Growing Garden
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Becoming a STARS facility is no easy task, but one that we are excited to take on and conquer!!!

OUR JOURNEY:

Our facility has been a Keystone STARS facility since opening in 2014!! We began as a STARS 1 facility upon opening based on the old requirements. When the requirements changed, so did we! Our facility promptly applied for STARS movement to a STARS 2 and were approved. We are now a STARS 4 facility - completely skipping a STARS 3 designation!!!


WHAT DOES THIS MEAN? LET'S TAKE A LOOK!!

Child care programs within Keystone STARS earn a STAR 1 to STAR 4 rating based on quality standards that measure:
  • Staff education: Early childhood teachers have the training and knowledge for working with young children
  • Classroom/Learning environment: The program has a variety of materials and activities for each age level that makes it possible for children to learn something new every day!
  • Including families and the community: Families and community members are encouraged to become a part of the child’s learning progress
  • Leadership and management: A quality program has to have sound business practices to ensure your child’s safety and early learning
As programs earn more STARS, they are providing higher quality early education for your child.

STARS 1: Require a DHS Certificate of Compliance to be renewed annually.

STARS 2: All of STARS 1; Creation of an onsite Leadership Team to guide the curriculum, health and safety, and policies that operate the facility; Professional Development trainings above and beyond those required by DHS; Screening Tools, Inclusion practices, transition tools, site safety reviews, and supervision of staff growth and development is all expanded.

STARS 3 & 4 (A STARS 3 or 4 is dependent upon a point accumulation system): All of STARS 1 and 2; Higher staff qualifications including degrees and certificates for education and child development across age levels served; focused Professional Development for all staff in specific topics; Implementation of an OCDEL approved Preschool Curriculum and a standards aligned School age curriculum; Use of a valid and reliable OCDEL approved screening tool for children; Family resources for social, mental health, education, wellness, and medical services are available; System for continuity of care for children; Multiple assessment tools are used to assess the business practices, safety, health, environment, and curriculum of the facility; provides employee benefits of different types; Program uses a licensed or certifies health professional to establish and maintain health policies above those required by certification; participation in a shared services opportunity



We have chosen the McGraw Hill World of Wonders curriculum for our preschool program and FrogStreet for our Toddler Program.

CHILDCARE REGULATIONS

PA Key Performance standards
PA Code 3270
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  • Home
  • About
  • Services
  • Contact
  • Positions
  • ECO HEALTHY
  • KEYSTONE STARS