How It Works

How is the Early Stars quality rating determined?

The Fresno County Early Stars Program focuses on quality improvement efforts that will ultimately support sites in obtaining a rating. Ratings are assigned between 1 and 5 stars, with 3 stars being considered high quality and 5 being the highest quality.

Before a rating takes place, we focus on supporting sites with resources, training, coaching, technical assistance, and external assessments. In the process of rating a licensed program, we ask questions like:

• Does the program involve families in their child’s learning experience?
• Does the program staff have meaningful and intentional interactions with children?
• How does the program evaluate children's development and knowledge?
• How does the program evaluate the environment to support children's development?
• Does the program screen children for developmental milestones?
• What is the program's staff preparation and experience to work with children?

Through an accumulation of points, a site earns its star-rating. A rating makes it easier for parents to identify quality early care and education providers, while giving providers the opportunity to promote their programs through the Early Stars validation. It also gives providers opportunities to celebrate their strengths and identify areas for growth, which in turn strengthens the entire early care and education field in Fresno County.