Keystone STARS
Choose quality early learning for your child through Keystone Stars at Today's Child Learning Centers!
Keystone STARS: Elevating Early Learning Quality
Quality early learning programs have a profound impact on your child's lifelong development. Keystone STARS is here to help you make the best early learning choices for your family by promoting and supporting quality programs dedicated to providing exceptional care and education for your child.
As programs advance through the STARS levels, they offer even higher quality experiences, ensuring your child benefits more from their early learning journey.
Understanding the STARS System
Early learning programs in Pennsylvania can earn a STAR 1 to STAR 4 rating, with each level representing a higher standard of quality. These levels are determined by meeting rigorous criteria:
- Staff Education: Early childhood teachers possess the necessary training and knowledge to effectively work with young children.
- Learning Environment: The program offers diverse materials and activities tailored to each age group, fostering daily learning and exploration.
- Leadership and Management: Quality programs implement sound business practices to ensure both the safety and the early learning success of your child.
- Family and Community Partnerships: Parents and community members are actively encouraged to participate in the child’s learning process.
Our Guiding Principles
Keystone STARS is a dynamic system designed to enhance, support, and recognize the continuous quality improvement efforts of early learning programs across Pennsylvania. Our approach is rooted in three core principles:
- Whole Child Approach: Education must address the holistic and individual needs of every child and family.
- Knowledgeable and Responsive Educators: Skilled early childhood education professionals are crucial for child development and family support.
- Building Relationships: Sustaining positive connections among children, families, educators, and community stakeholders is vital for every child’s growth and development.
Inclusion, diversity, equity, and respect are foundational values that underpin all our principles.
Keystone STARS Goals
- Improve the quality of early care and education.
- Support early care and education providers in achieving their quality improvement goals.
- Recognize programs for ongoing quality improvement and meeting higher standards.
- Provide families with a reliable way to select a quality early care and education program.
The Office of Child Development and Early Learning (OCDEL) encourages all early care and education programs to view Keystone STARS Performance Standards as a pathway to continuous quality improvement, ultimately benefiting the children and families in their care.
