Today’s Child Learning Centers, Inc., is proud to announce that its Sharon Hill School facility has attained a PA Keystone STARS Level 4 certification. Level 4 is the highest level a childcare center can reach.

Center Director Shana McLendon said of the news, “I’m very happy and excited that all the hard work put in by all of our staff paid off, and that its being recognized by the early childhood community.”

 Level 4 certification carries with it heavy requirements, including more professional development hours than any other level; two-thirds of staff having completed or are enrolled in a degree or certification program; activities occurring naturally throughout the day are designed to encourage communication, both written and verbal. Parental and community resources should be used effectively in the delivery of childcare. Business, organizational and staff compensation practices are maximized and the facility is reviewed by a nationally recognized environmental rating scale that indicates a high-quality score.

Director of Quality Initiatives Helene Calabro said, “We are thrilled that all of our teachers scored as high as they did. Our teachers are phenomenal on a daily basis and it showed.”

The designation process is a long one, with multiple inspections and designation visits from STARS officials. Sharon Hill’s journey to STAR 4 took approximately 6 months. Over that period, the commonwealth was constantly checking in on what the center was doing in all aspects of its operation.

Calabro said, “We knew our staff are all of the highest quality, now STARS recognizes it too.”

This continues a tradition of quality childcare for the company, now in its 20th year. Today’s Child also has STAR 4 facilities at 4th and Main Sts. in Colwyn, PA and 723 Secane Ave. in Primos, PA. Today’s Child has been a participant in the Keystone STARS program since the program began.

McLendon continued, “Even though we’ve gotten this new designation, we’re going to keep providing the same high-quality of care we always have.”