Opting Out of "Stars" Program Because....

[Annalee]

You can do nonparticipating in tn. Still have to have the assessment but the web page will say N/P.

yes, but your stars are still listed if you click on the N/P so why put the N/P on there if public can still view your scores??? So all you are doing is electing not to participate which only affects the subsidy pay. I feel we should be allowed to n/p by opting out....what good is n/p if you still have to complete the process.

[Annalee]

In Texas, I am what is called a listed home. I can only have 3 children, I am never inspected (unless there is a complaint), can not accept subsidy kids, and can not participate in the food program. I'm fine with that-I meant to be registered but my vintage house wouldn't pass the inspection process. What strikes me as odd is that if I were a bureaucrat, I would want me on the food program so that they would have a reason to come in and make sure things aren't horrible. From what I'm hearing, listed providers are going to be phased out in the near future. If that happens, I'll quit. I'm just 1 1/2 years from drawing social security, so I'll be ok.

I'll be very, very sad though. I will miss my kids more than you can imagine.

Here's my question about the centers and stars. Most of my kids are special needs kids. They don't fit into anyone's programs. Where are they going to find providers who will take the time to feed a 2 year old by hand, mix up special things for the baby who has eating problems, do special exercises every 2 hours? What center or large home will find the time to spend as much as 5 hours a week with therapists, learning what these kids need? I'm not tooting my own horn, but my therapists tell me that I am the only person in our town who will do this. They have a waiting list of kids that they want me to take. It seems to me that there is always going to be a need for people like me-a small place with the time to devote to these kids. I shudder to think of my kids in a center. One was telling me today about a child she wants to put here. She said that every time she goes to see him, he is sitting in a corner-just sitting. If someone puts a toy in front of him, he plays with it until someone comes along and moves it. No one is doing anything to pull him out of himself. If a parent is ok with the fact that I'm not inspected, why should the government tell them they can't choose me? None of my kids will ever be affected by common core, so why take something away from them that will affect them (my daycare) and replace it with something harmful?

Ok, I jumped on my soapbox there. Sorry, but I really worry about these kids being overlooked. They don't need people with degrees in ECE. They need people with degrees in Speech therapy, PT, and OT, and they need people like me to follow the instructions of the therapists, and most of all, the need my time and attention. That's it.

Special needs children here are allowed to enter programs governed by the Dept of Education. Early intervention programs are available through licensing as well. Licensing here comes through Dept of Human Services. Both programs are for moderate to severe special needs. My nephew went there till he was 15. He is now 18 but much like a 4 yr old...and will graduate this yr so he has entered the high school with an aide to lead him throughout the day. Yes, special needs do need extra therapists and in our assessment there are items listed for that. Providers are to explain the disability to the assessor which could be as simple as autism or as severe as those you mentioned. I, personally, accept special needs as long as I do not need to hire an extra employee. You are to be commended for what you do, but just wanted to share how there are programs set in place but sometimes are from different departments. When my special needs nephew has been at his lowest...can't walk or eat, those therapists come to him often times through the week in the home....If I cannot offer appropriate care for a child, I have information to share and we work together to find placement for the child.

[KIDZRMYBIZ]

Nebraska hasn't jumped on board yet with with what has been called QRIS (Quality Rating and Improvement Scale, I think) here, although it's been in the works for over a decade. I've learned more than I want to know about it, and if ever goes into effect, I don't think any mixed-age home providers can *honestly* fulfill the expectations. Some are just not practicle at best (allowing children to have full access to music any time they wish) to downright dangerous (allowing children access to art materials and sensory tables any time they wish). If, and when, it ever happens, it will most likely be a turning point for me.

Now, I am probably going to catch a lot of he!! for saying this, but I do not need to be called a "professional childcare provider" if this rating system is what it entails. I will proudly wear the badge of "babysitter" if I can just keep things the way they are right now.

