Carmen Benitez, owner of Mi Casita Daycare, is now a Star level 5 family care provider.  In four short years, Carmen has achieved this level through hard work, determination and actively being involved in Stars.  She began her quality improvement journey in 2013 and became a member of the first Spanish-speaking cohort.  While a member of the cohort, she took classes toward her Family Child Care credential, completed her portfolio and was awarded the credential.  Carmen quickly moved to Star level 4.

With her eye on Star level 5, Carmen wanted to enroll more infants and toddlers and increase her materials for dual language learners.  To pursue this goal she applied for, and was granted, the capacity grant.   Through the grant Carmen was able to obtain developmentally appropriate materials for use both inside and outside, to safely engage infants and toddlers. She also purchased dual language materials to add to her classroom.

Carmen fully accesses the resources of Stars to help her meet her goals.  In addition to meeting regularly with her generalist TA, she has worked with the infant toddler TA and a curriculum and assessment TA.

"Delaware Stars has worked with me hand-in-hand from the start. I have learned to better manage my program. I have the criteria to evaluate each child, individualize lessons accordingly and report to their parents how they are developing," adds Carmen.

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