Kristi's Kiddie Korner Receives Best Beginnings 5 Star Rating

Kristi’s Kiddie Korner, a licensed Child Care Facility in Whitehall for more than 13 years, has achieved 5 STARs in the Best Beginnings STARS to Quality program. The program began as a Field Test in June of 2010 and Kristi’s Kiddie Korner joined when STARS was expanded to Phase II in 2013. Since that time, the state has continued to fund and expand the program and all licensed providers are eligible and encouraged to apply.

The Best Beginnings STARS to Quality Program, of the Montana Department of Public Health and Human Services, is a voluntary quality rating improvement system that aligns quality indicators with support and incentives for early childhood programs and early childhood professionals. The Best Beginnings STARS to Quality Program was developed with input from statewide stakeholders; professionals, parents, early childhood professionals, and national experts committed to providing high quality early childhood experiences for young children in out of home care. Programs as well as the STARS rating system itself are evaluated on an ongoing basis as a party of the continuous quality improvement cycle.

To reach the STAR 5 rating, Kristi’s Kiddie Korner achieved specific quality criteria in each of a variety of areas: Early Childhood Education, Qualifications & Training, Staff/Caregiver-to-Child Ratio & Group Size, Family/Community Partnerships, Leadership & Program Management, and Environments for Care & Learning. These criteria include meeting all DPHHS Child Care Licensing or Registration Standards and successful completion of a variety of specific training requirements.

Kristi’s Kiddie Korner serves infants through children 10 years of age and caregivers receive training for working with each age group. Through the STARS program, employees work to achieve their Montana Infant & Toddler Certification as well as their Montana Preschool Teacher Certification. Teachers continue their education throughout their employment receiving a minimum of 16 training hours each year. Owner, Kristi Wilson, holds these certificates as well as an Bachelor’s Degree in Early Childhood Education.

For more information about licensed childcare or Montana STARS to Quality visit the Early Childhood and Family Support Divisions website at https://dphhs.mt.gov/ecfsd/childcare