What is Delaware Stars for Early Success?
Delaware Stars for Early Success is a Quality Rating and Improvement System (QRIS). This voluntary program is used to measure, improve and communicate the level of quality in early care and education and school-age settings. Participating programs are awarded up to 5 Stars. (Currently on hold and being restructured).
What do the number of Stars mean?
Ratings for Delaware Stars are based on successful verification that the program meets high-quality standards in four areas:
The chart below compares the basic requirements of each Star Level.
Star Level | Licensing Status | wdt_ID | Quality Improvement Plan | Quality Standard Points | Essential Standards | ERS Score |
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Starting with Stars (1) | Good Standing | 1 | Writing Initial Plan | NA | NA | NA |
Star Level 2 | Good Standing | 2 | Editing and Implementing Plan | NA | NA | NA |
Star Level 3 | Good Standing | 3 | Editing and Implementing Plan | 40-59 | NA | 3.4 |
Star Level 4 | Good Standing | 4 | Editing and Implementing Plan | 60-79 | Developmental Screenings, Formative Assessments, Curriculum Planning, Staff Training | 4.4 |
Star Level 5 | Good Standing | 5 | Implementing Plan | 80-100 | Developmental Screenings, Formative Assessments, Curriculum Planning, Staff Training | 5.4 |
Alternative Pathways
Tiered Reimbursement Program
Tiered Reimbursement Program is a separate payment made monthly by the Delaware Department of Education (DOE) to Delaware Stars providers with a level of 3, 4 or 5 who accept POC. The reimbursement rate is determined by the type of program, county, children’s age, and the Delaware Star level.
Accreditation is another way a child care provider communicates the quality of their program. In order to become accredited by an agency child care providers are evaluated according to the agency’s set of rules. Some child care providers in Delaware are accredited by the following agencies. Visit their websites for more information on the rules and process for becoming accredited.