YoungStar is a program of the Department of Children and Families created to improve the quality of child care for Wisconsin children. According to their website, YoungStar:
- Evaluates and rates the quality of care given by child care providers.
- Helps parents choose the best child care for their kids.
- Supports providers with tools and training to deliver high quality early care.
- Sets a consistent standard for child care quality.
Koala-T-Kare's YoungStar Rating
In August 2014, Koala-T-Kare was thrilled to learn that our center has been awarded five stars by the Wisconsin Department of Children and Families (DCF).
The program rates centers in the following areas:
- Space & Furnishings
- Personal Care Routines
- Listening & Talking
- Language & Reasoning
- Activities
- Interaction
- Program Structure
Because the children we care for are our top priority, we are especially proud to have received our highest ratings in the areas of Listening & Talking, Interaction, Language & Reasoning, and Activities. For example, our most recent evaluation included the following comment on an observation of the 2-year old classroom that was rated:
"During the observation, the staff had frequent positive interactions with children. They were relaxed, had pleasant voices, and smiled at the children often. Their interactions with the children were responsive to each child’s mood and needs, and showed sensitivity in their verbal and physical responses towards the children’s feelings and reactions."
Likewise, the preschool classroom that was rated received this comment:
"During the observation, staff talked with children about ideas related to their play. All supervision was non-punitive, and control was exercised in a reasonable way. Staff seemed to enjoy being with the children and encouraged the development of mutual respect between children and adults. Peer interaction was encouraged, and staff were observed helping children to develop appropriate social behavior with peers. Staff provided opportunities for children to work together on tasks that facilitate the development of cooperation, turn-taking, and problem solving."
What a YoungStar 5-Star Rating Means
There are two paths to achieving a 5-Star rating: following the YoungStar process or going through an accreditation process by a third party agency. In June of 2015, Koala-T-Kare earned accreditation through the National Accreditation Commission for Early Care and Education Programs (NAC) of the Association for Early Learning Leaders (Early Learning Leaders). This achievement acknowledges that Koala-T-Kare has met exemplary standards for a program providing early care and education for young children. The Association for Early Learning Leaders is committed to excellence in the field of early childhood care and education by promoting leadership development and enhancing program quality. It is one of many steps toward excellence.
Determining the Best Childcare Center for Your Family
Participating in YoungStar and NAC accreditation has given Koala-T-Kare a roadmap to follow as we prioritize and budget for ongoing improvements in our center. However, the true essence and heart of any childcare center cannot be measured by its number of stars. A rating program such as YoungStar should only be one aspect that families consider when choosing the center that best matches the values and priorities for their children.
At Koala-T-Kare, teachers focus on helping children with their development through guidance and support, based on mutual respect between children and adults. They encourage the growth of children’s self-esteem, their independence and their individual strengths. Koala-T-Kare also takes pride in developing a relationship with each family. We would love for you to join our KTK community!
The best way to find the right place for your child is to come in for a tour, meet our center's exceptional staff and ask a lot of questions. We look forward to the opportunity to show you around Koala-T-Kare. Schedule your tour today!