Full-Rating Best Practices

Learn about best practices for each Star-Level in the Full-Rating Pathway.

These are the kindergarten-readiness best practices, also known as Standards and Indicators, that must be demonstrated to receive each Star Rating. Lead Providers and Lead Teachers must also meet the required number of approved training hours every five years. Programs should talk with their Quality Coach and Professional Development Advisor (PDA) for more information.

Not sure if your program should participate in the Full-Rating Pathway? Read more about the Rating Pathways.

 

One-Star Rating

10 approved training hours and all One-Star Indicators:

  • Use consistent routines to support children
  • Ask and listen to families to help understand more about their routines, interests, and culture
  • Offer families information about helpful community services
  • Learn more about each individual child through regular written observation
  • Demonstrate commitment to professional ethics

 

Two-Star Rating

18 approved training hours and all One- and Two-Star Indicators:

  • Evaluate your learning activities, materials, classroom layout, and health-related practices using a self-assessment tool and set goals for growth
  • Plan school-readiness activities for children using lesson plans aligned with the current Minnesota Early Childhood Indicators of Progress (ECIPs)
  • Provide guidance to families regarding the transition to kindergarten
  • Share information with all families in ways that meet their unique needs
  • Create a Professional Development Plan for continued learning

 

Three-Star Rating

50 approved training hours and all One-, Two-, and Three-Star Indicators:

  • Use a curriculum aligned with the ECIPs
  • Provide instruction that is organized, challenging and warm, as measured by a CLASS® observation for centers serving preschool-age children
  • Use classroom transitions to extend learning experiences, as measured by a CLASS® observation for centers serving preschool-age children
  • Use an approved child assessment tool to assess children at least once a year
  • All Lead Teachers and Lead Providers have at least a Step 1 on the Minnesota Career Lattice
  • Earn the required number of points* based on your program type:
    • Family child care: 25-34 points
    • Child care centers: 33-48 points

 

Four-Star Rating

50 approved training hours and all One-, Two-, Three-, and Four-Star Indicators:

  • Provide instruction that is organized, challenging and warm, as measured by a CLASS® observation for centers serving preschool-age children
  • Use an approved child assessment tool to assess all children at least twice a year
  • All Lead Teachers and Lead Providers have at least a Step 1 on the Minnesota Career Lattice
  • Earn the required number of points* based on your program type:
    • Family child care: 35-50 points
    • Child care centers: 49-65 points

*Additional Points for Three- and Four-Star Ratings:

  • Evaluate cultural responsiveness using a self-assessment tool and setting goals for growth
  • Offer a variety of activities or events that support children in their transition to kindergarten
  • Provide activities or events that encourage families to be involved with the program, extend learning at home
  • Offer families opportunities to provide input into program decisions
  • Share assessment results with families and gather family input toward child’s development goals
  • Use an assessment tool included in the Kindergarten Entry Profile
  • Plan for children with special needs and their families
  • Use assessment information to design individual and group goals and guide instruction
  • Have highly qualified leadership staff and teachers and providers with credentials or higher education
  • Create a program-wide professional development plan
  • Encourage healthy living by offering healthy food and sharing information with families
  • Evaluate nutrition and physical activity and setting goals for growth

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