How Does YoungStar Renewal Work?

Participation in YoungStar is required for all providers who want to receive Wisconsin Shares, the child care subsidy program for working families in Wisconsin.  For all other providers, participation is voluntary.  We have revised the YoungStar quality indicators for 2013.  The version of the Evaluation Criteria available now on the For Providers webpage will be used for any programs that have an anniversary date on or after January 1, 2013 and also for all providers who apply to YoungStar for the first time after January 1, 2013.

Providers that are already participating in YoungStar need to reapply every year by their anniversary date.  This is the anniversary of the date you were given your first rating in YoungStar.  So, if you received your first YoungStar rating on October 15, 2011, your anniversary date is October 15 every year.  Your Wisconsin Shares payments are tied to your participation and rating in YoungStar, so be sure to submit your YoungStar Contract Renewal by your anniversary date to avoid interruption in Wisconsin Shares payments.

Where and When Will I Get a YoungStar Contract Renewal?

Approximately 120 days before your anniversary date, providers will automatically be mailed a YoungStar Contract Renewal.  Some of the information on the form will be filled out for you--please verify that the prefilled information is correct.  The rest, you need to fill out.  When you have completed the form, you will mail it to your local YoungStar office.  The address for this office will be listed on the YoungStar Contract Renewal you receive in the mail.

Local YoungStar offices will be holding YoungStar renewal meetings to help providers prepare for reapplication to YoungStar.  When you receive your YoungStar Contract Renewal (approximately 120 days before your anniversary date), watch your mail for an invitation to attend a renewal meeting at your local YoungStar office.

If you have not turned in your YoungStar Contract Renewal 30 days before your anniversary date, you will get a second reminder to turn it in.  If you have not turned in your YoungStar Contract Renewal 3 weeks before your anniversary date, the families in your program who utilize Wisconsin Shares will receive a notice that you have not turned in your YoungStar Contract Renewal.  This is sent to give them time to find alternative child care arrangements if you choose to discontinue your participation in YoungStar.

What if I Lose My YoungStar Contract Renewal or Never Receive One?

You should receive the YoungStar Contract Renewal approximately 120 days before your anniversary date.  Allow a week to account for postal delays.  Then, if you still don't have the YoungStar Contract Renewal, contact your local YoungStar office for a new form.  The YoungStar Contract Renewals are not available online.

Resources for YoungStar Renewal

Tips for Providers to Successfully Reapply to YoungStar

Evaluation Criteria for YoungStar:   Family     Group     School-Age

A document outlining the changes to YoungStar for 2013 has been developed to help providers who are renewing their YoungStar applications: Changes to YoungStar for 2013