The Texas Rising Star Certification Guidelines are used by Workforce Development Board and child care contractor staff to assess and provide technical assistance to early learning programs pursuing Texas Rising Star certification. The Guidelines contain criteria for director and staff qualifications and training, teacher-child interactions, program administration, family involvement and education, and indoor/outdoor learning environments.
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Summary of the Texas Rising Star Certification Criteria
Below is a summary of the revised Texas Rising Star certification criteria which are based on the following types of measures:
- Structural “met” or “not met” measures are required for certification at any level (Two-, Three-, or Four-Star)
- Qualitative, points-based measures scored on a scale of 0–3 points determine the star level
Each subcategory contains required measures, points-based measures, or a combination of the two.
Category 1: Director and Staff Qualifications and Training
Measures relating to the education, experience, and training of all staff, including directors:
| Subcategory | Structural Measures? (Met/Not Met) |
Points-Based Measures? (Scored 0-3 points) |
| Director Qualifications and Training | Yes | Yes |
| Staff Qualifications, Orientation, and Training | Yes | Yes |
Category 2: Teacher-Child Interactions
Measures relating to group size, staff-to-child ratio, and quality of interactions between teachers and children in the classroom:
| Subcategory | Structural Measures? (Met/Not Met) |
Points-Based Measures? (Scored 0-3 points) |
| Group Size/Staff Ratios (center-based only) | No | Yes |
| Warm and Responsive Style | No | Yes |
| Language Facilitation and Support | No | Yes |
| Play-Based Interactions and Guidance | No | Yes |
| Support for Children’s Regulation | No | Yes |
| Instructional Formats and Approaches to Learning | No | Yes |
Category 3: Program Administration
Measures relating to education and involvement of parents and families in the program and how the program is managed:
| Subcategory | Structural Measures? (Met/Not Met) |
Points-Based Measures? (Scored 0-3 points) |
| Family Education | Yes | Yes |
| Family Involvement | Yes | Yes |
| Program Management | Yes | Yes |
Category 4: Indoor and Outdoor Environments
Measures relating to the equipment, materials, and arrangement of the indoor and outdoor learning environments:
| Subcategory | Structural Measures? (Met/Not Met) |
Points-Based Measures? (Scored 0-3 points) |
| Indoor Learning Environments | No | Yes |
| Outdoor Learning Environments | No | Yes |