and Clifford
• All STARS providers have access to technical assistance coaches who provide guidance in health and safety, quality improvement, professional development and training.

 What difference does quality make?

• Better parent-child relationships
• Improved thinking skills
• Better attention skills
• Enhanced academic performance
• Better relationship with peers
• Greater chance of finishing school and attending college

What's in a STAR?

All participants in Kentucky All STARS meet specific indicators of quality based on fulfillment of domain. Requirements for each STARS level are listed below.

All STARS Levels

All STARS Level 1

All child care providers with a regular or preliminary license in good standing are automatically enrolled at a Level 1. Programs with a preliminary license must remain at a Level 1.

All STARS Level 2

The following standards are required for Level 2 providers:

• 50 percent of teaching staff have professional learning activities in developmental screening.
• Complete an environmental self-assessment using a valid and reliable tool appropriate for ages/settings of children served.
• Program/site administrator/director receives 10 hours of professional learning in curriculum, instructional practices and/or teaching and learning or has an approved early childhood credential or degree.
• 50 percent of teaching staff receives 10 hours of professional learning in curriculum, instructional practices and/or teaching and learning or have an approved early childhood credential or degree.

No additional points are required for a Level 2 rating.

All STARS Level 3

The following standards are required for Level 3 providers:

• All required standards as outlined for Level 2
• Participate in an environmental observation on a valid and reliable tool. No minimum required score.

In addition to the required standards, providers can select from the Standards of Quality and Domains  to compile 21-30 points to complete the Level 3 quality rating:

• 8 points from Classroom and Instructional Quality domain
  
• 2 points from Family and Community Engagement domain
  
• 2 points from Staff Qualifications and Professional Development domain
  
• 2 points from Administrative and Leadership Practices domain
  
• At least 7 points from any domain. 
  

All STARS Level 4

The following standards are required for Level 4 providers:

• All required standards as outlined for Level 2
• Participate in an environmental observation on a valid and reliable tool. A minimum score of 4.0 must be achieved for all rated classrooms.

In addition to the required standards, providers can select from the Standards of Quality and Domains to compile 31-40 points required to complete the Level 4 quality rating:

• 8 points from Classroom and Instructional Quality domain
  
• 2 points from Family and Community Engagement domain
  
• 2 points from Staff Qualifications and Professional Development domain
  
• 2 points from Administrative and Leadership Practices domain
  
• At least 17 points from any domain

All STARS Level 5

The following standards are required for Level 5 providers:

• All required standards as outlined for Level 2
• Participate in an environmental observation on a valid an reliable tool. A minimum score of 5.0 must be achieved for all rated classrooms.

In addition to the required standards, providers can select from the Standards of Quality and Domains to compile 41-50 points required to complete the Level 5 quality rating:

• 8 points from Classroom and Instructional Quality domain
  
• 2 points from Family and Community Engagement domain
  
• 2 points from Staff Qualifications and Professional Development domain
  
• 2 points from Administrative and Leadership Practices domain
  
• At least 27 points from any domain
  

Level 5 providers are considered highest quality and are eligible for initial, annual and subsidy enrollment monetary incentives while funding is available.

If you have questions about Kentucky All STARS, please email the Division of Child Care or call toll free (844) 209-2657.