En Español

YoungStar Logo Search for a YoungStar Provider

Before You Apply for YoungStar



Before You Apply Arrow Apply

Congratulations! You've taken the first step in becoming a YoungStar provider. We are here to help you on your journey of quality improvement. If at any point in the process, you are confused, need help or have a question, feel free to contact your local YoungStar Office or the Child Care Information Center.

Step 1: Consider attending a YoungStar orientation training
If you are just learning about YoungStar, and want to know more, attend a YoungStar orientation session to find out details on ratings, support for programs, and micro-grants. Find training in your area!

Step 2: Choose whether or not you want someone to visit and rate your program
All programs participating in YoungStar can choose whether or not to have YoungStar staff visit their program to rate it.

  • Option A: If you choose NOT to have someone come out to rate your program, after you complete a YoungStar application and Wisconsin Shares contract, your program will automatically be assigned 2 stars (as long as you are in compliance). If you would like to choose this option, simply continue by completing your application to ensure that your program is in the YoungStar system.
  • Option B: If you choose to have someone come out to rate your program, your program could receive between 2 and 5 stars (as long as you are in compliance). If you choose this option, please continue for your next steps.
  • Option C: 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 compliance). On your application, choose OPTION C as your rating option.  If you choose this option, simply continue by completing your application to ensure that your program is in the YoungStar system.
  • Programs that receive funding from Head Start: 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 OPTION A, B or C as your rating option and then check the box that begins "My program receives funding from Head Start and/or from a public school..." 
  • Programs that receive funding from a public school for : YoungStar does not evaluate classrooms or times of day that are funded through a public school to provide 3-year-old kindergarten or 4-year-old-kindgergarten within a child care.  If you receive these funds, 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..." 
YoungStar Training Frequently Asked Quetions Tips and Tools Contacts

The Department of Children and Families, protecting children, strengthening families, building communities.