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FAQs

Boy and girl walking together
General Questions

What is STARS?
STARS is a Vermont initiative designed to expand the ways providers are recognized and rewarded for program quality. The STARS program is a public-private partnership created and led by the Child Development Division of the Vermont Department for Children & Families.
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How was STARS created?
The Child Development Division reviewed recognition systems from other states, took their strongest elements and combined them with feedback from providers, parents, children’s mental health practitioners and other community members. STARS is funded by the Child Development Division and generous private funders.
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How many children in Vermont are in child care programs?
An estimated 36,000 children attend a child care, early education or after school program each week. Over 70% of Vermont women with children under six years old are in the workforce. STARS is just one way that the state and its community partners are working for quality care for these children and their parents.
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2 young boys playing the pianoImage courtesy of Mary Johnson Children's Center

What's the difference between licensing and STARS?
Licensing reflects the current requirements of many state statutes related to the health, safety and welfare of Vermont’s children. Registered and licensed providers must comply with all of Vermont laws including related health, safety or welfare regulations. STARS providers have demonstrated that they have exceeded those basic expectations, and are working to further improve the facilities and care they offer.
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How does STARS relate to accreditation?
STARS and national accreditation are both indicators of quality. Providers with national accreditation or STARS recognition have met voluntary standards for child care that are higher than most state licensing requirements. The National Association for the Education of Young Children (NAEYC), the National Association for Family Child Care (NAFCC), and the National Afterschool Association (NAA) are the largest organizations that accredit child care programs.
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I've heard about Building Bright Futures and our Building Bright Futures
Council... Are they involved in STARS?
The Building Bright Futures State Council, composed of 19 members, was established by Executive Order in June 2006. The purpose of the Building Bright Futures Council is to ensure that all Vermont children are healthy and successful by improving the quality, affordability and accessibility of services in health, early care and education for families with children under the age of six. The State Council’s four priorities are to improve the system, develop an infrastructure to support an integrated system, advise departments on policy development, and advise the governor on early childhood issues. Locally, 12 Building Bright Futures Regional Councils, each with a director, engage the region in early childhood issues, communicate gaps in service to the State Council and develop, implement and monitor early childhood regional plans designed to improve outcomes for families with young children.

The Building Bright Futures State Council supports STARS as a strategy to improve access to high quality child care, preschool and afterschool programs. The Building Bright Futures executive director is a member of the STARS Oversight Committee, and the Building Bright Futures regional directors support the STARS program by raising awareness about the program and encouraging participation. 

For more information about Building Bright Futures go to www.buildingbrightfutures.org.
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Getting Involved with STARS

How can community businesses and groups support STARS?
Local business and organizations can play a major role in ensuring quality child care right in their communities. STARS hopes to build additional private support for provider bonuses and recognition. Community organizations can become STARS partners on a state or local level by donating goods, services or capital. Groups or businesses interested in supporting STARS can contact Jan Walker at info@starsstepahead.org.
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What is a public/private partnership? What does this mean for STARS?
Public/private partnerships are ventures or services funded through a joining of a government entity and one or more private companies. They are used to provide essential services without having to raise taxes. Combining the resources of private and public enterprises also can provide better, more efficient services. This means that private funding can improve the scope and quality of STARS.
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Who can I contact in my community if I have questions about STARS?
If you, your business, or your organization has questions about STARS, please contact Jan Walker of the Child Development Division at info@starsstepahead.org. If you are looking for information on a local level or information from participants, try contacting a local STARS provider, who may be able to answer some of your questions.
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How can I find the providers in my community who are participating?
A list of programs can be found on the STARS Providers Map, or you can call the Child Development Division at 1-800-649-2642.
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