Created in 2007 by the Pennsylvania Office of Child Development and Early Learning (OCDEL), The Pennsylvania Key implements the work and supports the policies developed and managed by OCDEL. Learn More. >
Created in 2007 by the Pennsylvania Office of Child Development and Early Learning (OCDEL), The Pennsylvania Key implements the work and supports the policies developed and managed by OCDEL. Learn More. >The following table provides information on OCDEL-approved Alternate Pathways and their corresponding STAR designation. It is important to note that alternate pathway options apply to individual program locations. For more information on OCDEL-approved alternate pathways, contact your Early Learning Resource Center (ELRC).
| Accrediting Agency | Evidence/Documentation | STAR Level |
|---|---|---|
| Association of Christian Schools International (ACSI) Accreditation plus regular DHS Certificate of Compliance or PDE private academic license | Accreditation Certificate (5 year), electronic database listing and by calling or emailing ACSI (no annual letter issued) | STAR 3 |
| Head Start / Early Head Start (HS/EHS) grantee in good standing with Office of Head Start | Annual Re-Funding Letter provided by Office of Head Start | STAR 4 |
| Montessori Recognition (AMI) or Accreditation (AMS) by: Association Montessori Internationale (AMI/USA) Recognition or American Montessori Society (AMS) Accreditation plus regular DHS Certificate of Compliance or PDE private academic license |
Certificate of Accreditation from AMS (issued every August) and by calling or emailing AMS Certificate of Recognition and annual letter from AMI |
STAR 4 |
| National Association of Education of Young Children (NAEYC) Accreditation plus regular DHS Certificate of Compliance or PDE private academic license | Accreditation Certificate (5 year) or electronic database listing and NAEYC Annual Report | STAR 4 |
| National Association for Family Child Care (NAFCC) Accreditation plus regular DHS Certificate of Compliance or PDE private academic license | Accreditation Certificate (3 Year) or electronic database listing and NAFCC Annual Report | STAR 4 |
| National Early Childhood Program Accreditation (NECPA) plus regular DHS Certificate of Compliance or PDE private academic license | Accreditation Certificate (3 Year) or electronic database listing and, NECPA Annual Report | STAR 4 |
|
Out of School Time (OST) Only Providers School Age Child Care (SACC) Accreditation through Council of Accreditation (COA) plus regular DHS Certificate of Compliance, as appropriate Compliant 21st Century Community Learning Centers plus regular certificate of compliance or PDE private academic license |
Accreditation Certificate or electronic database listing and by calling or emailing COA (COA does not issue annual letters) Designation Certificate or electronic database listing and, as applicable 21CCLC Annual Report |
STAR 4 |
For the most up to date information on Professional Development in Keystone STARS, refer to the 2023 Keystone STARS Program Manual.
As part of OCDEL’s commitment to continuous quality improvement in early learning, child care programs participating in Keystone STARS at the STAR 2 level or above will receive a subsidy add-on for every child they serve who is enrolled in Child Care Works.
This subsidy add-on, or tiered reimbursement, is applicable to centers at the STAR 2 level or higher, and increases with each STAR level. The add-on is automatically applied to the daily subsidized child care rate for the program by the Early Learning Resource Center (ELRC), formerly the CCIS. The additional daily amount may, in some circumstances, increase provider rates to an amount that exceeds the Maximum Child Care Allowance.
STARS PD is provided to ECE professionals with the goal of increasing knowledge, skill, and practice in their work with children and families. As a result, STARS PD will help programs achieve higher quality practices and help them achieve higher STAR levels. OCDEL funds PD aligned with CQI and the office’s priorities. Approved PD is available in the PD Registry. Quality Coaches can support programs in identifying PD that best fulfills the program’s CQI needs
An important part of providing quality early education through Keystone STARS is reaching out to families and educating other leaders in your community. Visit this page often for new tools and tips to help educate your community about quality early education and Keystone STARS.
This .zip file includes the Keystone STARS logo in the following .JPG for web, .PNG for banners flags, etc. and .TIF for printed materials.
Last Updated: March 2023
