Keystone STARS
Keystone STARS (Standards, Training/Professional Development, Assistance, Resources, and Supports) is Pennsylvania’s Quality Rating and Improvement System (QRIS). A QRIS is a continuous quality improvement system approach to assess, improve, and communicate the level of quality in early and school-age care and education programs.
Keystone STARS Core Principles
A whole child approach to education is essential to meeting the holistic and individual needs of each and every child and family.
Knowledgeable and responsive early care and education professionals are essential to the development of children and the support of families.
Building and sustaining ongoing positive relationships among children, families, early care and educational professionals, and community stakeholders is essential for the growth and development of every child.
Benefits of Keystone STARS
Quality early childhood education benefits children, families, and providers, and it serves as an economic development strategy for Pennsylvania.
The benefits for providers who participate in Keystone STARS include:
Customized support and assistance to individual programs
Grants, awards, and other financial supports as available
The opportunity to apply for other grant programs, such as the Pennsylvania Child And Adult Care Food Program (CACFP)
Supportive professional development
Outreach and marketing to families
A roadmap for strengthening the quality of care and an opportunity for lifting up the child care profession and child care system
Increased Child Care Works (CCW) payments based on quality level.
The ELRC Region 5 offers provider support for continuous quality improvement through individualized coaching to obtain higher STAR levels. Quality coaches provide direct support and quality reviews to early learning programs as they navigate the Keystone STARS Performance Standards.
For assistance, contact ELRC Region 5 at 412.350.3577. More information about joining Keystone STARS can be found on The Pennsylvania Key website.