Kentucky's quality rating system for child care facilities is undergoing some changes. State Cabinet for Health and Family Services Secretary Audrey Tayse-Haynes says the STARS for KIDS NOW program is being updated to help the state be more efficient and confirm that childcare facilities are providing the best care. "This will help to ensure that we, as taxpayers, are getting a quality product out of it, and parents are getting a quality product with the overall goal making sure our kids are able to start school," said Tayse-Haynes
The Kentucky General Assembly this year approved an expansion of the STARS system to include all school based and private programs that receive public funding. A ceremonial bill signing was staged Monday at Lexington's Family Care Center. Tayse-Haynes says private providers have the option of whether or not to sign up for All Stars. "They will not be mandated to get involved but certainly parents that can pay the full amount of their child care versus parents that don't, they all love their children the same, right? And they all want the same quality outcomes," added Tayse-Haynes.
The redesign is supported with federal Race to the Top funds with money going to provide hands-on, on-site coaching, technical assistance, and affordable training to child care providers.?
