Keystone Stars

STARS stands for Standards, Training/Professional Development, Assistance, Resources, and Support

Keystone STARS:  Improving the quality through

• Standards
• Training/Professional Development
• Assistance,
• Resources and
• Support

Keystone STARS is an initiative of the Office of Child Development and Early Learning (OCDEL) to improve, support, and recognize the continuous quality improvement efforts of early learning programs in Pennsylvania.
 
The Keystone STARS Performance Standards provide the foundation for the program. The Performance Standards are grouped into four levels: STAR 1, STAR 2, STAR 3, and STAR 4. Each level builds on the previous level and utilizes research-based best practices to promote quality early learning environments and positive child outcomes. The standards address staff qualifications and professional development, the early learning program, partnerships with family and community, and leadership and management.

Keystone STARS is managed through a partnership of the Office of Child Development and Early Learning (OCDEL) and the Pennsylvania and Regional Keys.

Child Care Works Subsidy Add-on for Keystone STARS programs

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 that is enrolled in Child Care Works.

This subsidy add-on or “tiered reimbursement” is applicable to family, group and 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 CCIS. The additional daily amount may in some circumstances, increase provider rates to an amount that exceeds the Maximum Child Care Allowance.

For the 2011-12 fiscal year, the tiered reimbursment rates are as follows: