The duration of participation in Start with Stars is short-term (6 months) while QUALITYstarsNY participation is ongoing. In Start with Stars, programs meet more frequently with their Quality Improvement Specialist. Start with Stars programs are not rated until they transition into QUALITYstarsNY, after which they have access to the full range of QUALITYstarsNY resources.

RFA 1 grant awardees are required to participate in Start with Stars whereas RFA 2 grantees may participate if they meet one of the Start with Stars eligibility criteria.