Keystone STARS
Keystone STARS - Improving the quality through:
- Standards
- Training/Professional Development
- Assistance,
- Resources and
- Support
Keystone STARS is an initiative of the Office of Child Development and Early Learning (OCDEL) to improve, support, and recognize the continuous quality improvement efforts of early learning programs in Pennsylvania.
The Keystone STARS Performance Standards provide the foundation for the program. The Performance Standards are grouped into four levels:
STAR 1, STAR 2, STAR 3, and STAR 4.
Each level builds on the previous level and utilizes research-based best practices to promote quality early learning environments and positive child outcomes. The standards address staff qualifications and professional development, the early learning program, partnerships with family and community, and leadership and management.
Keystone STARS is managed through a partnership of the Office of Child Development and Early Learning (OCDEL) and the Pennsylvania and Regional Keys.
SEARCH FOR STARS FACILITIES
Click here to find a STARS facility near you.
2010-2011 STARS performance standards for family child care homes
On an ongoing basis, the Office of Child Development and Early Learning (OCDEL), along with its stakeholders, reviews the Keystone STARS Performance Standards for Centers, Group Homes and Family Child Care Homes. This is in an effort to recognize the progress made by the field, to align the standards with new or revised program initiatives and to encourage more movement towards continuous quality improvement.
During the 2009-10 fiscal year, a workgroup comprise of Family Child Care Home providers, representatives from Child Care Providers United, Regional Key STARS Specialist/Managers and Pennsylvania Key staff was assembled to draft the changes to the 2010-11 STARS Performance Standards for Family Child Care Homes. The Regional Keys then conducted focus groups with Family Child Care Home providers across the Commonwealth to gain feedback regarding the changes, as well as to understand the successes, challenges and barriers to the implementation of the STARS Performance Standards. The dedication of the workgroup, valuable feedback from the focus groups, along with other feedback from the STARS community, influenced decision-making for the 2010-11 revisions.
The revisions to the 2010-11 STARS Performance Standards for Family Child Care Homes will be in effect beginning July 1, 2010. For a detailed discussion regarding the changes to the Performance Standards, you are encouraged to contact your Regional Key.