| Participation |
Participation in STARS for KIDS NOW was completely voluntary. Programs could enroll or dis-enroll at any time. |
Programs accepting public funds must participate in All STARS. Opt-out is available for programs not receiving public funds. |
| Enrollment |
Centers could apply to participate 6 months after initial licensure and could enter at any quality level. Centers could not participate as a Level 1 for longer than two years. |
Centers are automatically enrolled as a Level 1 center upon preliminary licensure or certification. Certified providers can apply to move up immediately. Licensed programs can apply upon regular licensure. Programs may remain at Level 1 indefinitely. |
| Domains and Standards |
STARS for KIDS NOW operated as a block quality rating and improvement system, meaning specific requirements were associated with each level of quality. |
All STARS is a tiered quality rating and improvement system. All providers at level 2-5 must meet the same 5 required standards. Providers at level 3-5 must meet point requirements at each level. Providers can choose from a selection of standards in each domain to meet the required points. This tiered system provides greater flexibility for providers to demonstrate how high quality is achieved. |
| Certificate Period |
Certificate length based on level:
Level 1 - 1 year from date of issue
Level 2 - 2 years from date of issue
Level 3 - 3 years from date of issue
Level 4 - 4 years from date of issue
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Level 2-5 certificates expire on the participant’s license renewal date that most approximates three years from date of issue. Level 1 certificates do not expire. |
| ERS Visit |
ERS visits were required for levels 2-4. Minimum scores were required at each level. Improvement goals were required for level 2 providers. Classroom scores for each scale were averaged for the final rating. ERS visit was required for each new rating. |
ERS visit is required for levels 3-5. No minimum score is required for Level 3. The final score is determined by the lowest score from each scale. A new ERS visit is required for each new rating. |
| Monetary Incentives |
Initial and annual achievement awards were granted at all levels. Awards for serving CCAP children (Quality Incentive) was available for levels 2-4. Quality enhancement awards were available for level 4. |
No monetary incentives are available at level 1. Initial and annual achievement awards are granted to levels 2-5. Award for serving CCAP children (Subsidy Enrollment Award) is available for levels 3-5. |
| Annual Quality Review |
Interim Report was due each year except on renewal year for all programs level 2-4. Interim Report was due on certificate anniversary date. Failure to submit Interim Reports resulted in revocation of certificate. |
Annual Quality Review (AQR) due each year except on renewal year for all programs level 2-5. AQR due on license renewal date. Failure to submit an AQR results in reduction to level 1. |
| Re-evaluation |
A participant could request a re-evaluation at least 6 months after the issuance of a quality rating. The cabinet could request re-evaluation based on specific indicators as outlined in the SFKN regulation. |
A participant may request a re-evaluation at least 3 months after a quality rating, not to exceed 2 ratings in a 12 month period. The cabinet can request re-evaluation based on specific indicators as outlined in the All STARS regulation. |
| Conditions Requiring Revocation |
Quality rating certificates will be revoked in the following circumstances:
Immediate closure
Denial of re-licensure
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No changes |
| Appeals |
Provider could choose to appeal if the cabinet or its designee determined that a participant did not meet the rating level standards for which the center was certified. |
No changes |
| System Supports |
Public-facing quality ratings were shared through the Child Care Provider Search.
Providers could track ratings and deadlines through the KICCS Provider Portal. All documentation was submitted through fax, mail, or email.
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Public-facing quality ratings are shared through the Benefind Child Care Provider Search. Providers will have access to the expanded KICCS Provider Portal for All STARS by Fall 2018. Documentation is currently submitted via fax, mail, or email. Upon KICCS implementation, all documentation will be submitted electronically through the KICCS Provider Portal. |