Wisconsin Department of Children and Families

Protecting Children, Strengthening Families, Building Communities

Disclaimer

Media Contact

(608) 422-7800
dcfmedia@wisconsin.gov

Report Child Care Fraud

If you suspect Child Care Fraud, be a part of the solution. You may remain anonymous. Please fill out the Child Care Fraud Form, or email dcfmbchildcarefraud @wisconsin.gov.

Report a Child Care Concern or Complaint

If you have a concern about something going on in a child care facility or you suspect child abuse, neglect or exploitation at a child care facility, please use the drop-down menu on the Tell Us How We Are Doing page to fill out the appropriate complaint form.

YoungStar News and Press

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By improving the quality of child care for Wisconsin’s children, YoungStar is making news. A quality rating and improvement system (QRIS) of the Department of Children and Families (DCF), YoungStar

  • Evaluates and rates the quality of care given by child care programs across the state
  • Provides parents with meaningful information they need to make informed child care decisions for their children
  • Supports child care providers with tools and training to improve the quality of their care
  • Sets a consistent state-wide standard for child care quality

Read about more information about YoungStar's Shining Stars

News

Read the latest YoungStar press releases to learn what's new and how YoungStar is making a positive impact for Wisconsin children and child care programs. 

YoungStar Featured In National QRIS Compendium

12/29/2017

The National Center on Early Childhood Quality Assurance released a national QRIS Compendium highlighting the staff qualifications, professional development, and supports associated with YoungStar.  

YoungStar Validation Study Released

6/2/2016

Analysis from the Wisconsin Early Child Care Study, also known as the YoungStar Validation study, shows YoungStar differentiates among programs of varying observed quality. Specifically, programs rated 2 Stars had lower observed levels of quality than programs at the 3-5 Star levels. The differences were statistically significant and meaningful. The data revealed that children in the study were performing in accordance with national norms and increased their child assessment scores over the course of the school year and would enter school ready to learn. However, analysis of the data did not support the conclusion that children in higher rated YoungStar programs predicted higher levels of school readiness compared with children in 2 Star programs. Please see the Executive Summary and Reports below for more information.

Read all the news coverage about YoungStar

Press Coverage

Read the latest news stories and YoungStar press mentions from around Wisconsin. From stories about child care providers earning higher star levels, to the science around early brain development and the benefits of family engagement, the YoungStar program is helping child care providers and parents with a variety of services and resources.

Read about YoungStar in the Wisconsin Press.

Next Door Earns Perfect Score on Latest YoungStar Rating

04/01/2017

Milwaukee Courier Weekly Newspaper

YoungStar Rating System Help Parents choose a Daycare Provider

11/18/2015

NBC26 - Green Bay

Area Child Care: Finding a Program that Fits

6/4/2015

Volume One - Eau Claire

Area Child Care Workers Awarded Infant and Toddler Credential at MATC May 30

5/30/2015

Milwaukee Area Technical College

Read all press coverage about YoungStar

Welcome to the YoungStar Campaign Center

The YoungStar press room provides members of the working news media with the latest information about YoungStar, its program, and how YoungStar benefits child care providers and parents seeking high-quality child care. You'll find links to the YoungStar videos, brochures, print ads and radio ads. Connect with our media contact for additional information.

YoungStar Campaign Center