Keystone STARS Child Care Quality Initiative

School ReadinessChildren in a quality setting will not only gain intellectual skills, but also social skills that will prepare them for the school environment.

AttentionLower staff-to-child ratios increase your child's individual attention when in care.

Professional StaffA quality care setting includes staff trained to care for children and their needs.

Good RelationshipsQuality care promotes a positive relationship between parents and the caregiver. Parent involvement is a priority.

OpportunityAge-appropriate learning materials and activities give children the opportunity to learn and grow.

RespectA quality program will be respectful of children’s and parent’s cultural, ethnic and special accommodations.

ProfessionalismA quality program will have business practices and policies in place so parents know what to expect in various situations.

SafetyThe basic need of a quality child care setting is to ensure that the children in care are in the safest environment possible.

StabilityParents have assurance that their child is in a safe, positive environment without jumping from provider to provider.

ParticipationQuality providers participate in accrediting programs (such as Keystone STARS), continuing to strive for providing higher quality early learning experiences.