Tips for Accredited Child Care Accelerated Pathway Programs

How do I remain eligible for the Accelerated Pathway?

• Maintain an active license in good standing with a tribal government or the Minnesota Department of Human Services with none of the following licensing violations: conditional license, suspension, temporary immediate suspension, revocation, or facility-responsible maltreatment finding within the last year.
• Maintain a current accreditation through an approved accrediting body. Accreditations that are revoked or expire during the Rating process or after the Rating has been issued will result in a revoked Parent Aware Rating.

 

I understand that my Rating expires in two years. What if I want to Re-Rate?

• You should reapply for the Accelerated Pathway six months prior to your expiration date.
• You must submit for your next Rating no sooner than eight weeks prior to your expiration date.
• If you do not seek a Re-Rating, your Rating will expire on the expiration date listed on your Rating Certificate. At that time, your Rating will be removed from your program’s profile on ParentAware.org, access to Early Learning Scholarships may be impacted, and eligibility for higher Child Care Assistance Program (CCAP) rates based on a Three- or Four-Star Rating will end.

 

What support is available to Rated programs?

• Read through our Benefits and Key Resources sections for a great list of resources and partnerships – including financial aid, business consultation, training, professional development advising, and coaching – that offer support to Rated programs.

 

What should I do between Ratings?

Renew your Individual Membership

• Every Lead Provider, Program Director, Education Coordinator, and one Lead Teacher per classroom must have a current Individual Membership in Develop, and verified, accurate employment records.
• Individual Develop Memberships must be renewed every year and must be current on the date you submit for Rating. The expiration date is displayed on the Develop Individual Profile, Learning Record, and Career Lattice certificate. Once materials are received, it can take up to 42 calendar days for the Individual Membership to be processed.
• For more information, visit Achieve’s website.

 

Pursue Professional Development
Keep your staff current on the latest best practices and prepare for your next Rating:

• Make sure each Lead Teacher or Lead Provider keeps up with required training. Contact Katherine Budinsky, Professional Development Advisor, for support.
• IMPORTANT: All training must be completed within the last five years at the time your program submits documentation for a Rating and it must appear on the individual Learning Record in Develop.

 

Submit an updated accreditation certificate (if applicable)

• Renewing your program’s accreditation between Ratings? Send your updated accreditation certificate by email or mail to: support@parentaware.zendesk.com

OR

Child Care Aware of Minnesota
Attn: Parent Aware Rating Team
10 River Park Plaza, Suite 820
St. Paul, MN 55107

 

What if my program moves?

• If you are a Lead Provider of a family child care program and your program’s license number changes after your move, you must notify Parent Aware by completing and returning the Change of Location and License Number for Rated Programs Form. Contact Nikki Lepowsky, Quality Improvement Coordinator, to get this form.
• IMPORTANT: For family child care programs, the license holder name on your new license must match your old license to keep your current Rating.
• For center-based programs, your Rating is linked to your license number. In most cases, your license number stays the same when your program moves. If your program moves and license number changes, your program’s Rating will be revoked or participation will end. Your program is eligible to participate under your new license.
• For both family child care and center-based programs, if your license number does not change after you move, you should inform your licensor of your new address and update your address in your Develop Organization Profile.

 

How can I promote my Star Rating?

• Visit the Promote Your Rating section to learn more about the resources we offer to help programs promote their Ratings.

 

How can I review what program information is on my ParentAware.org profile?

• Use the Provider Update Tool to review and update your program’s public profile information, including current openings. Some information can only be updated through your county or state licensor. Review the Program Listing FAQs page for details.

 

What if I have more Accelerated Pathway questions?

• Contact Nikki Lepowsky, Quality Improvement Coordinator, to help you make the most of your resources as a Rated program and help you prepare for your next Rating.
• Review the Accelerated Pathway Quality Documentation Portfolio Parent Aware Rating Guide for more information.