NEW! 2022 Keystone STARS Performance Standards Recorded Webinar Available Now
A recorded webinar on the 2022 Keystone STARS Performance Standards has been developed and is now available on the Pennsylvania Key’s YouTube. The webinar provides information on the updates and edits that have been made to the 2022 Keystone STARS Performance Standards. As a reminder, the 2022 Keystone STARS Standards take effect on July 1, 2022. The Standards and accompanying resource documents can be found below.
Resource Documents for the 2022 Keystone STARS Performance Standards
Effective July 1, 2022
- Keystone STARS Manual
- 2022 Keystone STARS Performance Standards
- Keystone STARS Status Review, Reduction, Suspension and Removal Policy
- Facility Staff Qualifications Grid [Updated 12/15/2022]
- Confidential Records Sign Off Form – Children’s Records
- Confidential Records Sign Off Form – Leadership Management and Program Staff
- Keystone STARS CQI Plan Instructions Example #1
- Keystone STARS CQI Plan Example #2
- Professional Development Tracking Grid for STAR 3 4 Non-Instructional Staff
- Professional Development Tracking Grid for STAR 3 4 Teaching Staff
- Keystone STARS Internal Assessment Process (IAP)- Template
- Establishing an Injury/Illness Monitoring Tracking System [Updated 04/21/2022]
- Crosswalk of 2022 Keystone STARS Performance Standards to Previous Version
- Resources to Support Achievement of Keystone STARS Performance Standards
OCDEL-Approved Alternate Pathways
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 |