Youngstar – 4C-For Children, Inc.

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Your YoungStar contract can be returned here:

4C For Children
1736 North 2nd Street
Milwaukee, WI 53212
Fax: (414) 562-2651

Email: 4c@4cfc.org

YoungStar Transition Coming Soon

In November 2021, DCF issued a Request for Proposal for the administration of the YoungStar Quality Rating and Improvement System, as part of the normal contracting cycle. Following extensive evaluation of proposals, DCF will contract with a new administrator, Shine Early Learning. Shine will administer all YoungStar services after completion of a transition period with the current YoungStar administrator, Supporting Families Together Association (SFTA).

NOTE: 4C For Children is contracted by Supporting Families Together Association (SFTA) which means 4C For Children will stop providing YoungStar services once Shine Early Learning begins administering the program.

Shine Early Learning, SFTA, and DCF are all committed to working together on a smooth transition, with uninterrupted, high-quality YoungStar services. Although transition details are being finalized, it is important for us to communicate the following:

Onsite consultation visits will continue to be an option within YoungStar for any program that requests it. DCF is committed to ensuring that all programs have access to onsite support now, and in the future.
SFTA and the Child Care Resource and Referral agencies will continue providing:
- Resources and referrals for families and providers
- Trainings and technical assistance
- Support for tribal nations
- Pre-licensing activities
- Project Growth activities
Shine Early Learning will be recruiting staff from within Wisconsin to ensure that regional and community knowledge continues within the program.

Once a transition timeline is in place, more detailed information will be shared through DCF’s child care listserv, the YoungStar webpages, and stakeholder group meetings.

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.

Contact YoungStar

Tiarra at ttrammell@4cfc.org

Take a look at these PDF documents produced by the State of Wisconsin.

YoungStar Brochure for Parents

YoungStar Brochure for Providers

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.

What are YoungStar services?

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.

How do programs participate in YoungStar?

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.

What is the difference between a rating only and selecting a Quality Coach or 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.