ADDISON COUNTY — Vermont’s Step Ahead Recognition System (STARS) has recently recognized Mary Johnson Children’s Center (MJCC) network of afterschool and summer programs for their excellence. Participants receive recognition for instituting practices that demonstrate quality of programming that exceeds the requirements for becoming licensed by the State of Vermont. This achievement represents effort and serious commitment on the part of the center.
The two longest-running Mary Johnson afterschool programs, running in Bristol and Middlebury, have earned five-star ratings. The two newest, in Salisbury and Weybridge, have earned three stars.  Rounding out MJCC’s participation in continuous improvement of afterschool, the New Haven and Starksboro programs have four stars each.
 Created and led by the Child Development Division of the Vermont Department for Children and Families, the STARS program is Vermont’s quality recognition system for registered home providers, licensed programs including children’s centers and school-based Pre-Kindergarten programs, and school age programs.
 “This achievement confirms Mary Johnson Children’s Center’s commitment to providing quality early childhood programming” says Reeva Sullivan Murphy, Deputy Commissioner of the Department for Children and Families.
Programs are recognized for achievements in five areas:  compliance with licensing regulations, qualifications and training of program staff, the program’s connections with families and with the community, the practices of the program and its strategies for improvement, and the strength of the programs operating policies and business practices. Awards for achievements in these areas begin at one star and increase to five stars.
A statewide list of STARS rated providers and other stars information can be found on the STARS website at starsstepahead.org.
 Additional Information can also be obtained by calling the STARS office at 802-398-2037.