Quality early care and education programs depend on a qualified and stable workforce. Early childhood experiences and a child’s environment have an enormous impact on how children learn and interact with each other throughout life. The early care and education workforce must be well-trained and valued to ensure that children succeed and families are supported.

The mission of the State Training and Registry System (STARS) is to improve the quality of care and education for young children and their families in West Virginia by enhancing the skills and career opportunities for all those who care for and educate our youngest citizens.

West Virginia STARS is available to all early care and education practitioners working in a variety of settings—child care centers, private and public preschools, Head Start facilities, family child care homes and facilities, early intervention programs, school-age child care programs, parent education opportunities, regulatory agencies and trainings.


When you enroll in STARS, you can expect:

  • to receive a consistent base of training in the core competencies for early care and education professionals.
  • to receive formal recognition for your level of accomplishment on the career pathway through an organized tracking system.
  • to develop at your own pace.
  • to attend trainings offered throughout the state or in your own community.
  • to receive support in achieving professional aspirations.

Those who benefit from the STARS program include: children, communities, all early childhood professionals, program administrators, and parents.

Key Components:

  • Core Knowledge and Core Competencies for Early Care and Education Professionals to facilitate child learning and development.
Core Knowledge and Core Competencies
(DOWNLOAD
- pdf 2.23MB)
  • Career Pathway to provide a framework to encourage higher levels of skills, credentials, and wages.
Levels of Career Pathway (LINK TO PAGE)
  • Registry and Credentialing System to track and recognize professional accomplishments.

Career Pathway Application (DOWNLOAD - pdf 474 KB)
Career Pathway Renewal Application
(DOWNLOAD
- pdf 29KB)

  • Trainer Approval and Registered Training System to ensure trainer qualifications and quality of trainings.

Training Registration Form (DOWNLOAD - pdf 111KB)
Trainer Certification Application (DOWNLOAD - pdf 125KB)
Code of Ethics for Adult Learners (DOWNLOAD - pdf 117KB)

  • Coordinated Training system to make training available and accessible at all levels, in a variety of settings.

WV STARS Training Evaluation Form (DOWNLOAD - pdf 521KB)
WV STARS Sign-in Sheets (DOWNLOAD - pdf 1.16MB)

 


For More Information Contact:

West Virginia S.T.A.R.S. & West Virginia Early
Childhood Training Connections and Resources
611 7th Avenue, Suite 322
Huntington, WV 25701

Phone: (304) 529-7603
Toll Free: (888) WVECTCR
Fax: (304) 529-2535
E-Mail: cestep@rvcds.org

©2005 - 2008 West Virginia Early Childhood Training Connections and Resources