YoungStar
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What is YoungStar?
YoungStar is a program of the Department of Children and Families created to improve the quality of child care for Wisconsin children. YoungStar:
- Evaluates and rates the quality of care given by child care providers
- Helps parents choose the best child care for their kids
- Supports providers with tools and training to deliver high quality early care
- Sets a consistent standard for child care quality
See how YoungStar services are being delivered in your area by visiting the YoungStar Statistics web page
A Rising Star
For the past ten years, Debbie Schmelling has been giving Merrill children a strong start in life. Debbie combines her formal professional education with her rich personal experience as mother to six children - two of whom were adopted after they first joined the Schmelling home as foster children.
Share Your Story of Quality Child Care
Read Other Stories of Rising Stars
A Shining Star
Young Child Development Center in Appleton worked hard to achieve its 5 star rating in YoungStar without being accredited. Working with their Technical Consultant, Kathy Kadar, Young Child focused on improving the arrangement of their classrooms and adding more physical fitness and outdoor activities. Their hard work paid off as they became a 5 star rated program in YoungStar.
Read about Young Child Development Center's Experience in YoungStar
A Shining Star
X's and O's Educational Child Care earned a 5 Star rating in YoungStar due to their commitment to continuous improvement and education. Xochitl Ortega, the owner and director of X's and O's, provides a rich, cozy environment that gives children opportunities to explore and learn. Xochitl is very motivated and willing to continue taking steps to keep the quality of her program high.
Read about X's and O's Experience in YoungStar
A Shining Star
Our Shepherd child care in Appleton earned a 5 Star rating in YoungStar by providing high quality care in a faith-based setting. They work hard to create a sense of family in their program and to continually dedicate themselves to improving the quality of care they provide because they believe that is what is best for children.
Read about Our Shepherd's Experience in YoungStar.
A Shining Star
CAP CARE in Cambridge earned a 4 Star rating through hard work and the encouragement of their YoungStar Technical Consultant. The program is not stopping there. They are continuing their journey of quality and have seen many positive reactions from children and families in the program.
Read about CAP CARE's Experience in YoungStar.
A Shining Star
Sonya Robinson, a 3 star provider from Milwaukee, set attainable goals to help her earn her 3 Star rating. Sonya recently achieved her Infant/Toddler Credential and is currently in the process of earning the Administrator Credential.
Read about Sonya Robinson Experience in YoungStar.
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