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Wow. This is really interesting and sad. I have some questions though.
Is the YoungStar rating program mandatory? It seems like it might be. I was really surprised to see that a daycare would receive a lower subsidy amount from the state for having 2 stars... a flat rate for 3 stars... and a little bit extra for having 4 and 5 stars. Isn't even having just 1 star better than the bare minimum standards for licensing? It seems like the program penalizes day cares rather than helping them.
MN is launching a rating program called Parent Aware. Right now it's optional. I wonder if it will eventually be mandatory.
Anyone know anything about the "massive daycare fraud" that the article mentions? -
Every time I see things like this it makes me continue to rethink my future in childcare. Illinois is launching their ExcelleRate program, with mandatory participation by 2016. Unlike a lot of you here, I really don't want to run a center type program, or invite even more oversight (I.e., intrusion) into my day.
At the end of the day, my kids are happy and healthy & my families are happy and content. I don't see any sort of stars mattering to me at all.Comment
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Yes, massive fraud was a group of providers in a large city, who committed major fraud by claiming attendance for children who didn't attend, created rings of providers watching other providers kids for subsidy money, but then never actually taking the kids, etc. Unfortunately, a good portion of that $ was also providers who had never been properly trained on how to bill the state, and those that committed clerical errors. They all got swept with the same big brushComment
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I don't know, how similar my system is..
Oklahoma has a "reaching for the stars", star based rating system. But there is absolutely NO correlation between quality and stars, and that's not even my personal opinion, my licensor and most parents will tell you that.
In order to get anything above a 1 star, you must take state subsidy payments. In OK, daycares aren't allowed to charge the parents the difference between their actual rate a state subsidy reimbursement (the reimbursement rate is 40% of my actual rate). So that is my main reason for not participating.
So yes, we are all rated and have to be part of the "stars" program, but we just basically ignore the stars system. We have a one star, and it doesn't seem to affect our business. Here there are way more 1 star daycares, because of the fact that no one wants to accept state subsidy and their dismal rates.Comment
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My state's Stars program is called Great Start to Quality. It's not mandatory here yet, but I did it and received 3 stars and so far am the only one in my area who has any stars as far as I know. I was apprehensive at first because like some of you stated, I don't want to run a center like home, but after completing the assessment, I saw that I can still be a home daycare and I don't have to be like a center. But to get 4 or 5 stars, the requirements go up and that's when home childcare's seem like they have to be like a center. I will admit that I probably will never get 4 or 5 stars, but in reality I don't really want to either. The requirements are not feasible for me to even be able to complete and stay in business or run my childcare how I want to.
I am personally proud of my STARS rating and believe that I run a quality program, but at the same time, I don't look down on anyone who doesn't participate. You could have 5 stars and run a crappy or great program or have 1 and run a crappy or great program. Here, unless you have 4 or 5 stars, no one comes out to check if you are doing what you say you are. All I had to do was upload documents for proof and then someone goes over them and then you get your star.
I am in the middle of whether I think the program is beneficial or not. It's fairly new here. I had a conversation the other day with someone on here, I have had not 1 referral from the state. I don't think most parents even know of the program! You would think the requirements would be the same across the board for every state though. If I had to do some of the requirements that some of you have to do, I don't think I would have the rating that I do have!
Just some thoughts
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ignore thisComment
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You are now where I was 4 years ago in my thinking.
I still agree, I want to provide childCARE... not Early Childhood Education.
Unfortunately, it is no longer an option in my State. Curriculums, Ratings, etc. are now mandatory.
It is an adjustment, but can become enjoyable. Honestly "curriculum" only takes up a couple hours a day (plus paperwork, photos and other "proof" you do it.
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- Unless otherwise stated, all my posts are personal opinion and worth what you paid for them.
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That's where Illinois is heading now, too. There's already a "stars" type system in place but few providers participate. I think it's less than 150 statewide at this point.You are now where I was 4 years ago in my thinking. I still agree, I want to provide childCARE... not Early Childhood Education.
Unfortunately, it is no longer an option in my State. Curriculums, Ratings, etc. are now mandatory.
It is an adjustment, but can become enjoyable. Honestly "curriculum" only takes up a couple hours a day (plus paperwork, photos and other "proof" you do it. )
Honestly if it weren't for my granddaughter being in my care right now I think I'd already be exploring other options. I'm keeping fingers crossed for more grandbabies so I guess I'd better make up my mind to go in full bore since I just can't envision someone else caring for them lovethis.
I'm glad to hear it's not as onerous as it seems
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