WHAT IS WASHINGTON STATE DEL'S STARS MERIT SYSTEM?
What is MERIT?
Washington State child care professionals can track and manage their annual professional development training requirement through a system called MERIT (Managed Education and Registry Information Tool). Anyone who works in early care and education can use the MERIT system, including those who support early care and education:
- Family home child care
- Child care centers
- Early Childhood Education and Assistance Program (ECEAP)
- Head Start
- School-age child care
- Administrators, including facility directors and program supervisors
- Coaches and trainers
- K–12 educators and higher education faculty
Is MERIT for STARS training?
Yes, the MERIT system has everything you need to help manage your annual STARS continuing education licensing requirements. You can search for approved classes, track your annual STARS training, manage your account and request reimbursement for your approved STARS training classes.
How do I get a MERIT account?
Go to the MERIT website and open an account. You will receive a STARS MERIT ID # which you will need to add to your profile so we can report your completed trainings for you. This will be the number you use to manage your account in MERIT.
How do I get reimbursed for my STARS training?
SafeGard Classes Online will report all approved classes you complete so you can track your training requirements and submit your request for reimbursement from MERIT. You will also receive a certificate of completion for each course you complete. These will be available in your SafeGard Classes Online account for you to access at any time.
For more information, here are some important links:
WA Department of Children,Youth & Families
MERIT STARS Training Reimbursement
How to Find STARS-Approved Classes
Great Deals on 10 Hour STARS Packages
How to Get Credit for Your STARS Classes
