Start with Stars is a QUALITYstarsNY initiative designed to support programs that are just starting out as well as those with challenges related to meeting licensing requirements before they begin participating in QUALITYstarsNY. Start with Stars participants receive intensive support to rapidly address foundational and regulatory issues and get on the path to providing high quality early childhood education opportunities.
Over the course of their participation, programs receive frequent contact from a designated Quality Improvement Specialist (QI Specialist) who will work closely with program leadership to define improvement goals. In collaboration with their QI Specialist, the program leader will identify tailored strategies and resources needed to meet their goals. Upon demonstrating measurable progress, programs will transition into QUALITYstarsNY to continue their ongoing quality improvement efforts.
How does Start with Stars help programs?
Like QUALITYstarsNY, programs in Start with Stars benefit from a variety of resources, at no cost to participants, to support them through the quality improvement process, including:
A designated QI Specialist, an expert in the early childhood field, to provide regular support and collaborative goal-setting
Technical assistance and guidance to understand and resolve regulatory issues
Access to materials, supplies, and equipment to improve the quality of the learning environment
Professional development opportunities
…And much more!
How Does Start with Stars Compare to QUALITYstarsNY?
Start with Stars participants have the same access to a designated QI Specialist and quality improvement resources, however, Start with Stars is a short-term, intensive set of supports that focuses on regulatory compliance in order to position programs to move into QUALITYstarsNY. Programs in Start with Stars are not rated until they transition to QUALITYstarsNY.