Delaware Stars recently welcomed Annette Searfoss as the new executive director of the quality and improvement ratings system for early learning programs. E-News had the opportunity to speak with her about her new role.

E-News: What attracted you to Delaware Stars?

Annette Searfoss

Delaware Stars attracted me because of its connection with the University of Delaware. UD's outstanding reputation for research that directly influences practice in early childhood has a long history through the Delaware Institute for Excellence in Early Childhood, including programs like New Directions Early Head Start. The connection with UD, and its abundance of resources, allows Delaware Stars to be a national leader in the discussion about systems that support quality early learning programs for our children and families.

E-News: Were there any aspects of the program that were a surprise to you?

AS: I was surprised at the increase in participation since the Stars re-design in 2012-and pleasantly surprised that the Early Learning Challenge Grant projected participation has already exceeded expectations for December 2015 in most settings. This is a reflection of the incredible efforts that have preceded me.

In my first six weeks, I have been continually amazed at the passion, energy, and commitment of so many early childhood and school-age stakeholders. Whether I am meeting with a new Stars program, or a Stars staff member, or state partners, it is immediately evident that all Delaware early childhood stakeholders want what is best for Delaware's children and families.

E-News: Compared to many other states, Delaware has very high participation rates of programs actively seeking to improve the quality of their programs (as of September. 2014, 60 percent of all programs enrolled in Stars were in the tip tiers (rated Star 3 through 5.) Could you please share your opinion about why participation in a quality and improvement ratings system like Delaware Stars is good for a program, children and families?

AS: As a previous family child care provider, teacher and administrator in an early childhood program, I often struggled with the question, "Am I doing what's best for my children and families?" In the days before standards for programs and standards for children, we were left to figure it out on our own.

Programs that participate in quality rating and improvement systems like Delaware Stars have it much easier than I did. Stars programs have a clear set of standards, informed by recent research, and multiple supports to get there-such as technical assistance, financial supports, and assessors that provide programs with a "blueprint" for improving programs. While it certainly takes hard work to achieve a Stars level designation, there is less confusion about what we can be doing for children and families, and that could save time and frustration in the long run.

Children and families are the ultimate benefactors of a quality rating improvement system like Delaware Stars. Programs in Delaware Stars are expected to use developmental screening tools that help with early identification of developmental delays, reducing the need for special education in school. They are also expected to use a research-based curriculum and assessment that ensure children are building foundational social, emotional and cognitive skills critical to school and career success. Stars programs partner with families to ensure children are safe, healthy, nurtured and eager to learn.

E-News: What is your big picture goal for Delaware Stars?

AS: My goal for Delaware Stars is that all children will have access to a Star 5 program, especially those children who are at risk for developmental delays due to poverty, special needs, or are learning English in addition to their home language. This will begin when families request Star Level 5 programs. It will continue when each community values and supports their early learning and school-age programs, including having the resources to attract and retain qualified staff members.

Delaware Stars provides us with a framework for continuous quality improvement as we continue to learn what children and families need in our ever-changing society and economy. It provides us all with a common language-a set of standards-to both acknowledge the excellent work of programs and inspire them and us to do even more. My goal is to use the language of Delaware Stars to bring all stakeholders together-programs, higher education, state systems, nonprofit organizations, business and legislators-for Delaware's children, our future citizens.

E-News: Thank you so much.

Research efforts are advancing our knowledge of just how different DLLs' linguistic and academic paths are. This research should inform the policies that govern DLLs' educational experiences. The most recent edition of Early Childhood Research Quarterly (ECRQ) has several useful reviews of recent research on dual language learners.