This is an exciting time for Delaware Stars. Based on the feedback and input from our stakeholders, including many stars programs, and study findings, Stars Enhancements 2014 will roll out continuous quality improvements that will begin to come online in 2014 and apply to both centers and families serving, toddler and preschool age children.

The enhancements are in three key areas:  

FINANCIAL INCENTIVES 

Quality improvement grants and tiered reimbursement are already provided, but beginning in July 2014 those financial incentives will be more targeted to improve tiered reimbursements and make the grant awards more equitable. In addition,  new financial incentives will be implemented for infant enrollment for Star 4 & 5 programs.

ENHANCED STANDARDS & SUPPORTS 

Enhanced Standards & Supports begin with the addition of professional development opportunities. In addition, the Institute is creating new curriculum and assessment teams and new credentials for curriculum and assessment are being developed. Finally, the formative child assessment moves from pilot to full implementation. Enhanced Standards & Supports will be phased in over time and come with extensive support, which makes them doable and achievable.

PROGRAM QUALITY VERIFICATION & ASSESSMENT  

Enhance Quality Verification & Assessment make the system more responsive, less confusing and decreases conflicts. Most important, these enhancements allow us to have a sound focus on intentional teaching and school readiness.

These continuous quality improvements ensure that the Delaware Stars program is child-centered to provide the best quality outcomes for Delaware children, and helps build long-term sustainability.

The enhancements will provide more resources and supports that will sustain quality for Delaware Stars programs, early childhood program staff and, most important, young children and their families.

Congratulations to EastSide Charter School in Wilmington and Project V.I.L.L.A.G.E. part of the Indian River School District in Selbyville, the first two public school early learning programs in Delaware to achieve a Delaware Star 5 rating. Project V.I.L.L.A.G.E. earned its rating last January, while Eastside Charter was in the list of new Star 5s in May.  Both programs serve children from low-income families.

The journey to becoming a Delaware Star 5 early learning program at EastSide Charter was propelled by the school's desire to better prepare its students. Although EastSide Charter has achieved tremendous academic improvement in recent years, many of its students entered the school several grades behind. After examining various ways to eliminate that gap, EastSide Charter determined focusing on early childhood education was the area in which it could have the most impact on its students and surrounding community.

Audrey Carey, district supervisor of elementary instruction, agrees that providing quality early childhood education is the best option to help 3- and 4-year-old children in low-income families and early language learners, which was the impetus for Project V.I.L.L.A.G.E., which stands for Verbal Intensive Literacy and Learning Activities for Growth and Education, which was started 14 years ago. "We felt it was important to grow through Stars to reflect on the work of our program and gain greater knowledge of the research in early childhood learning to continue to offer the best program possible."

Both programs described the process to a Star 5 rating as beneficial and rewarding. Eastside Charter explained that through working with the Stars staff it developed a strong understanding of how to maximize its impact while promoting quality. Working with Star T.A.s and visiting other Star 5 programs enhanced EastSide Charter's understanding of what was needed to reach the goal of becoming a Star 5 program. Project V.I.L.L.A.G.E. said reflecting on its program and aligning it with evidence-based research made the process rewarding for the students and staff.

This fall, EastSide Charter will expand its early learning program with the opening the EastSide Early Learning Academy, which will offer three classes serving 66 students. Although the announcement of the Star 5 rating took place after the school year ended, making it a challenge to tell families, EastSide Charter shared the news through its spring newsletter and will proudly display a new banner when school opens in August.

Project V.I.L.L.A.G.E. notified the families and community through the Indian River School District Board of Education, as well as its Parent Policy Council meetings.

Through the hard work of these two programs, many under-served young children will have opportunities they might not have access to otherwise, and will have a great start!