Research tells us that high quality early care and education makes a difference in the critical early learning years and beyond.  High quality programs provide developmentally appropriate experiences that positively impact young children's learning and school readiness.  Supportive interactions with the adults who work in early childhood programs enhance young children's social and emotional development.  The Delaware Early Care and Education Baseline Quality Study raised questions about the quality of the state's early childhood programs.  In response, the state has focused on improving the quality of early care and education in Delaware to support the development and learning of the state's young children.

In a Delaware Stars program:

• Has committed to providing quality experiences for all children;
• Is a safe, healthy, and comfortable place where children can explore and learn;
• Implements Delaware's Early Learning Foundations to guide planning;
• Supports children's physical, cognitive, and social emotional development;
• Has teachers that listen to children and parents, and find ways for all children to succeed;
• Provides opportunities for children to have fun together and practice being respectful of others;
• Offers children music, art, and play activities that increase school readiness;
• Individualizes attention to children;
• Seeks well-educated staff;
• Involves Parents; and
• Provides Opportunities for Children to learn and succeed!