Quality Standards
A Framework for High Quality Early Care and Education
QUALITYstarsNY Standards represent the best practices and policies in early childhood care and education. Developed by leading experts in the field of early childhood learning and development from across the state and then validated by research, QUALITYstarsNY Standards are used to assess and rate the quality of an early childhood program.
Programs earn points toward their rating for meeting these key quality indicators, and receive a 1-5 Star rating. A rating of 4 and 5 Stars indicates a high quality early care and education program.
Learn more about the QUALITYstarsNY Rating Process or Points System.
Abbreviated Standards
Additionally, programs that already comply with a set of high quality requirements through Head Start or either NAEYC or NAFCC Accreditation have an abbreviated set of Standards that takes into account the complimentary nature of these requirements and the QUALITYstarsNY Standards.
Four Key Areas of Quality
QUALITYstarsNY assesses four key areas that work together to create a high quality early childhood program where children, families, and providers can thrive.
In a high quality environment, spaces are clean, safe and inviting for children to play, learn, and grow. Equipment, materials, and planned activities stimulate learning. Adults interact with children in nurturing, respectful, and responsive ways.
Family engagement is the way staff work with families to advance their child’s development and support household stability. Family members should feel respected, welcomed, and invited to participate in decisions that affect their child. Communication with families is regular and culturally responsive.
Programs known for their excellence have teachers with knowledge and experience in child development and early education.
Strong leadership and management supports the entire early childhood program. Leaders set a vision for the program and establish policies to ensure the program functions properly and staff are supported, which allows educators and families to focus on the children.
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Find the Right Program
Download our checklist for parents to spot high quality practices when looking for a care and education program for your child.
Standards Inventory Guide & FAQ
Our user guide and FAQ is designed to help our participants complete their Standards Inventory as part of the Rating Process. The FAQ has been updated with a section specifically addressing questions related to the Standards Inventory process during the COVID-19 pandemic.