Norman Child Care Home Referral List

Bringing Norman Parents and Home Providers Together.

What do the Star Status Numbers Mean?

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:

One-Star programs meet minimum licensing requirements.
One-Star Plus programs meet additional quality criteria which includes: additional training, reading to children daily, parent involvement and program assessment.
Two-Star programs meet additional quality criteria or are nationally accredited.
Three-Star programs meet additional quality criteria and are nationally accredited.

Quality Checklist

Print this checklist and take it with you when you visit child care programs. It will help you notice important things about the place where your children will spend their days.

Basics

YES	NO	Is the program approved as a one, one star plus, two or three stars program by OKDHS?
YES	NO	Are there enough teachers to respond to my children's needs?
YES	NO	Is the caregiver trained and experienced?

The Place

YES	NO	Are there different places for different activities?
YES	NO	Is the outdoor play area safe and interesting?
YES	NO	Do I hear happy children's voices?

Do the Caregivers ...

YES	NO	Seem patient with children and responsive to their needs?
YES	NO	Enjoy playing and talking with children?
YES	NO	Answer my questions?

Activities

YES	NO	Is there quiet and active, inside and outside play time?
YES	NO	Are toys and other materials available for my child to use?
YES	NO	Is there no or very limited TV time?

Parent's Role

YES	NO	Can I visit my child's class at any time?
YES	NO	Are there ways for me to be involved in the program?

Create a free website at Webs.com