GUIDELINES

 

KEYSTONE STARS CORE PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT

Environmental Rating Scale

  • Environment Rating Scale (ERS) 101 – Foundations (two hours): This two-hour seminar is part of the Keystone STARS Core training series. It is a prerequisite for the ITERS-R, ECERS-R, FCCERS-R, or SACERS seminars. (Please note: if you have taken an ITERS-R, ECERS-R, and/or a SACERS prior to July 2007, this course is not required.)

Participants will learn: how the ERS scales measure quality, how the ERS scales are used in Pennsylvania, and how to accurately score the ERS. Upon completion of the Foundations seminar, participants will be properly prepared for the specific scale professional development seminars 201 ITERS-R, 202 ECERS-R, 203 SACERS, and 204 FCCERS-R.

  • Infant/toddler Environment Rating Scale-Revised (ITERS-R) 201 (two hours): Prerequisite: 101-Foundations or attendance at an ITERS-R, ECERS-R, or SACERS prior to July 2007.

This two-hour seminar is part of the Keystone STARS core training series and meets the needs of child care facilities participating in the Keystone STARS child care quality initiative who are required to conduct an ITERS self-assessment of their infant/toddler classrooms (Birth-36 months). Participants will learn about the indicators of quality in infant and toddler settings, how the scale measures quality, and how to use the scale as a self-assessment tool.

  • Early Childhood Environment Rating Scale-Revised (ECERS-R) 202 (two hours): Prerequisite: 101-Foundations or attendance at an ITERS-R, ECERS-R, or SACERS prior to July 2007.

This two-hour seminar is part of the Keystone STARS core training series and meets the needs of child care facilities participating in the Keystone STARS child care quality initiative that are required to conduct an ECERS self-assessment of their early childhood/kindergarten classrooms (37 months through entrance into 1st grade.) Participants will learn about the indicators of quality in early childhood settings, how the scale measures quality, and how to use the scale as a self-assessment tool.

  • School-age Care Environment Rating Scale (SACERS) 203 (two hours): Prerequisite: 101-Foundations or attendance at an ITERS-R, ECERS-R, or SACERS prior to July 2007.

This two-hour seminar is part of the Keystone STARS core training series and meets the needs of child care facilities participating in the Keystone STARS child care quality initiative that are required to conduct a SACERS self-assessment of their school-age classrooms (majority of children in grades 1 and above). Participants will learn about the indicators of quality in school-age settings, how the scale measures quality, and how to use the scale as a self-assessment tool.

  • Family Child Care Environment Rating Scale-Revised (FCCERS-R) 204 (three hours): This three-hour seminar is part of the Keystone STARS core training series and meets the requirements of Keystone STARS for Family and Group Child Care facilities operating in a residence. Participants will learn about the indicators of quality in mixed–age group early childhood settings, how the scale measures quality, and how to use the scale for continuous quality improvement.
  • Click here for more information about the Environment Rating Scales.

Core Knowledge Competency (CKC) Professional Development

Navigating the CQI Process: Understanding and Planning for Continuous Quality Improvement

 

KEYSTONE STARS SUPPORT PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT

State-funded modules vetted by multiple organizations. Look for “support” on the course icon.

Click here to log in and search for upcoming professional development in your area.

For more resources on how to use the PD Registry and find professional development, visit the PD Registry page of the PA Key website.

 

ORIENTATION PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT FOR NEW STAFF

FAMILY CHILD CARE SERIES

The Pennsylvania Key recommends that family child care providers take the Better Kid Care-Family Child Care Series, to reach STAR 1 status.  This series includes the following classes required by all STARS family child care providers:

  • Family Child Care…It’s a Business (2 Hours-K6)
  • Understanding and Supporting Children’s Physical & Cognitive Development (2 Hours-K1)
  • Understanding and Supporting Children’s Language and Social/Emotional Development (2 Hours-K1)

As well as the following recommended classes:

  • Supervising Children in Family Child Care (2 Hours, Web Only, K7)
  • Child Care for Mixed Ages (2 Hours, Mail or Web, K2)
  • Improving and Using Your Observation Skills (2 Hours, Mail or Web, K4)
  • Space for Playing and Learning (1 Hour, Web Only, K2)
  • How to Turn a “No” into a “Yes” (1 Hour, Web Only, K5)
  • Powerful Communication with Parents (1 Hour, Web Only, K5)
  • For more information, contact Better Kid Care at 1-800-452-9108.

Family Child Care Providers may also choose a combination of the Better Kid Care required courses and 9 hours of other PQAS approved professional development in an array of knowledge areas to include K2, K3, K4, K5 or K6 from the Core Body of Knowledge.

Orientation for New Center Staff Professional Development

 

SCHOOL-AGE NEW STAFF ORIENTATION

Fifteen hours of professional development designed to help individuals become familiar with their new program, the children in their care, and the field of School-Age Care. Some content included keeping children safe, guiding behavior, activities, environment, professionalism, partnerships. Individuals completing this professional development meet the following:
  • STAR 2 Staff Qualifications requirement for new school-age staff
For more information on School-Age Professional Development, please visit the School-Age section of our site.