PA Early Learning Keys to QualityFunded by the Office of Child Development and Early Learning

Keystone Stars

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

Keystone STARSKeystone STARS:  Improving the quality through

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 2008-09 fiscal year, the tiered reimbursment rates have increased. They are as follows:

Daily Increase for STAR 2 STAR 3 STAR 4
Full-time $0.50 $1.50 $2.00
Part-time $0.25 $0.75 $1.00

STARS Awards for 2008-09

Award amounts for Support Grants and Merit Awards have not changed for the 2008-2009 fiscal year. However, the award amounts for the Child Development Associate (CDA) portion of the Education & Retention Award (ERA) have increased. The remaining amounts in the ERA have not changed.

For the 2008-2009 fiscal year, the award eligibility percentage now includes children who are receiving the following services:

  1. Child Care Works subsidized care administered through the Child Care Information Services (CCIS); and/or
  2. Commonwealth of Pennsylvania’s Early Intervention Services program for children with developmental delays and disabilities. This program is managed by the Office of Child Development and Early Learning. To include a child receiving Early Intervention services into the provider’s percentage, the following criteria must be met:
    1. The provider is providing child care services to the child; AND
    2. The provider is operating inclusive child care, which is defined as a program with no more than 33% of enrollment identified as children receiving Early Intervention Services; AND
    3. The child must have a current Individualized Education Plan (IEP) / Individualized Family Service Plan (IFSP) on file at the provider.

In addition, to receive award funds, the provider must have an agreement with the local Child Care Information Services (CCIS) office AND must be willing to accept for enrollment a child who qualifies for subsidy.