Good
Child Care Shouldn't Be Guesswork
Look for the Star Rating System
Look
For These
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Licensed/ Registered Child Care |
1-Star Child Care |
2-Star Child Care |
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Registered child care most often takes place in a residence. In general, Registered child care providers are inspected less frequently than Licensed providers. About 20% are visited by state agencies (including all new applicants). Both Licensed and Registered facilities are eligible for Child and Adult Care Food Program participation. Child care centers are Licensed child care facilities. All child care centers must be inspected by the state to retain their license. Centers are also inspected for fire hazards and other health and safety issues. The Star Quality Rating relates to the quality of care as it reflects the developmental needs of the child. |
A 1-Star facility has a 2- to 3- year extended license which is received when an inspection finds thefacility to be in perfect compliance with state regulations. This is a facility that is working towards quality indicators in cognitive, physical, social/emotional and creative development. At 75% of the staff in centers are at or above Level 2 on the Montana Early Child Care and Education Career Registry; personnel policies are aimed at professional child care career development. Staff turnover is less than 50%. A pre-enrollment policy and regular parent communications methods are in place. |
The highest rating of child care is given to a provider that is accredited by the National Association for the Education of Young Children (NAEYC), the National Association for FamilyChild Care (NAFCC), or the National School-Age Care Alliance (NSACA). The majority of the staff are Level 3 or higher on the Montana Early Care and Education Career Development Registry and turnover is monitored. Both Registered and Licensed facilities can aspire to accreditation. |
The Star Quality Rating System Identifies Different Levels of Child Care.
Most of Montana's child care facilities are in compliance with state regulations. But did you know that some are standouts in offering social, creative and cognitive development programs?
The Star Quality Rating system was initiated to:
- improve the quality of care for all Montana children;
- provide parents with identifiable standards of quality;
- encourage child care providers to increase their level of quality;
- reward quality care with higher compensation from the state.
What to Look For
Star Quality is a tiered system of four levels of care that can be identified by a logo decal. Every facility licensed or registered with the state of Montana will have a decal displayed at their facility. If you don't see it, ask the provider if they are participating in the program.
How to Find Quality Child Care
Child Care Resource and Referral agencies located throughout the state are designed to help parents find quality child care. You do not have to be a low income resident, or have other limitations, to be eligible for Child Care Resource and Referral assistance: they are there for everyone.
For more information about the Star Quality Child Care Rating System, contact the Montana Department of Public Health and Human Services, or your local Resource and Referral office. A list of Child Care Resource and Referral agencies is available on this web site: www.montanachildcare.com
Montana Department of Public Health and Human Services
Early Childhood Services Bureau
406-657-2067
PO Box 202952
Helena MT 59620-2952
