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As we've communicated, the budgeting process for this fiscal year and next continues to be at the forefront for state leadership as they try to balance the budget while continuing to support the important work you do in providing Delaware's youngest learners access to high-quality early learning.
Here's what we know:
- Despite a $400 million budget shortfall this year, the state's Fiscal Year 2018 Final Operating Budget includes funds to maintain the Delaware Stars and tiered reimbursement at the same level as last year. However, even with this investment, there is not enough funding to expand Stars and tiered reimbursement in the 2018 fiscal year.
- For Fiscal Year 2018, no new program applications to Stars will be accepted.
- The state will continue supporting all programs at their current levels with tiered reimbursement.
- All current Delaware Stars participants at Star Levels 2, 3 and 4 will be held at their current level.
- Additionally, the Governor and his administration have prioritized funding to support the growth of those programs that re-verified at a new Star level on or before June 30, 2017 and will be eligible for a higher star rating and tiered reimbursement rate.
Understanding your priorities is critical for the budgeting process. To this end, at the most recent Delaware Early Childhood Council meeting, an hour was dedicated to get your feedback and for state leadership to hear firsthand your questions and concerns. The meeting included input from Secretary of Education, Dr. Susan Bunting, OMB representative, Amy Bonner, and John Sheehan from the Governor's Office.
Here's what you told us:
- Providers and stakeholders shared that the freeze on tiered reimbursement does not equate to "maintenance," but rather represents "backsliding" in financial support, especially considering that reimbursement is based on the 2011 market rate.
- Providers stressed the importance of decoupling increased Star levels from increases in tiered reimbursement rates while the tiered reimbursement system is being revised. They explained that they want the opportunity to be able to verify at higher Star levels to reflect their hard work and commitment to continuous quality improvement.
- DeAEYC was also present and explained that there is a need for more advocacy from the early learning community. Programs were encouraged to contact their state representative to ensure their voices are being heard. DeAEYC also volunteered to visit centers and organizations to support providers and families in starting and continuing advocacy efforts. It was shared that this is an important time, as state departments are currently building their budget requests for next year.
Here's what's next:
- The Office of Early Learning shared that they are assembling a group of stakeholders to advise on revisions to the Stars QRIS and tiered reimbursement systems for sustainability.
- A decision will be made about allowing programs to move up a Star level without receiving the increased Tiered Reimbursement rate during this fiscal year.
We value your work on behalf of Delaware children and families, and we remain committed to continued investments in early learning. Thank you for your patience and understanding throughout this process.
You can continue to address your questions and concerns to Lin Nordmeyer, Stars Communication Manager, by emailing her here.
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