STARS Community of Practice - Session 1

Session 1:

Vermont STep Ahead Recognition System (STARS) Overview

Tuesday, November 12th 5:30-7:30 p.m.

Courtney Isham, Child Care Quality Program Administrator (Child Development Division), Dacia Ostlund and Kathleen Bray, Vermont Afterschool Program Assessment Specialists and Trainers

This virtual “Community of Practice” session will provide an overview of the STARS system as well as time for participants to ask questions about all things STARS. If you would like a chance to learn more and have time to discuss the STARS Process, the STARS Guidance Manual and STARS FAQ’s this is a great session for you! It will include an overview of the STARS Elements of Quality: Adult Child Interactions, Family & Youth Engagement and Responsive Practices.

In this session participants will: 

Deepen their understanding of the STARS Process including:

• STARS Program overview and 3 Elements of Quality

• Understanding the evidence for each level- new Handout!

• Navigating the STARS Website Resource and Tools

• Looking at a STARS Application

Participants will have time to (virtually) meet the STARS Program Administrator and the STARS Assessors from Vermont Afterschool and feel more comfortable with the STARS process by discussing the new system with them as well as with peers from other Afterschool programs. There will be ample time provided for questions and discussion.

Session 2:
STARS Observation Visits - What to Expect

Tuesday, November 19th 5:30-7:30 p.m.

Dacia Ostlund and Kathleen Bray, Vermont Afterschool Program Assessment Specialists and Trainers

Join us to learn about the Program Quality Assessment (PQA) tools, how to use them, and how to schedule an assessment visit to your program. You will leave understanding how trained professionals can observe your program, record their observations, and provide you feedback in revising or creating your CQI plan. This session will walk you through the steps of what to expect from an assessment visit and follow up steps for professional coaching and professional development.

Objectives:

Participants will leave with a better understanding of the PQA tools and how to use them.

Participants will learn about the assessment process and next steps for coaching to improve quality.

Session 3:
STARS CQI Plan

Tuesday, December 3rd, 5:30-7:30 p.m.

Dacia Ostlund and Kathleen Bray, Vermont Afterschool Program Assessment Specialists and Trainers

Participants will meet with STARS Assessors from Vermont Afterschool in order to feel more comfortable with the CQI process. In this session, participants will discuss the Plan, Do, Study, Act (PDSA) cycle and how to use it to create a plan to improve program quality.

Objectives:

Participants will leave more knowledge of the Continuous Quality Improvement (CQI) process.

Participants will practice building CQI plans and using SMARTIE goals.