A: Programs participating in STARS can be put on "Hold Status" at anytime for the following reasons; program is working towards meeting required criteria, an appeal in progress, significant staff program or staff changes, pending action from licensing, or at the request of the program.  If a program is on hold for any reason, this does not mean that the coaching relationship ends.  The coach will still work with the program to achieve the goals they have set for themselves.  The coaching visits may look different depending on the nature of the hold status, but it is important that the coach continues working closely with the program.

A: Center & Family/Group matrix language Leadership & Program Management for PAS/BAS should read “The average score assessed must be a 3.0 at STAR 3/4.0 at STAR 4/5.0 at STAR 5.  A written improvement plan is developed for any items with a score below a 3.0 at STAR 3/4.0 at STAR 4/5.0 at STAR 5. 

A: The STARS coach must inform ECSB that a provider is ready for their assessments by the tenth of the month prior to the last month of the quarter. For example: February 10, May 10, August 10, and November 10^th. This helps to ensure that assessments can occur in a timely manner and are completed by the 20^th of that quarter’s deadline.

A: Depending on the indicators not met, a follow-up assessment may be scheduled soon after your initial assessment, or it may be scheduled for longer (meaning going to the next quarter) to allow the program time to work on the indicators that were not met.  This will be determined on a case by case basis.  In situations such as these, ECSB will compare the initial baseline score for a first assessment at STAR 3, and subsequent assessments for higher levels, to assist in determining whether a 2nd assessment will be allowed, and what the time line for a follow up assessment may be.  Follow up assessments will also be dependent on the assessors’ availability.

A:  *ERS* – all ERS assessments (ECERS-R; ITERS-R; FCCERS-R) must occur each time at STAR level 3-5, regardless of previous scores met (i.e. if the score for STAR 3 meets the criteria for STAR 4, the assessment must still occur at STAR 4).
*BAS/PAS* – must occur each time at STAR levels 3-5, unless a prior rating score meets the criteria of a higher STAR level (i.e. if the score for STAR 3 meets the criteria for STAR 4).  In those cases the program would not be required to have a new BAS/PAS assessment when applying for a higher STAR level within that calendar year, unless there have been significant programmatic or staff changes.

A:  Keep in mind that the time from when the assessment is scheduled to the time you get your summary report will be a lengthy process. It is important to plan ahead.  You may request your assessment only once you have met all the other criteria for STAR Level 3, 4, or 5, depending on what level you are working toward. Your STARS coach will need to verify that you have met all the criteria then they will let ECSB know that you are ready for an assessment. Once your assessment is complete you may apply for STAR Level 3, 4, or 5 only if your ERS assessment results meet the average facility score defined in the criteria and you have met all other criteria.  Quality Improvement Plans and budgets (for incentive programs) should reflect your assessment. If a program cancels their assessment for any reason, there may not be a guarantee that the assessment can take place in time for the next quarter application due date.  If the score needed for that particular level is not met, a program can request another assessment.  Depending on the indicators not met, that assessment may be scheduled soon after your initial assessment, or it may be scheduled for longer to allow the program time to work on the indicators that were not met.  This will be determined on a case by case basis.

The following are the dates going forward that STAR level applications will need to be received in Missoula by for providers requesting STAR Levels.  Anything turned in after this date, including immunization information, will not be considered until the next quarter.

1^st quarter           Due September 20                       Award Date: October 1

2^nd quarter          Due December 20                         Award Date: January 1

3^rd quarter          Due March 20                                Award Date: April 1

4^th quarter           Due June 20                                 Award Date: July 1

A:  The intention of the Quality Improvement Plan is to support providers in planning to advance to the next STAR level, or to maintain a STAR level.  The Quality Improvement Plan is informed by the various tools such as ERS, PAS/BAS, The Knowledge Base, individual professional development plans, or STARS criteria.  The state will supply you with a Quality Improvement Plan to assist you in meeting your goals.

 

A:  A change in category will not indicate forfeiture, as long as the provider wants to remain in the program and participate, meeting expectations for the appropriate category of licensure.

A:  The minimum ratios at 2 STARS is the same as licensing requirements; however, as a program seeks to improve quality, they should consider the opportunity to lower ratios if at all possible, especially with incentive funds:

                The child to staff ratio for Child Care Centers is:

• 4 to 1 for infants zero months through 23 months
• 8 to 1 for children two years through three years
• 10 to 1 for children four years through six years
• 14 to 1 for children six years and over

The child to staff ratio for Family and Group Home Child Care is:

• Except for approved overlap care there shall be at least two caregivers caring for the children at all times when there are more than six children present.
• There shall be no more than six infants in a group child care home or three infants in a family child care home at any time, unless care is provided for infants only.
• There shall be sufficient staff so that an adult is always present and supervising all children.
• Except for approved overlap care, the provider may not provide care for a child if caring for that child would cause the provider to exceed the number of children the provider is registered to care for on the registration certificate.

A:  If a participant chooses to remain at a specific level, they will need to re-apply and submit all required documents for that level yearly.