Parents shopping around for licensed day care facilities could soon have some extra help finding the right one, under a ratings system being proposed by the Governor.
The Youngstar quality ratings system would score child care providers based on their learning environment, business practices and the well being of the children. Providers would be ranked on a five star scale, with a two star rating being about average for most.
State Representative Cory Mason (D-Racine) says it’s something that’s been needed for a while, and it will help to resolved concerns about quality many parents may have when looking for a provider.
Mason says the ratings will also be used to help determine how much funding they receive under the Wisconsin Shares program, hopefully reducing fraud. He says many of the recent cases of fraud within the program can be linked to providers who would have a hard time qualifying for aid under the proposed ratings.
Underperformers will have a chance to increase their rating. Mason says the state will make training available for providers to help them improve.
AUDIO: Andrew Beckett reports (1:07)