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Rating Information

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Updates on Rating – May 2023

Official 3- 4- and 5- Star Ratings are available for Center-based, In-district DOE, NAEYC-accredited and Family Childcare (FCC) programs. 

Additionally, a streamlined re-rating process is now available for eligible Center-based, In-district DOE, NAEYC-accredited and Family Childcare (FCC) programs.

Ratings eligibility and processes vary by program type. Click below for more information.

Center-based programs
In-district DOE programs
  • Official ratings will resume March 8, 2023. Provisional ratings will no longer be available at that time. An in-district DOE program is a program that does not have a childcare license and is located within a district building. If the program is a DOE-contracted center, refer to center-based programs above.
    • Curriculum Training: All program staff, including administrators, must have received the hours of formal curriculum training required for the star rating sought by the program. Formal curriculum training must come from GNJK training services, directly from the developer, or a trainer with a current train-the-trainer certificate.
    • Self-contained Classrooms: After rating submission, your program will be assigned to a Quality Rating Coordinator (QRC). Please notify your QRC if your in-district DOE program includes self-contained classrooms.
  • A streamlined re-rating process is now available for eligible programs. Review the Streamlined Re-rating Protocol for All Programs for more information.
  • Find more information about the rating process for In-district DOE programs
  • Review the Documentation Review Protocol for In-district DOE Programs – December 2, 2022 (PDF)
  • Tech Kits are available at each Technical Assistance Centers for programs without access to the technology needed to complete PROP. Contact your Technical Assistance Specialist for more information.
Family Childcare Centers (FCC) English/Español
NAEYC-accredited programs
  • Official ratings will resume March 8, 2023. Provisional ratings will no longer be available at that time.
  • A streamlined re-rating process is now available for eligible programs. Review the Streamlined Re-rating Protocol for All Programs for more information.
  • Find more information about the rating process for NAEYC-accredited programs.
  • Review the Documentation Review Protocol for NAEYC-accredited Programs – December 2, 2022 (PDF)Note: NAEYC-accredited programs must submit the following to Grow NJ Kids Rating:
    – Copy of current NAEYC Accreditation Certificate
    – Copy of most recent Accreditation Decision Report
    – Copy of completed NAEYC Annual Reports for years 1-3 as appropriate
  • Grow NJ Kids standards aligned to the NAEYC standards listed as “unmet” on the program’s Accreditation Decision Report, or found on the Areas for Ongoing Improvement section of the Accreditation Decision Report are not waived. Based on the findings from the Accreditation Decision Report and the completed NAEYC Annual Reports for years 1-3 by Grow NJ Kids Rating, additional documentation may be required to demonstrate evidence of meeting Grow NJ Kids standards and meeting points requirements for the requested Star Rating.
Head Start programs
  • Please check back soon for information about ratings for Head Start programs.