Studies show children in high-quality early
learning programs develop stronger math, language and social skills at an earlier age. Kentucky
All STARS is Kentucky's expanded five-star quality rating and improvement system
for Type I, Type II child care centers, as well as certified family child care homes.
A child care provider's Kentucky All STARS rating can be viewed in the Public Child Care Search. Families can also access additional information, including the provider's physical address, ages served, participation in the Child Care Assistance Program (CCAP), and inspection reports.
If you need assistance because you do not speak English or have a disability, help is available at no cost. Free language assistance, interpreter services and other aids are available upon request. To access free interpreter services, call 866-291-8931.
Si no habla inglés o tiene una discapacidad, usted puede solicitar asistencia lingüística y 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 early care and education 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
- Administrative and Leadership Practices
Providers 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.
Kentucky All STARS providers also have access to technical assistance coaches who provide guidance on 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 the 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 Level 1. Programs with a preliminary license must remain at Level 1.
All STARS Level 2
The following standards are required for Level 2 providers:
- Five percent of teaching staff have professional learning activities in developmental screening.
- Complete an environmental self-assessment using a valid and reliable tool appropriate for the ages and settings of children served.
- Program administrator, site administrator and director receive ten hours of professional learning in curriculum, instructional practices, or teaching and learning, or have an approved early childhood credential or degree.
- Five percent of teaching staff receive ten hours of professional learning in curriculum, instructional practices, 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 using a valid and reliable tool. No minimum required score.
In addition to meeting 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:
- Eight points from the Classroom and Instructional Quality domain.
- Two points from the Family and Community Engagement domain.
- Two points from the Staff Qualifications and Professional Development domain.
- Two points from the Administrative and Leadership Practices domain.
- At least seven 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 using a valid and reliable tool. A minimum score of 4.0 must be achieved for all rated classrooms.
In addition to meeting the required standards, providers can select from the
Standards of Quality and Domains to compile the 31-40 points required to complete the Level 4 quality rating:
- Eight points from the Classroom and Instructional Quality domain.
- Two points from the Family and Community Engagement domain.
- Two points from the Staff Qualifications and Professional Development domain
- Two points from the 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 using a valid and reliable tool. A minimum score of 5.0 must be achieved for all rated classrooms.
In addition to meeting 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:
- Eight points from the Classroom and Instructional Quality domain.
- Two points from the Family and Community Engagement domain.
- Two points from the Staff Qualifications and Professional Development domain.
- Two points from the Administrative and Leadership Practices domain.
- At least 27 points from any domain.
Level 5 providers are considered as achieving the highest level of quality within the program. Level 5 providers 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 1-844- 209-2657.