Technical Assistance

CROSS SYSTEMS TECHNICAL ASSISTANCE

The Office of Child Development and Early Learning oversees several of the departments and agencies providing technical assistance and therefore looks at the area of technical assistance in a more global, cross-systems way.

The overall premise for the cross-systems work that is being done is three-fold:

• To create a seamless system of technical assistance that is easy to navigate by those who use it
• To better use available resources so as not to duplicate services
• To ensure that the technical assistance being offered is of a high quality

Supporting documents have been developed:

• • Guiding Principles
  • NAEYC Definitions
  • Consultant Competencies

KEYSTONE STARS TECHNICAL ASSISTANCE (STARS TA)

STARS Technical Assistance is an intensive, one-on-one service provided to early learning and school-age facilities to help the facility achieve specific Keystone STARS quality performance standards and movement in STAR levels.

It is administered through regional partners with the Pennsylvania Key and the Office of Child Development and Early Learning in partnership with consultants who have the knowledge, skills, and experience necessary to guide programs in the Keystone STARS content areas of Staff Qualifications and Professional Development, Leadership and Management, Early Learning (and School-Age) Program, and Partnerships with Family and Community.

GOALS

• Assist eligible STARS facilities to achieve specific quality performance standards and achievement of higher STAR levels using an established action plan.
• Enhance, but not duplicate, the services provided by other parts of the early childhood education system including the STARS management process, professional development, and the initiatives of the Department of Human Services and the Department of Education.
• In conjunction with the STARS manager and other partners, promote a team approach to addressing the needs of practitioners and programs.

ELIGIBILITY FOR STARS TA

Any certified or registered center, group, and/or home-based provider that is enrolled in Keystone STARS at STAR 1 or above and have enrolled in or completed the Keystone STARS Core Professional Development Series may request STARS TA services.

• Request for Technical Assistance in STARS Facilities (PDF)