Families About Star Ratings

About Star Ratings

Learn more about what makes each Parent Aware Star Rating different.

Families use Parent Aware Star Ratings to find programs that help children thrive.

When a program participates in the Parent Aware Star Rating process to earn a Two-, Three-, or Four-Star Rating, they volunteer for additional training and use practices that go above and beyond licensing requirements. Each Rating level builds on the previous one, helping families easily identify which quality practices the program is using.

Star Definitions

One-Star Rating

All child care programs that are licensed and in good standing receive a One-Star Parent Aware Rating, unless they choose to opt out. Licensure ensures that care is provided in a healthy and safe environment by qualified people and meets the developmental needs of all children.

Two-Star Rating

These programs are licensed and have demonstrated the following practices:

Uses consistent routines to support children
Evaluates learning activities, materials, classroom environments, and health-related practices to set goals for growth
Learns about each individual child by observing and taking notes
Commits to and maintains professional ethics in the early learning field
Shares information with families in ways that meet their unique needs
Plans for continued learning and professional growth

These programs have demonstrated all Two-Star practices, AND:

Uses a curriculum aligned with Minnesota’s early learning standards
Teaches in a way that is organized, challenging and warm
Helps children transition between activities and stay engaged
Uses approved tools to track children’s development
Commits to ongoing quality improvement by using some of these practices:
- Responds to unique cultural customs and needs of children and families
- Offers activities that encourage family participation and help children transition to kindergarten
- Gives families opportunities to provide feedback about the program
- Shares child development updates with families to set goals together
- Makes accommodations for children with special needs and their families
- Has highly-qualified and trained leadership staff, teachers, and providers
- Creates a program-wide professional development plan
- Encourages healthy living through nutrition and physical activity, always evaluating to set goals for growth

These programs have demonstrated all Two- and Three-Star practices, AND commits to ongoing quality improvement by using most of these practices:

Responds to unique cultural customs and needs of children and families
Offers activities that encourage family participation and help children transition to kindergarten
Gives families opportunities to provide feedback about the program
Shares child development updates with families to set goals together
Makes accommodations for children with special needs and their families
Has highly-qualified and trained leadership staff, teachers, and providers
Creates a program-wide professional development plan
Encourages healthy living through nutrition and physical activity, always evaluating to set goals for growth

Program Search Results Labels

Rated

Program has a current Parent Aware Rating.

Participating/In Progress

Program has volunteered and is currently in the Rating process.

Has Not Volunteered/Opted Out

Program has elected not to undergo the Parent Aware Rating process and/or has opted out of receiving a One-Star Rating.

Not Eligible for Rating

Program is not eligible for a Rating.

Not Allowed to Participate

Program is not allowed to participate in the Rating process because it has received a sanction against its child care license.