3,875 programs and providers
and providers have stepped up and are participating in Great Start to
Quality. The first ratings will be released Monday, Dec. 17. Letters were sent to programs notifying them about the
launch of ratings.
Ratings for 66 programs -
representing 339 classrooms that have achieved the highest level of quality
(either four or five stars) will be post on www.greatstartCONNECT.org. More
than 50,000 Michigan families use the website each year to find child care and
preschool programs, and the addition of the ratings is expected to increase
that number.
Ratings will continue to roll
out over the next few months and a larger group of programs will be released
early next year, after the education standards are reviewed to determine if
they should include a broader range of academic degrees and recognize
experience in the field. Programs will continue to receive
communications about the roll out and any updates about Great Start to Quality.
Inquiries about Great Start to
Quality should be directed to the Great Start to Quality Resource Centers for
consistency in messaging. The Resource Centers stand ready to answer
questions, field comments, and support programs to participate in Great Start
to Quality Programs can contact the resource center toll-free at
1-877-614-7328.
