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Families About Star Ratings

About Star Ratings

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

Find programs that use research-based best practices to prepare children for school and life

When a program participates in Parent Aware, they volunteer for extra training and professional development to go above and beyond basic health and safety licensing requirements.

Participating programs can earn a One-, Two-, Three-, or Four-Star Rating. Parent Aware Ratings are based on demonstrated use of research-based practices. Each Rating level builds on the previous one, helping families easily identify which practices the program is using.

Parent Aware Ratings Chart. 4 Stars = excelling at use of kindergarten-readiness best practices. 1 star = some use of kindergarten-readiness best practices.

Star Definitions

One-Star Rating

These programs have demonstrated these best practices:

  • Uses consistent routines to support children
  • Talks with children and families to better understand interests and culture
  • Shares important community resources with families
  • Learns about each individual child by observing and taking notes
  • Commits to and maintains professional ethics in the early learning field

Two-Star Rating

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

  • Evaluates learning activities, materials, classroom layout, and health-related practices to set goals for growth
  • Plans school-readiness activities for children
  • Guides families through their children’s transition to kindergarten
  • Shares information with families in ways that meet their unique needs
  • Plans for continued learning and professional growth

Three-Star Rating

These programs have demonstrated all One- and 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 best 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

Four-Star Rating

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

Program has elected not to undergo the Parent Aware Rating process.

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.