Mission

Deliver a consumer-driven, statewide Child Care Resource and Referral system that educates and supports parents and child care providers. Provide a consistent structure that supports and promotes quality, inclusive child care and early education, and professional development.

IdahoSTARS is a joint project between the University of Idaho's Center on Disabilities and Human Development (CDHD) and the Idaho Association for the Education of Young Children (Idaho AEYC). The project is funded by the Idaho Department of Health and Welfare (DHW) and a Child Care and Development Block Grant (CCDBG). IdahoSTARS services are being directed by staff members in seven regional offices and at the IdahoSTARS office at the University of Idaho in Moscow.

For Parents:

• Information about what quality child care is and what to look for while selecting a child care provider
• Referrals to child care facilities to match the priorities of the family
• A Quality Rating and Improvement System (QRIS) that indicates a child care facility’s level of quality in 8 Quality Standards
• Referral services for providers accepting the Idaho Child Care Program (ICCP) child care assistance
• Connections to other early care and education organizations

For Providers:

• A Professional Development System (PDS) to assist child care provider increase skills and knowledge in early care and education
• Enrollment and registration for the Idaho Child Care Program (ICCP) and assistance with managing their ICCP and state license eligibility requirements
• Updating their facility information for consistent referrals to parents searching for child care
• Incentives in the form of improvement and enhancement grants for increasing the quality of their program
• Individual cash incentives for increases in education and/or training

For Trainers and Mentors:

• A trainer & mentor/coaches approval system that will provide IdahoSTARS approved training for child care providers and mentoring services
• Professional development opportunities to enhance a trainer’s & mentor/coaches skills
• Resources for the development of training and mentor/coaching services

For more information contact:
IdahoSTARS
PO Box 444061
Moscow, ID 83844

Phone: Call the 2-1-1 Idaho CareLine by dialing 2-1-1 or 1-800-926-2588
8:00 AM to 5:00 PM Monday–Friday

E-mail:

iswebmaster@uidaho.edu