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 Pennsylvania Office of Child Development and Early Learning (OCDEL), Bureau of Early Learning Policy and Professional Development has released Announcement ELRC #25-03, 2025-26 Keystone STARS Continuous Quality Improvement Awards. This release announces the 2025-26 Keystone STARS Continuous Quality Improvement (CQI) Awards, paid to eligible child care programs with a Department of Human Services (DHS) regular Certificate of Compliance (CoC) and designated as a Keystone STAR 2, 3, or 4. This Award is paid through ELRCs, on behalf of the OCDEL, directly to eligible child care programs.
This announcement replaces in its entirety ELRC Policy Announcement 24 #02 Keystone STARS Continuous Quality Improvement (CQI) Awards.
A child care provider application for this award is not required. Rather, child care providers who are eligible for a Keystone STARS CQI Award will receive an Eligibility and Acceptance Letter from their ELRC. The Eligibility and Acceptance Letter will include the maximum award amount a child care provider is eligible to receive and contact information for their ELRC.
For full details, including General Provider Eligibility Requirements, Eligibility Exception for STAR 1 Programs, Special Consideration for STAR 2 and 3 Programs, Keystone STAR CQI Award Amounts, Allowable Expense Categories, Ineligible Expenses, Award Process and Timeline, and next steps, please see Announcement ELRC #25-03, 2025-26 Keystone STARS Continuous Quality Improvement Awards.