YoungStar Rating Stabilization Pilot In response to feedback about the challenges of staff turnover and education requirements, DCF is launching the YoungStar Rating Stabilization Pilot. This pilot will run from November 1, 2025 to November 1, 2027. Key changes under the pilot: Staff qualifications will be reviewed once a year—at your rating and again on your staff education verification date (typically your rating anniversary) Your rating will not go down during that year due to staffing changes Your rating can still go up at any time if staff qualifications improve Ratings (and any changes) will continue to take effect on the first day of the following month Child care providers must continue to keep their Wisconsin Registry Program Profile up to date at all times. This helps ensure eligibility for a higher rating if staffing changes allow for it. Read the below FAQs for more details. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) When does this new YoungStar Rating Stabilization Pilot begin? The pilot begins on November 1, 2025. As of that date, your YoungStar rating will not decrease due to changes in staff education qualifications until either your next rating or your staff education verification date (whichever comes first, typically one year from the rating date). Your rating can still increase at any time. Why is this pilot being implemented? This pilot is a response to: Feedback from the YoungStar Analysis and Update Project Research on best practices from other states Ongoing staffing challenges in the child care sector Providers need more time and support to recruit and retain qualified staff—and a more stable funding structure to continue offering quality care. By moving from monthly to annual verification of staff education qualifications, this pilot aims to: Reduce disruptions caused by rating changes Provide more consistent funding tied to YoungStar ratings Why is this being done as a pilot? Pilot programs are a good way to test changes on a smaller scale before making them permanent. This will allow DCF to gather feedback from the field, identify any potential issues, and measure outcomes in a controlled manner. This will help ensure the overall YoungStar Update & Analysis Project is more effective, efficient, and responsive to the needs of those it serves. When and how will my staff qualifications be verified? Starting November 1, 2025, staff education qualifications will be reviewed through your Wisconsin Registry Program Profile at: The time of your YoungStar rating, and One year later—your staff education verification date Ratings take effect on the first day of the month following their completion. Will I be responsible for an overpayment for the period between a staffing change and the next qualification check if it results in a lower star rating? No. We understand that during the time between staff qualification checks a program may not meet the education qualifications for their current star rating. This scenario will not result in any impact to funding (e.g., Quality Adjustment, Child Care Bridge Payment, etc.). What if I am currently in a grace period? If you are currently in a grace period, your current rating (not the pending lower rating) will remain stable until your next rating or staff education verification date – whichever comes first. You will be eligible for another 90-day grace period at that time. Work with your YoungStar Coach to track your rating status. Remember, your rating can go up at any time if staff education levels improve. Will the current 90-day grace period still be available? Yes. The 90-day grace period remains in place for situations such as: Hiring new qualified staff Training current staff Recent staff departures before a rating or verification date Once the grace period ends, the updated rating will go into effect on the first day of the following month. What if I am an accredited provider and lose my accreditation? If you voluntarily end your accreditation, you’ll receive a 90-day grace period to meet YoungStar education requirements. If you lose accreditation due to regulatory issues, the grace period does not apply, and your rating will drop to 1 Star on the first day of the following month. Refer to the YoungStar Accreditation Policy for specific guidance. Do I still need to keep my Wisconsin Registry Program Profile current, or can I just update it before my anniversary date? Yes. It is still policy that your Wisconsin Registry Program Profile must be kept up to date at all times. Do I have to wait until my anniversary date to have my rating go up? No. Ratings can increase at any time once your Wisconsin Registry Program Profile reflects the necessary staff qualifications. The updated rating will become effective the first day of the following month. If I update my Wisconsin Registry Program Profile with a staff member that doesn’t meet the qualifications of the previous staff member, will my Wisconsin Shares or Child Care Bridge Payment be affected? Your rating will only be reviewed—and possibly changed—at: Your scheduled rating date Your staff education verification date (one year from rating) If a staff change lowers your program’s qualifications at one of those times, you will receive a 90-day grace period to make corrections. If the issue isn’t resolved by the end of the grace period, the rating will adjust, and funding may be impacted. What if I forget the date my next rating is due? You can find your Anniversary Date in the Child Care Provider Portal under: Program Details → YoungStar Details If you need help, contact the YoungStar Connect Help Desk or your assigned YoungStar Coach. YoungStar Connect will also continue to send reminders before your rating or verification date.
