Stars

[Josiegirl]

Isn’t it dishonest to get stuff out for the inspection then put it away after. The star rating is based on our “extra or above and beyond”. In my area providers get more money per star for state pay children. Isn’t this dishonesty taking away from what we stated we were providing/doing on our applications for our stars? Isn’t it in a way scamming the government out of more money? My opinion, yes.

Yes, it definitely is. To me, it also takes away any credibility out of any program rated with high Stars because you have to wonder how much has been fudged in the paperwork of the whole process and how much is genuine. Plus of the very few 5 Star programs locally(most are centers) I hear so often through the parental grapevine 'I wouldn't bring my child there!'
Which brings up another topic. Do they ever interview or ask parents that attend these Stars programs, what's important to them? I truly believe parents should be much more involved when it comes to having a say of what actually makes a 'quality' program. Bet they could care less about the paperwork end of it or how many times baby Jimmy's diapers were changed. I also bet many wouldn't care about the parental involvement part of it either; what I mean is attending potluck dinners, seasonal parties or get-togethers I used to have as part of meeting that part of Stars requirement. All the times we ever did anything community related, there'd be maybe 1-2 parents who were very helpful and enjoyed doing anything but that was it. A lot of times I felt parents were feeling put out and stressed because of family engagement. Maybe I'm the odd ball here.

[Annalee]

QRIS is a game here and the provider decides how far they want to play it. Rumor is "unannounced" assessments are in the works. There have been many Q & A sessions in the past month for input how to make QRIS better and more Provider-friendly It will never be provider friendly in my opinion. There has to be a better way! A degree-certified Assessor whom I see for 4-6 hours once a year should not have the power to give me a grade that defines me for another year.

Yes, it is deceitful to count math or science items more during assessment time but who wants to fail the grade and have a "0" on their report card. Personally, I like emergent curriculum the best but QRIS doesn't allow for that....they dictate your supplies, play materials and how often you use them throughout the day.

FWIW, I received my annual report card today and had my assessment in January. Yep, I scored well as usual but should not have to spend four months of of my 12 month year EVERY YEAR relicensing for another year.

My suggestion to the state is to perform QRIS assessment every 3 years and make them voluntary. Right now they are annually and are mandatory within the law for all licensed facilities. Nope, they won't listen to that either.

[LostMyMarbles]

I didn't realize it was all about money

It’s all about the Benjamin’s baby! Lol

[Cat Herder]

Rumor is "unannounced" assessments are in the works.

That is how it has always been, here. You complete your application, portfolio and hours then submit. They can show up at any time in the next 30 days.

[Cat Herder]

I didn't realize it was all about money

Not for everyone. Once they started advertising daycare ratings on TV, telling parents that we must **** if we are not rated, it kind of tied our hands.

Almost twenty-five successful years in business and this is how I must stoop.

So, yeah. I play the game when I must.

[LostMyMarbles]

The first year I did a star rating, there was a $500 sign up bonus. After that there has been no kind of bonuses whatsoever for renewing your stars. The benefit of the star rating is to help out with those parents that receive the DHS or state pay daycare. In my specific area, I do not get DHS parents. That bonus was a one time deal. We do not get yearly bonuses we do not get offered grants regularly.

I do my star rating for me andnot for anybody else. In my area there are only a few of us that have a star rating. At least when I interview parents I can say I have a star rating.If nothing else, it does make you look like you are going above and beyond.I still do not have a DHS child in my care. I just never get a call for them in my area. I did receive a pretty good surprise Last spring. I got a email stating that we could apply for grants. Our grants didn’t have anything to do with a number of stars that we had. It was based off of how many children that you cared for that receive DHS benefits. My grant was not nearly as high as mist, but it was certainly nothing to sneeze about. I was amazed with the things I was able to buy for my new day care room with the grant money.

I guess we all look at our star ratings and the benefits of having it differently. I just do it for me.

[Cat Herder]

The first year I did a star rating, there was a $500 sign up bonus.

I was supposed to have received 3 cash bonuses and tuition reimbursement by now. Shockingly, every single time the funding fell through.

They do send "stuff" regularly from their "preferred supplier". Much of which has already been disposed of due to poor quality or not being age appropriate for my group.

[knoxmomof2]

In my state, one thing the STARS do is determine how much the government will pay a provider for child care. The higher the STARS rating, the more they'll pay a provider. I only take private pay, but I noticed it when looking into possibly becoming licensed.

[Annalee]

In my state, one thing the STARS do is determine how much the government will pay a provider for child care. The higher the STARS rating, the more they'll pay a provider. I only take private pay, but I noticed it when looking into possibly becoming licensed.

Yes, I am in your state; they recently raised those subsidy rates but that still doesn't mean they pay you on time. It also still doesn't mean they pay you when you close. So I stick to private pay.

Stars really do nothing for providers if we are private pay!

[Annalee]

That is how it has always been, here. You complete your application, portfolio and hours then submit. They can show up at any time in the next 30 days.

I can see that happening here!

[Flowerchild]

This sounds shocking. Yikes