[Heidi]

Nebraska hasn't jumped on board yet with with what has been called QRIS (Quality Rating and Improvement Scale, I think) here, although it's been in the works for over a decade. I've learned more than I want to know about it, and if ever goes into effect, I don't think any mixed-age home providers can *honestly* fulfill the expectations. Some are just not practicle at best (allowing children to have full access to music any time they wish) to downright dangerous (allowing children access to art materials and sensory tables any time they wish). If, and when, it ever happens, it will most likely be a turning point for me.

Now, I am probably going to catch a lot of he!! for saying this, but I do not need to be called a "professional childcare provider" if this rating system is what it entails. I will proudly wear the badge of "babysitter" if I can just keep things the way they are right now.

I agree. For years, I've fought for "childcare provider" and resented babysitter.

Our stars program is all about using words like "classroom" and "teacher". Even with my ECE degree almost completed, and the ability to DO what teachers do, I don't want a classroom, the duties, or the label. I am a child CARE provider, and proud to be one. A 5 month old or a 2 year old doesn't need a TEACHER. They need to be cared for.

[Annalee]

[/B]

I agree. For years, I've fought for "childcare provider" and resented babysitter.

Our stars program is all about using words like "classroom" and "teacher". Even with my ECE degree almost completed, and the ability to DO what teachers do, I don't want a classroom, the duties, or the label. I am a child CARE provider, and proud to be one. A 5 month old or a 2 year old doesn't need a TEACHER. They need to be cared for.

I think in the beginning here, providers simply wanted to be respected for providing QUALITY child care. The importance of our job has been belittled many times throughout the years and we thought we could change that....BUT it didn't happen. You are right, the state/QRIS/National agendas had other things in mind. I knew a few years ago when the state began paying for our ECE education and some completed CDA, AS/BS degrees, Accreditation that there was a hidden motive. Hindsight is 20/20. All providers can do here now is accept, go underground or quit.

[e.j.]

I don't want a classroom, the duties, or the label. I am a child CARE provider, and proud to be one. A 5 month old or a 2 year old doesn't need a TEACHER. They need to be cared for.

Couldn't agree more!!

[Laurel]

I lost track of this thread and am just getting back to it. I am getting the feeling that we don't like STARS

Just a few comments on various things that have been said.

I get that the people who implement these programs want them to continue because if they don't they will lose their jobs BUT what I don't get is how it benefits a state financially. If there was no QRIS (STARS) program then that money could be used elsewhere. My comment early on meant "How does the state benefit from having the STARS program at all?" because if they collect money for it then logically it would be used for the program. Unless they can skim money off of it for other things?? Is that what some of you mean who say the state is in it for the money? I am just trying to understand not be snarky or anything. I don't get how they are making 'extra money' off of it....if they are.

Another comment about food stamps that those on food stamps should be educated on nutrition, etc. and only allowed to buy certain things... Basically we should severely limit how they use them. I don't agree. Just because people receive food stamps doesn't mean they aren't knowlegable in what they should and shouldn't eat. I do agree that they shouldn't be allowed to buy cleaning products and non food items but other than that no restrictions. It just seems a little too 'big brother' to me. Either give me food stamps or not but don't tell me what I can and cannot eat.

Laurel

[Unregistered]

Stars

I am actually a registered user who can't seem to get my password and email straight! That said, I have always gotten great advice here! I am so happy to see this thread and the comments! I have almost the same situation in my tiny little "center" as Sugar, but actually am a group home listing like Black Cat. I have a degree in ECE and am completely frustrated by the stars requirements. I am in PA. Participating in the stars program will not in any way benefit my program. In fact, as many have said, it will drive me out of business and I am just getting started!! I only have a few little ones at the moment. NONE of their parents inquired about stars at all. It wasn't even part of the conversation. My licensor from the office of child welfare spends more time trying to talk me into the stars program than worrying about whether my little operation is providing quality care and education. It scares me the direction we are going

[Blackcat31]

Negatives of QRIS

Interesting.....

