Keystone STARS Internal Assessment Process (IAP) Update

The Office of Child Development and Early Learning (OCDEL) has announced that the Internal Assessment Process (IAP), which began in fiscal year 20-21 will continue for the entire fiscal year 21-22 for Early Childhood Education (ECE) programs in Keystone STARS working toward STAR 3 and 4 designation.

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Under the process, OCDEL suspended the requirement for STAR 3 and 4 programs to have an external Program Quality Assessment (PQA) in an effort to mitigate the spread of COVID-19. Per feedback received from OCDEL stakeholders and partners, the IAP has been an effective strategy for CQI planning and collaboration among programs, quality coaches, and program quality assessors.

Programs should continue to follow the guidance issued through ELRC Policy Announcement 20 #16 Internal Assessment Process Guide.

In place of an external PQA, STAR 3 and 4 programs should continue to work with their ELRC Quality Coach and a member of the Pennsylvania Key PQA Team to develop an IAP. This IAP will help to guide the program’s Continuous Quality Improvement (CQI) plan and activities.

Supporting documents include:

• ELRC Policy Announcement 20 #16 Internal Assessment Process Guide

• Keystone STARS Internal Assessment Process Guide (PDF Writeable)

• Keystone STARS Internal Assessment Process Initial Cycle Planning Document Template (PDF Writeable)

• Keystone STARS Internal Assessment Consultation Summary (PDF Document)

OCDEL stated that additional information on any necessary updates for the upcoming fiscal year will be released in the near future.