As a parent, you want the best possible early learning environment for your child. However, recognizing and defining quality is not always easy. Fortunately, with the introduction of the new Quality Improvement System in Sarasota County, called Look for the Stars, recognizing quality just got a whole lot easier!
Providers who achieve a three, four or five star level are providing and maintaining high levels of quality child care for the children of Sarasota County. Providers who achieve a two star level are recognized for providing quality above state licensing requirements and have demonstrated that they are actively taking steps to improve quality.
- Striving to provide the best early learning environments
- Improving their program and curriculum through ongoing assessment
- Implementing the best early childhood learning practices
- Engaging in continual professional development
5 Stars (Out of 5)
CONSISTENTLY EXEMPLARY QUALITY
- The five star level is the highest awarded in the Quality Improvement System
- The Center is recognized for providing consistently exemplary quality that far exceeds state licensing standards.
- The center demonstrates exceptional practice across all of the assessment areas and offers exemplary provisions for interactions and early care and education experiences.
- A five star program is recognized for its dedicated commitment to providing high quality early child care and continuing improvement.
- A provider participating in the Look for the Stars program:
- Understands that learning begins at birth.
- Offers a safe and nurturing environment that encourages children to have fun, hands-
on learning experiences. - Fully integrates a developmentally appropriate curriculum across all learning domains.
- Maintains strong parent involvement with regular family activities and parent conferences.
- Uses on-
going child observation and assessment to individualize learning experiences. - Meets state legislated mandates for early care and education.
- Supports and promotes policies designed for quality improvement.
- Demonstrates a commitment to continued teacher training and professional development.
- Engages in ongoing program assessment and improvement efforts.