ATLANTA (AP) — Georgia is unveiling its voluntary three-star child care rating system, which offers financial incentives for providers who participate.
The system went live on Monday. The Atlanta Journal-Constitution reports (http://bit.ly/a1eK) that parents can see whether a center is rated by going to www.decal.ga.gov or www.qualityrated.org .
The state is buying supplies for rated centers and giving some money for staff bonuses and lower staff-to-student ratios. As of Monday, star-rated centers also will receive an increase in the state/federal reimbursements they receive for caring for children from lower-income families, something that hasn't happened in years.
The higher the center's rating, the larger the reimbursement the center could receive for each qualifying child.
Star-rated centers will have the following attractions, state officials said:
.Each class has a daily lesson plan, ensuring greater focus on academics;
.Children have 30-plus minutes of daily physical activity;
.Information on staff-to-teacher ratios is readily available to parents;
.The staff is committed to serving more fresh fruits and vegetables.
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