QUALITYstarsNY is New York State’s quality improvement and recognition system for early childhood programs of all kinds.  It is designed to recognize programs that demonstrate quality above and beyond meeting New York State Office of Children and Family Services licensing regulations.  QUALITYstarsNY is designed to help improve program quality by providing supports such as technical assistance and professional development. The quality of participating programs at five levels – One Star to Five Stars – will be communicated to the public to support families in their search for early childhood services.  Participation in QUALITYstarsNY is voluntary; programs that do participate will gain access to support services and financial resources.  Once QUALITYstarsNY is launched, any program that is regulated by the State of New York or the City of New York will be able to apply for a One Star rating by completing a simple application.

More information is available here:  http://www.qualitystarsny.org  

The field test phase of QUALITYstarsNY is currently underway.  This field test will provide data to guide decisions necessary for statewide implementation of QUALITYstarsNY. 

Westchester County has been selected as one of 13 communities across New York State to participate in the QUALITYstarsNY field test.  The Child Care Council of Westchester, Inc. is the Lead Agency for Westchester, and will address questions and concerns and assist participating programs throughout the field test process.

20 local participants will be selected by the Center for Assessment and Policy Development to participate in the field test. Applications will be accepted through March 5, 2010. To apply on-line, go to:

www.surveymonkey.com/s/SchoolCenterApplication
www.surveymonkey.com/s/FamilyHomeApplication