KidTown Child Development Center Achieves Level FIVE Rating in Kentucky All STARS Program

Harrison Memorial Hospital (HMH) is proud to announce that HMH KidTown Development Center has been recognized by the Cabinet for Health and Family Services Department for Community Based Services as a Level FIVE provider, the highest possible rating, in the Kentucky All STARS tiered Quality Rating and Improvement System.

Kentucky All STARS is the state’s expanded five-star quality rating and improvement system that serves all early care and education programs – including childcare centers, Head Start, and public preschools. The program evaluates centers on key quality standards such as family engagement, staff qualifications, classroom environment, and instructional practices.

This recognition marks a significant milestone for HMH KidTown, which previously received a Level FOUR rating for two consecutive cycles. The recent evaluation confirms that KidTown continues to meet and exceed high-quality standards, joining an elite group—only 27% of childcare centers in Kentucky are rated at Level Four or Five.

The All STARS initiative at HMH KidTown was led by Kristi Simmons, KidTown Manager, and Ruthanne Chapman, KidTown Coordinator. The child development center was assessed by the Kentucky Cabinet for Health and Family Services and awarded a top-tier rating based on its exemplary standards.

“This five-star rating is a wonderful acknowledgment of the outstanding work our KidTown staff does each and every day,” said Dr. Kathy Tussey, HMH Chief Executive Officer. “We are incredibly proud of the environment they’ve created—one that supports learning, development, and care for the children and families we serve.”

HMH KidTown has a long-standing legacy of excellence in child care, first opening its doors in 1983. In 2016, the center—formerly known as Toddler Village—was renamed HMH KidTown and expanded to include a full-time preschool. In 2021, it moved to its current location and now has 35 staff members.

The Level FIVE recognition reaffirms HMH KidTown’s continued commitment to nurturing and educating children in a safe, supportive, and enriching environment.

For more information about HMH KidTown Development Center or the Kentucky All STARS program, please visit www.chfs.ky.gov/agencies/dcbs/dcc/Pages/kyallstars.aspx.