STARS Program?

[morgan24]

Right now I'm at 2 stars, but they're going to call me Monday and go over it. I agree, noone even knows about it Waste of time IMO. So what is entailed in getting your CDA?

There's not a lot involved in getting it. I have to write a couple of essay's, take 10 hours of training in observation which I'll be able to use for my 10 for the state anyway so that is win. 120 hours of training but I can use all my training logs from my state trainings so I don't think I'll need more. Then put together a bunch of information and she will asscess it. I'll know more later this month. They pay the $425 gave me the CDA book. I have to pay $65 but when I'm done they pay me $300 I come out ahead.

[Annalee]

There's not a lot involved in getting it. I have to write a couple of essay's, take 10 hours of training in observation which I'll be able to use for my 10 for the state anyway so that is win. 120 hours of training but I can use all my training logs from my state trainings so I don't think I'll need more. Then put together a bunch of information and she will asscess it. I'll know more later this month. They pay the $425 gave me the CDA book. I have to pay $65 but when I'm done they pay me $300 I come out ahead.

To get the CDA in my state, I had to complete 4 college classes, then go through an observation and testing. It wasn't hard, though and the state paid for it all.

[Josiegirl]

I've earned 3 STARS and it wasn't that bad. Then I started working towards my 4th STAR but that level requires a home assessment(that was the only thing I had left to finish) which our local mentor was certified to do. Then the state changed their minds and hired 2 'professionals' to do them. I love the mentor, she is terrific! But as soon as they hired 2 others, earning my 4th STAR has been put on hold. I have a training coming up specifically about what their assessment expects so I can't wait to take it.
It might very well change in the future but at the moment, none of the requirements have been that difficult to achieve. And the bonuses/awards have been well worth it.
And hey, everybody's doin' it!

[Annalee]

I've earned 3 STARS and it wasn't that bad. Then I started working towards my 4th STAR but that level requires a home assessment(that was the only thing I had left to finish) which our local mentor was certified to do. Then the state changed their minds and hired 2 'professionals' to do them. I love the mentor, she is terrific! But as soon as they hired 2 others, earning my 4th STAR has been put on hold. I have a training coming up specifically about what their assessment expects so I can't wait to take it.
It might very well change in the future but at the moment, none of the requirements have been that difficult to achieve. And the bonuses/awards have been well worth it.
And hey, everybody's doin' it!

If licensing or mentors could do my assessments, I would be more accommodating as well...but we get what you called the "others".... people with Bachelors degrees and most of them have never worked, nor stepped foot in daycare until they were chosen for the job to be an assessor. Even in NAFCC accreditation, you are observed by an FCC provider. That is fair! Being assessed by someone that has read a book to go by is NOT fair! Too much left to interpretation/perception and my report card hangs in the balance.