The research shows that QRIS programs are expensive and difficult to administer, that state funding to sustain QRIS in the future may not be available, that QRIS programs do not raise learning or social development outcomes for students, and that QRIS will tend to eliminate the jobs of people working in small, family group care providers.

http://www.washingtonpolicy.org/publications/legislative/qris-rating-systems-do-not-improve-learning-or-social-development-children

[Annalee]

Interesting.....

The research shows that QRIS programs are expensive and difficult to administer, that state funding to sustain QRIS in the future may not be available, that QRIS programs do not raise learning or social development outcomes for students, and that QRIS will tend to eliminate the jobs of people working in small, family group care providers.

http://www.washingtonpolicy.org/publ...pment-children

Ohhhh BC, I sure wish the funding would disappear and the QRIS along with it. happyfacehappyfacehappyface

[Blackcat31]

This is another interesting "review" of the QRIS program

She actually makes a lot of really good and valid points...something to think about for sure

http://www.mothers2others.com/blog/?p=1

[Heidi]

Interesting.....

The research shows that QRIS programs are expensive and difficult to administer, that state funding to sustain QRIS in the future may not be available, that QRIS programs do not raise learning or social development outcomes for students, and that QRIS will tend to eliminate the jobs of people working in small, family group care providers.

http://www.washingtonpolicy.org/publ...pment-children

Thank you for finding this! I am sharing it with my union reps. They have been fighting this all along.


OK, I just read this and it is sooo SPOT ON!

Isn't this what every one of us have been saying for the past 3 years????!

[Blackcat31]

QRIS programs rate the quality of a facility based on the presence of various inputs. None of the measures assess whether or to what extent a child care facility is improving learning outcomes for children, or whether children are better prepared to enter kindergarten.

A recent report from the Washington Department of Early Learning about QRIS systems acknowledges this fact:

“However, currently, there is still no empirical research that specifically
links effectiveness of QRIS programs throughout the nation to child
outcomes and whether children are better prepared for school as a result of
QRIS models.”

An extensive evaluation of Colorado’s QRIS program, one of the longest running in the country, found no correlation between a child care facility’s star
rating and improvement in children’s cognitive and social development.

http://www.washingtonpolicy.org/sites/default/files/Nov.%202009%20QRIS_PN.pdf

Pennsylvania’s QRIS program cost $62.7 million!!!! Just to find out that:

1. QRIS programs measure inputs, not actual outcomes for children
2. QRIS programs are expensive and complicated to administer
3. QRIS participation rates are low
4. QRIS ratings are limited in scope and often not shared with the public, so
they cannot guide decision making by parents and families

[Heidi]

QRIS programs rate the quality of a facility based on the presence of various inputs. None of the measures assess whether or to what extent a child care facility is improving learning outcomes for children, or whether children are better prepared to enter kindergarten.

A recent report from the Washington Department of Early Learning about QRIS systems acknowledges this fact:

“However, currently, there is still no empirical research that specifically
links effectiveness of QRIS programs throughout the nation to child
outcomes and whether children are better prepared for school as a result of
QRIS models.”

An extensive evaluation of Colorado’s QRIS program, one of the longest running in the country, found no correlation between a child care facility’s star
rating and improvement in children’s cognitive and social development.

http://www.washingtonpolicy.org/sites/default/files/Nov.%202009%20QRIS_PN.pdf

Pennsylvania’s QRIS program cost $62.7 million!!!! Just to find out that:

1. QRIS programs measure inputs, not actual outcomes for children
2. QRIS programs are expensive and complicated to administer
3. QRIS participation rates are low
4. QRIS ratings are limited in scope and often not shared with the public, so
they cannot guide decision making by parents and families

BC-did you happen to see the date on that memo? FEBRUARY 2012. In the meantime, more money continues to be dumped into this, while the food stamps that actually FEED these children are being cut.

[Blackcat31]

BC-did you happen to see the date on that memo? FEBRUARY 2012. In the meantime, more money continues to be dumped into this, while the food stamps that actually FEED these children are being cut.

I know!

They've know for some time now that this is NOT the answer but I guess that doesn't matter.