The STAR Quality Child Care Program is another part of the state's comprehensive plan to provide more information to parents and improve the quality of child care in Tennessee . It is a voluntary program for child care providers that encourages and recognizes quality child care programs. If you receive reimbursements for accepting certificate children and you participate in the Star-Quality Child Care Program, you will receive higher reimbursement rates for these children.

Who can participate in this program?

To determine whether you are eligible to participate in this program, your counselor will use your evaluation results to calculate a rating for each of the areas on which you were evaluated and an overall rating - one, two, or three stars - for your program. If your report card evaluation indicates that your agency would be eligible to receive at least one star for the Star-Quality Child Care Program, you will receive an application to participate in this program.

What will my program be rated on?

Your licensing counselor will rate your program using the same information you supplied for your evaluation. You will not be asked to supply any additional information. You will be rated on the same criteria on which you were evaluated. Your Program Evaluator will calculate your facility's rating for each area and also give you an overall rating. You can receive up to three stars in each area and up to three stars for your overall rating.

Your program's overall rating will be determined by totaling the ratings you receive for all areas and averaging the total. If your program is accredited by a DHS-recognized agency, you may also be eligible to have one point added to your total before it is averaged. Based on your average, you will be awarded one, two, or three stars for your overall rating.

Everyone who participates in the Quality Program will be sent a new Quality Program report card with your overall rating printed on it. In addition, you will be sent stars to attach to your license. If you are a one-star program, you will receive one star to place on your license. If you are a two-star program, you will receive two stars for your license. If you are a three-star program, you will receive three stars for your license.

This new report card and the stars on your license will signify your participation in this important quality improvement initiative.

How will my program's rating affect my certificate reimbursement rate?

If your program receives reimbursements for accepting certificate children and you receive a one-star overall rating, you will receive a reimbursement rate that is 5% above the base rate established by the Department. If you receive a two-star overall rating, you will receive a reimbursement rate that 15% above the base rate; and if you receive a three-star overall rating, you will receive a rate that is 20% above the base rate.

How do I apply to the Star-Quality Child Care Program?

The application process for the Star-Quality Child Care Program is very simple. If you are eligible to participate in this program, your program evaluator will send you a letter asking if you do not wish to participate. If you wish to participate, and are eligible, do nothing and you will automatically be registered in the Star-Quality program. If you do not wish to participate, fill out the request letter to not participate and send it in.

Are there any additional fees for participating?

No, there are no additional fees for participating in the Quality Program.

How will I know the results of my rating?

You Program Evaluator will tell you your overall rating - one, two, or three stars - in a letter sent with the request to not participate, your new license, and your initial report card. The new report card and the stars on your license will let parents and other know that you qualified for and chose to participate in Star-Quality Child Care Program.

Will I have to reapply for the Star-Quality Program?

Yes, each year your program will be evaluated as part of your licensing renewal process. If you are still qualified to participate in the Quality Program, your Program Evaluator will send you your new license, the evaluation program report card, and the Quality Program application form.

What if I have questions about my ratings?

If you have questions about your ratings or your report card, call your program evaluator.

How can I obtain more information?

If you would like to learn more about the Star-Quality Child Care Program, contact your DHS Program Evaluator or your local Child Care Resource and Referral office and ask to speak with a Resource and Referral Specialist.