YoungStar provides early childhood trainings, on-site technical consultation, and resources that are individualized to help programs achieve their educational, environmental, and professional practice goals. Each participating program is assigned a Quality Coach to guide the progress towards their goals.

All regulated programs can submit a YoungStar contract to begin their participation in the program. Providers who accept Wisconsin Shares child care subsidy payments must participate. Providers indicate on the contract if they want a rating only, or if they want the services of a Quality Coach. Selecting a Quality Coach opens access to on-site services.

Participants can select to have an automatic rating when they submit their YoungStar contract. This rating can have the following possible outcomes: 1. if the program is not accredited, they will receive a 2 Star rating indicating the program meets Wisconsin health and safety regulations; 2. If the program has achieved accreditation from a recognized professional organization, they will be rated at a higher star level. This star level is determined by YoungStar and based on the accreditation organization criteria.

By choosing to have an on-site rating by a YoungStar Quality Coach, programs are indicating they want to benefit from the guidance of a person specifically trained to assist programs in achieving higher star ratings. Quality Coaches can assist programs with understanding and navigating Wisconsin’s early learning systems, assist with understanding and application of practices that are known to have a positive impact on child development, increase understanding and implementation of best business practices, and guide programs in building solid and interactive family partnerships. The professional development guidance can assist providers in identifying their professional development path, and highlight the steps needed to achieve it.