La. Admin. Code tit. 67 § III-5121

Current through Register Vol. 50, No. 11, November 20, 2024

Section III-5121 - Participation

A. A child care center will complete the application to participate in the Quality Start Child Care Rating System at one star. If awarded, this will establish the center's initial year in the system.

B. Centers with two to five stars may submit an application for a star(s) six months after the date of award of the current rating or denial of an award. A verification visit will be conducted by the department prior to the award of two or more stars.

C. Quality ratings will be valid for two years from the date of the star rating award as long as the center continues to qualify for the star rating. A rating review, which may be a visit or verification of documentation, will be conducted on a percentage of participating centers to ensure continued compliance.

D. Centers that have achieved a star rating may have their rating reviewed and modified. If at any time, it becomes known to the department or the department receives information from the center that the child care center no longer meets standards for the center's current star rating award.

E. Centers that have achieved a star rating will have their rating revoked if the child care license is revoked or not renewed.

F. Centers that have achieved a star rating may have their rating revoked, or centers applying may be denied, if it is determined by the department that false or misleading statements or documents have been submitted or misrepresented or relevant facts have been concealed or withheld in order to qualify or maintain a star(s) in the quality start child care rating system or to obtain the school readiness tax credit (SRTC).

G. The provider must reimburse the department for all ineligible benefits received.

H. Participation in the quality start child care rating system is voluntary. There are no administrative appeal rights for providers whose participation is denied or terminated.

I. Centers that have their star award revoked by quality start may be prohibited from participating in quality start for 12 months from the date of revocation of star award.

La. Admin. Code tit. 67, § III-5121

Promulgated by the Department of Social Services, Office of Family Support, LR 33:2788 (December 2007), amended LR 34:2412 (November 2008), LR 36:332 (February 2010), amended by the Department of Children and Family Services, Economic Stability Section, LR 37:3494 (December 2011).

AUTHORITY NOTE: Promulgated in accordance with 45 CFR Part 98 and R.S.36:474.