For Immediate Release
August 2, 2001
Contact: Channell Barbour or Kim Townley (502) 564-2611

Governor Patton Announces First Child Care Centers in Kentucky to Receive STAR Ratings

Frankfort, KY - Governor Paul Patton released the names and star ratings for 77 childcare programs that voluntarily participated in a pilot project for Kentucky's new quality rating system for childcare programs.

The rating system - called STARS for KIDS NOW - is a part of Kentucky's early childhood initiative signed into law by Governor Patton last year to help ensure positive outcomes for Kentucky's young children.

"I congratulate the 77 programs that achieved STAR ratings. The fact that these childcare programs are seeking quality standards beyond what is required by the state is a good sign for both parents and children. Quality care and education are so important to the development of healthy, happy children," Governor Patton said. "Ensuring that our youngest citizens receive a good start in life is a sound investment in Kentucky's future."

The childcare programs were rated for adherence to a four-tier set of standards that are based on what research shows to be good practices for children. Lower staff to child ratios, greater levels of staff education and training, increased opportunities for family involvement, and age-appropriate curriculum planning are all a part of STARS for KIDS NOW.

STARS for KIDS NOW is available for participation on a voluntary basis by licensed child care programs statewide as of July 2.

"Parents now have a way of identifying quality when searching for a care setting outside the home," said Kim Townley, Ph.D., Executive Director of the Governor's Office of Early Childhood Development. "Child care programs now have specific program standards to work toward as they seek to provide safe and appropriate care for children. We expect to see more and more programs wanting to participate and we expect to see more programs achieving higher star levels over time. It takes time and effort to increase quality."

The 77 childcare programs that participated in the pilot project of STARS for KIDS NOW are listed below with their ratings.

"Achievement of any star level is an indicator to the community that a program is working to provide good quality care for children. We appreciate the willingness of these 77 programs to work with the Governor's Office of Early Childhood Development, the Division of Child Care, and the Office of Inspector General's Division of Licensed Child Care in launching STARS for KIDS NOW," Townley said. "We look forward to working with other child care programs that wish to participate."

More information on STARS for KIDS NOW can be obtained from regional Child Care Resource and Referral agencies or by calling the Division of Child Care in the Cabinet for Families and Children at 502-564-2524.

List of programs in alphabetical order by counties with program name and star rating is attached.

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