Louisiana Launches Daycare Rating System

Saturday marked the launch of Louisiana`s Quality Rating System for child care centers. The system will rank child care centers according to a star rating system ; ranging from 1 star, which means the center meets Department of Social Services licensing requirements, to 5 stars, which means superior. Centers that are rated above 1 star must go through a rigorous certification process which evaluates the center`s staff qualifications and educational programs; just to name a few. The star rating system will help parents easily identify centers that go above and beyond the basic state licensing requirements. More than 90 child care providers gathered at a training in Bossier City Saturday. The training was a simulcast conference led by the Department of Social Services in Baton Rouge; connecting trainings statewide through a video system. Nancy Alexander, director of the Northwestern State University Child and Family Network, says the rating system is a step in the right direction. "What this will do is help ensure that young children will be able to get the stimulating environment they need in order to be able to succeed in school," Alexander said. The ratings will become available in July. Parents will be able to find them on the internet and at daycare centers.