Support for STARS Programs
Child and Adult Care Food Program (CACFP)
The CACFP is federally funded by the Food and Nutrition Services of the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA). The Department of Public Health and Human Services/Early Childhood and Family Support Division/Early Childhood Services Bureau is the State agency which administers the Child and Adult Care Food Program in Montana. The State agency:
- Provides consultative, technical and managerial personnel to administer the program in the state
- Provides sufficient training and technical assistance to institutions
- Monitors program performance
- Facilitates the expansion of the program
- Ensures effective operation of the program by participating institutions
For more information go to the CACFP website.
STARS Consultants
Programs will have a STARS Consultant assigned to them through their local Child Care Resource and Referral Agency. The Consultant is available to assist programs in quality improvement planning, action planning, understanding the STARS program criteria and steps involved, and will be there to work with the program to meet individual program goals as the program requests.
Coaching
Coaches are available through the CCR&R agency and will provide support using an evidence-based coaching model.
NAFCC Accreditation Mentoring
Child Care Resource and Referral Agencies are available statewide to coordinate mentoring to programs pursuing NAFCC accreditation.
Workforce Support and Incentives, Professional Development
More information is available through the Early Childhood Project.