BrightStarsChild Care Centers and Preschools
Each program participating in BrightStars is evaluated based on best practice criteria in seven domains. Each of these domains is a critical component of program quality and is assessed using the Child Care Center and Preschool Standards and Criteria Framework. The program’s overall BrightStars score is determined based on benchmarks set in each domain.
- Child’s Daily Experience
- Curriculum and Child Assessment
- Indoor and Outdoor Space
- Staff-Child Ratios and Group Sizes
- Family Communication and Involvement
- Staff Qualifications and Professional Development
- Program Management
Overall quality is assessed using a five star scale.
A one star program meets all critical state licensing requirements and has a quality improvement plan.
A two star program implements good practices above and beyond licensing expectations in some BrightStars quality domains and has an up-to-date quality improvement plan.
A three star program exceeds basic licensing standards, demonstrates good practice across all BrightStars quality domains and is implementing an up-to-date quality improvement plan. The program achieves scores in the “good” category during an intensive observation by a trained, impartial evaluator. The program may also be nationally accredited.
A four star program exceeds basic licensing standards, demonstrates high-quality practice across all BrightStars quality domains and is implementing an up-to-date quality improvement plan. The program achieves scores in the “good to excellent” category during an intensive observation by a trained, impartial evaluator. The program may also be nationally accredited.
A five star program exceeds basic licensing standards, demonstrates exemplary practice across all BrightStars quality domains and is implementing an up-to-date quality improvement plan. The program achieves scores in the “excellent” category during an intensive observation by a trained, impartial evaluator. The program may also be nationally accredited.
