What Is YoungStar?
YoungStar is the Quality Improvement system from the State of Wisconsin Department of Children and Families. YoungStar provides a baseline rating system for child care providers. The system rates child care providers on a 1 to 5 star system. The goal of YoungStar is to reward high quality child care centers in the state. For Parents – the system offers a way of reviewing child care providers with a quick and simple star rating.
For more detailed information about Youngstar
Take a look at these PDF documents produced by the State of Wisconsin.
YoungStar Brochure for Parents
What Do The Stars Mean?
The State provides child care subsidies through Wisconsin Shares programs for low-income families. The YoungStar rating has a direct bearing on the amount of reimbursement a child care provider receives.
One Star Programs | Does not meet health and safety standards, and therefore cannot participate in YoungStar. |
Two Star Programs | Meets State of Wisconsin health and safety standards for regulated programs. |
Three Star Programs | Meets proficient levels of quality standards as determined by a YoungStar review. |
Four Star Programs | Meets elevated levels of quality standards as determined by a YoungStar review and observation process. |
Five Star Programs | Meets highest levels of quality standards as determined by a YoungStar review and observation process, or meets National Accreditation standards. |