MERIT STARS System

·        STARS is the acronym for State Training And Registry System

STARS is a Washington State mandated training program for child care providers. STARS is a career development system designed to improve child care through basic and ongoing training for child care providers. The Department of Early Learning (DEL) administers the STARS Registry, a web-based database that tracks provider records.

·        MERIT (Managed Education and Registry Information Tool)

MERIT replaces the STARS database as the place for information on STARS approved training and education. The Department of Early Learning (DEL) State agency in charge of child care licensing and managing the STARS program. The Managed Education and Registry Information Tool (MERIT) is a voluntary, statewide tool to document and recognize the professional achievements of early care & education and school-age professionals. This innovative online tool helps professionals find training opportunities, access information on career pathways, and track their individual career progress. MERIT also identifies approved trainers who provide education to professionals.

MERIT is designed as a tool for all those who work with young children and their families in an early care & education or school-age program. This includes licensed child care professionals in family home and center-based care, Head Start professionals, Early Care and Education Assistance Program (ECEAP) professionals, preschool teachers, school-age professionals and administrators who support the direct care of children.

MERIT–Frequently Asked Questions

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The Department of Early Learning (DEL)

DEL licenses and monitor Washington's 7,400-plus licensed child care settings in family homes and centers that serve about 174,000 children. DEL licensors support child care business owners and their staff in offering safe, healthy care, and take action if settings are found to be unsafe for Washington's children. DEL also oversees the state professional development system (STARS) to help ensure that for those who care for and teach young children continue to increase their skills and education levels.

 Visit the DEL Website

·         Successful Solutions Training in Child Development

Successful Solutions Training in Child Development is a subsidiary of Successful Solutions Professional Development LLC.

Successful Solutions Training in Child Development is a STARS (DEL MERIT) registered training organization.

Our STARS training organization ID number is #5053. We offer STARS courses in partnership with Claudette Lindquist, HD M.A. and  Debra Hasbrook, M.Ed., advanced level STARS approved trainers.

Our trainers are experienced Washington state child care professionals, and we are here to provide you with the best student support available online!  

Successful Solutions Professional Development is a leading training organization offering the National CDA Training, In-Service CEU courses for most states, an online Business Education Program, and accredited online Career Highschool. 

We are independent STARS approved trainers, not affiliated with the Washington State Department of Early Learning or with WAEYC. We are approved by the STARS program to provide STARS training. All STARS courses regulations/procedures, record keeping; and STARS ID’s are dictated or managed by the Washington State Department of Early Learning (DEL). The STARS Scholarship Program is managed by MERIT. 

Visit Successful Solutions Student Enrollment Center

Child Care Basics Student Testimonials

Child Care Basics Student Testimonials

 

Our online Child Care Basics training was designed to meet all state requirements for online STARS courses.  You can complete training with us confident that the course meets the highest guidelines, and that the certificate will be valued for quality training. 

Go to www.starsbasic.com to enroll.

Comments

Amy (Washington)

I love, love, love going at my own rate. I loved how helpful the trainer was. Being online, its hard to know who's behind the scenes and I wonder how qualified they are. I was more than thoroughly pleased with the support and knowledge from the trainer as well as the online chat support. Both were extremely knowledgeable and prompt, exceeding my expectations in a supreme way. In a nutshell: you rock! :-) FYI: the first few modules took longer than the rest and I was worried and very regretful for not signing up for in person classes. My opinion has now changed, of course, and I'm very happy overall. Just thought you should know. Being online is no anonymous. Online chat is a way to feel connected to the students. When I used it the one time, I was provided with more knowledgeable and friendly help than expected creating a tremendous amount of relief that there was support and oddly even made me feel connected to the anonymous people behind the scenes of the course.

Emma (Washington)

I enjoyed that although I have a year to complete this training. It did not take me as long as I expected. I really love this format of learning, and I am excited to get my CDA through them, when I have the money saved up to pay for it! All the people who helped me in the live chat were wonderful, and I even remember their names. I especially loved working with Ashleigh, and Kathy. I am thankful they have competent and well trained staff. I even had the instructor call me, as well as instruct me over the live chat. I wish there were college classes that worked that way as well!

Jordynn (Washington)

I really loved doing the student discussion boards and seeing everyone else's opinions/responses. It was a way of feedback or ideas almost from others who are taking the course. This has really enhanced my learning about child development and my duties working with children!

Jacquelyn (Washington)

I liked that there was trainer help available for many hours on every day. The worksheets were helpful and the print. I valued being able to go at my own pace. The group discussion questions seemed a little too prevalent, but they were a nice tool to enhance thinking. Live Chat was very helpful. I especially appreciated that it was available everyday and for so many hours.

STARS Training Requirements

STARS Training Requirements

Basic STARS Training

The Basic STARS training requirement must be met within six months of being hired in a licensed child care program. Child care programs can choose to enforce further regulations according to program policy. For example, some centers may require that the Basic STARS training is complete prior to employment, or within 30 days. Family child care providers must complete the Basic STARS training prior to being licensed. 

The Basic STARS training does not expire. It is only necessary to complete the course one time. Each calendar year after initially completing the Basic STARS Training, child care professionals are required to complete 10 hours of STARS continuing education.

• Enroll in the STARS 30 Hour Basic Training Online

Annual STARS Continuing Education Training 

• Click Here to View STARS Continuing Education Courses

All child care professionals are required to complete 10 hours of STARS continuing education training every year. A center director and program supervisor must have five of the ten hours in program management and administration for the first two years in their respective positions. Each additional year, three of the ten hours required must be in program management and administration.

There are many changes coming to licensed child care in Washington State. If you are interested in more information, click the following link to read The Recommendations from the Professional Development Consortium.

Enroll in Annual STARS Training

STARS Child Care Basics * 30 Hour STARS Training

www.starsbasic.com