Do I have to participate in QUALITYstarsNY / Start with Stars if I am awarded a Child Care Deserts Grant?

Yes, all Child Care Deserts Grant Awardees must participate in QUALITYstarsNY or its Start with Stars Initiative.

RFA 1 grant awardees are expected to participate in Start with Stars. They must start the application process for QUALITYstarsNY/Start with Stars within 30 days of their grant award date.

RFA 2 grant awardees are expected to participate in QUALITYstarsNY unless they meet the general eligibility criteria for Start with Stars. These programs would be eligible to participate in Start with Stars if they are either:

• A new program first licensed within the last year
• Have new program leadership
• Need support to address challenges related to meeting licensing requirements

If the program does not meet these criteria, they will participate in QUALITYstarsNY.