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Your YoungStar contract can be returned to your local YoungStar office.


Kenosha, Milwaukee, Racine, Waukesha Counties

Southeastern Region YoungStar Office:

1433 North Water Street, Suite 400

Milwaukee, WI 53202

E: info@youngstarconnect.com

W: https://www.youngstarconnect.com/

P: 1- 414-312-5888


Ozaukee and Washington Counties

Northeastern Region YoungStar Office:

532 W College Avenue

Appleton, WI 54911

E: info@youngstarconnect.com

W: https://www.youngstarconnect.com/

P: 1- 920-644-5356

YoungStar is Wisconsin’s child care quality rating and improvement system. YoungStar has a five-star quality rating system for child care programs based on achievements in four categories: education of staff, learning environment & curriculum for children, business & professional practices, and practices that promote the child’s health and well-being. Each of these categories has proven to have a large influence in supporting the development and learning of young children. YoungStar ratings are provided to all early learning settings: family child care, group child care, school age programming (before/after school), and school age day camps. All programs can participate in YoungStar however, those programs receiving Wisconsin Shares subsidy must participate in YoungStar.

For more information visit the YoungStar website:
https://dcf.wisconsin.gov/youngstar/program

What Do The Stars Mean?

A YoungStar star rating is an easy-to-read way of letting providers show the level of quality care the program meets. It’s also a visual way for parents looking for care to know the program they are looking at is a regulated program that adheres to specific health, safety, and educational guides. Programs receive a rating of 1 – 5 stars.

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.