Welcome to the STARS Continuous Quality Improvement (CQI) Application via Jotform.  This application is appropriate for applying to STARS for the first time or to maintain or increase your program’s STARS level. Please read the following before completing this application and make sure that you have:

• all the required evidence documents completed and ready to attach. To review what evidence may be used with your application, please see the Evidence Examples for Early Childhood Education and Evidence Examples for Afterschool Programs
• certification documents from NAEYC, Head Start and NAFCC, if applicable.
• answers to your questions about filling out the application.
• your program's CQI Plan.
• copies of your STARS CQI Plan and documents for your records. Once submitted, STARS may not be able to retrieve and return documents.

STARS Application Process

Your STARS CQI Application must include:

1. a CQI Plan that meets your desired STARS level standards
2. a completed Level 2 EC Self Study of Knowledge Areas or Level 2 ASP Self Study of Knowledge Areas. 
3. a completed Strengthening Families Self Assessment
4. evidence that your program meets your desired STARS level standards. 
   • IMPORTANT: If your program is applying for the first time since the STARS revision launched on July 1, 2023, you must complete the STARS Level 2 section of this application before moving on to apply for your desired STARS level.
   • Once your program has been awarded a STARS level certificate in the revised model, only evidence to support new CQI progress will then be required.
   • The following document types ( up to 25 MB) may be used: pdf, doc, docx, xls, xlsx, csv, txt, rtf, html, zip, mp3, wma, mpg, flv, avi, jpg, jpeg, png, gif.

Please consult the STARS Guidance Manual and review the STARS Level Standards and Evidence chart before preparing your STARS Application. You may use this template for your STARS CQI Plan. You may use this checklist to make sure you have the necessary documentation for your STARS CQI Plan.

When you submit your application:

• The STARS Team notifies you via email that it has received your portfolio.
• The STARS Team reviews your portfolio in the order it is received and within 8 weeks of receipt date and will email the results of that review.

Technical Questions and Support

For questions, please contact the CDD STARS Team at STARS@vermont.gov or 800-649-2642, option 8.