In Oklahoma, a variety of initiatives have been implemented to improve the level of child care quality. A tiered system of quality and reimbursement known as “Reaching for the Stars” provides incentives for programs that meet the “star” criteria. The Reaching for the Stars Program has 4 levels of rating facilities in which specified criteria must be met:
Blossom Child Care is proud that all of our centers are Three Star Accredited.
One Star | One Star + | Two Star | Three Star |
---|---|---|---|
Licensed centers and homes that meet minimum requirements set by DHS. | One Star Plus represents a new category developed for programs that are moving toward quality. | Teachers who receive formal education and additional training in child development | Teachers who receive formal education and additional training in child development |
One Star Plus centers and homes are working toward meeting the quality criteria for the Two or Three Star levels. | Space arranged for a variety of activities including block building, dramatic play, art areas, and reading to children | Space arranged for a variety of activities including block building, dramatic play, art areas, and reading to children | |
Weekly lesson plans, which promote cognitive, social, and emotional development for each child | Weekly lesson plans, which promote cognitive, social, and emotional development for each child | ||
interaction with parents through planned activities | interaction with parents through planned activities | ||
program evaluation and goal setting | program evaluation and goal setting | ||
Three-Star programs meet additional quality criteria and are nationally accredited. |