Page 5

State of Vermont, Department for Children and Families Child Development Division Act 76 FAQs

5 Revised June 10, 2024

Racial Equity and CDD stakeholders. The enrollment memo also provided related implications for CCFAP policy, logistics, and technology supports. Additional information will be provided to programs by June 30, 2024. 4. Will we still be required to maintain attendance records even though eligibility will be based on enrollment, and not attendance? Programs are still required to maintain attendance records. These are important for compliance with both Child Care Licensing regulations and Child Care Financial Assistance Program rules. Any additional updates will be provided as available through email (sign up online) and the CDD blog. 5. Why was a change made to disconnect a program’s STARS rating from the amount of CCFAP funding that they receive? Linking STARS ratings with CCFAP payment levels was intended to encourage quality improvement from programs, but had the unintended consequence of creating financial inequities for families who sent their children to programs with lower STARS ratings. Removing STARS ratings as a factor in determining CCFAP rates ensures that families receive a similar benefit from CCFAP, no matter which program their child attends. Paying higher CCFAP rates to all child care programs is intended to support all programs in achieving high-quality standards. 6. Now that CCFAP is no longer linked to STARS ratings, is there an incentive for programs to participate in STARS? Why should I continue to participate in STARS? Vermont’s revised STARS program is designed to support programs engaged in continuous quality improvement to strengthen their practices and support positive outcomes for children. Programs participating in STARS will have multiple financial and programmatic incentives to increase their STARS level and maintain high levels of quality, including: • STARS levels will be recognized in a new $10M Quality and Capacity Incentive program to be established in 2024. • STARS level 3 and above is still required to be a Specialized Care Provider which can result in increased payments. • STARS levels 4 or 5 are still required for Universal Prekindergarten Prequalification. • A STARS level above 1 is still a requirement for some grants and other funding opportunities. Visit our STARS webpage to learn more about this revised system. 7. Would a Licensed Family Child Care Home (FCCH) use the Licensed Center state rates or the Registered Home rates as their new