What do the stars mean?

Programs can earn up to five stars based on their practices. The rating system is based on the Quality Counts California Rating Matrix that is used throughout the state.

Ratings are completed every two years by independent assessors who observe a sample of classrooms in each program and review a portfolio of program documentation. These assessors are early childhood professionals who are specially trained to use the quality framework tools. After 2 years, sites are encouraged to continue with the program and get rerated.

Star ratings are published and used by resource and referral agencies to help parents learn about their child care choices.

How will I know when my site is ready for rating?

Your site may be ready for rating if:

You are familiar with the Environmental Rating Scale
You are familiar with the Classroom Assessment Scoring System
You are familiar with the Desired Results Developmental Profile
You are familiar with the Ages and Stages Questionnaire
You have a current teacher or site supervisor permit from the state of California or have an AA or BA degree in early childhood
You participate in formal, ongoing professional development
You work at a center and the director has a site supervisor permit

How are the quality elements measured?

Rating Element	How it is Measured
Child Development And School Readiness	How you use child assessment/observation tools aligned with California Department of Education Foundations and Frameworks such as the DRDP How you use CCL Form 701 or equivalent If you provide vision and hearing screening If you provide valid and reliable developmental and social and emotional screening, and use the ASQ and ASQ SE
Teachers and Teaching	Your lead teachers’ qualifications and continuing education Your scores for teacher-child interactions measured by the CLASS
Program and Environment	Your ratio and group size (centers only) Your scores for program environment and structure– measured by the Environmental Rating Scales Your director’s qualifications and continuing education (centers only)