Apply for YoungStar

First: Choose whether or not you want someone to visit and rate your program

• If you choose NOT to have someone come out to rate your program, your program will automatically be assigned 2 STARS this year (as long as you are in compliance). On your application, choose OPTION A as your rating option. Programs that choose this option will NOT be eligible for a micro-grant.
• If you choose to have someone come out to rate your program, your program could receive between 2 and 5 STARS this year (as long as you are in compliance). On your application, choose OPTION B as your rating option.
• If your program is accredited by NAEYC, NAFCC, NAC, COA or the City of Madison your program will automatically receive 4 or 5 STARS (as long as you are in regulatory compliance). On your application, choose OPTION C as your rating option.
• Stand-alone Head Start programs will receive a rating of five stars. For programs that provide both child care and Head Start services, eligibility for technical assistance and micro-grants will be determined on a case-by-case basis.  If any portion of the funding and/or programming for your program/center is Head Start, choose either OPTION A, B or C as your rating option and check the box that begins "My program receives funding from Head Start and/or from a public school..."
• If your program receives any funding from a public school to provide 3-year-old kindergarten or 4-year-old-kindgergarten, choose either OPTION A, B, or C as your rating option and check the box that begins "My program receives funding from Head Start and/or from a public school..."

Second: If you choose to have someone come out to rate your program, OR if you are accredited, decide whether or not you want someone to provide one-on-one technical assistance to help you get ready for your rating and/or to help your improve your program.
If you would like to request this technical assistance, select the box below rating Option B or C.

• Non-accredited programs that do not wish to have someone come out to rate their program cannot receive technical assistance.
• Accredited programs can only be eligible for micro-grants if they choose to have technical assistance.

Third: Complete your application! Each program with fill out the form that matches the type of care you provide.

• For group programs:
  • YoungStar Contract - Group Programs
• For family providers:
  • YoungStar Contract - Family Programs
• For school-age programs:
  • YoungStar Contract - School-Age Program

Have a question while filling out the application forms? View our detailed, step-by-step instructions below!

• Instructions for group programs
• Instructions for licensed family programs
• Instructions for certified family programs
• Instructions for school-age programs

Last: Return both completed forms to your YoungStar regional office.
Find the address, phone number, email, and fax number of your regional office!