What is Look for the Stars?

• Look for the Stars is a quality rating system that contains five levels. The higher the Star Level, the higher the level of quality.
• 1-Star programs must meet minimum licensing regulations.
• Each Star Level requires a provider to continue to meet higher quality standards in the following areas:
  • Staff training and education
    Well-trained staff help raise the quality of services given to children and families.
  • Environment
    The environment affects the way children behave, develop and learn.
  • Daily learning activities
    Daily learning activities reflect each child’s individual interests, growth and development.
  • Family involvement
    Family involvement helps staff make learning meaningful to children.
  • Assessment
    Assessment allows staff to observe and document children’s progress and share information with parents.
  • Ratios and group size
    Research shows that fewer children per adult and smaller group size result in positive outcomes for children.
• A license with five stars indicates that the child care program is accredited and has met the highest level of quality.
• As a program’s Star Level increases, their reimbursement from Child Care Services increases.

Why was Look for the Stars created?

• To help parents identify quality child care programs.
• To encourage child care programs to continue to improve their quality of care.
• To recognize child care programs that provide quality child care.

How can Look for the Stars help me?

The number of stars on a child care provider’s license tells you the level of quality criteria that program has met. A license will have one, two, three, four or five filled-in stars on it.

Click here to download documents needed to become a 2, 3, or 4 STAR program.

For more information, please contact your local Training & Technical Assistance Program or the Office of Child Development.