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 (which meet closer to a STARS 2 rating now). When the requirements changed, so did we! Our facility promptly applied for STARS movement to a STARS 2 and were approved. We are NOT DONE YET!!!
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:
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
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 (which meet closer to a STARS 2 rating now). When the requirements changed, so did we! Our facility promptly applied for STARS movement to a STARS 2 and were approved. We are NOT DONE YET!!!
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
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
STARS Movement
As of October 2021, The Growing Garden is making their move to a STARS 4 facility, skipping the STARS 3 designation.
We have chosen the McGraw Hill World of Wonders curriculum for our preschool program.
As of October 2021, The Growing Garden is making their move to a STARS 4 facility, skipping the STARS 3 designation.
We have chosen the McGraw Hill World of Wonders curriculum for our preschool program.
