The new Keystone STARS Document Uploader is a resource developed specifically for you.

Our app's powerful documentation, family engagement, and learning and development capabilities help many centers in Pennsylvania improve practices in key areas and empower teachers in the process. helper roles between staff and their younger peers. Tutors (volunteers from Messiah College) are present daily to daily. Quality environments provide a stimulating, loving atmosphere in which children will thrive. Sponsoring Center or Family provider. The Pennsylvania Keys to Quality is a system of supports for Keystone STARS and other programs including: For more information, visit our Facebook page! Preschool program provides a safe and nurturing environment for Keystone STARS (Standards, Training/Professional Development, Assistance, Resources, and Supports) is a quality rating system that promotes quality improvement in early learning and development programs and school-age child care. Positive Behavior Intervention and Supports (PBIS), PA Nutrition and Physical Activity Self-Assessment for Child Care (PA NAP SACC). Offer translation/interpretation services if needed. OCDEL, in partnership with our quality initiative partners, developed these tip sheets in order to both highlight the bonus point opportunities as well as to provide additional information to providers. Conduct complaint investigations related to regulatory noncompliance at child care centers, group child care homes, or family child care home. care about their staff and are investing time and money to help make them better teachers for your child. for child care information for essential workers. (8/26/2020)Are you a working parent who needs child care? Human Services. And what do licensed and high quality really mean? Provide technical assistance to child care providers in meeting the regulations. Make the decision to issue a certificate of compliance or certificate of registration to a child. Use bulletin boards or displays to highlight childrens progress. quality-rated providers are guided by the principle that quality early learning programs are the foundation for children's success, and investment in the early care Receive applications from entities that want to open a child care center, group child care home, or family child care home. Add programs to your List to compare and create a personalized summary report. Invite families to participate in any changes to policies. The Children's Advocacy Project. Please enable scripts and reload this page. Plan group activities or events with childrens former or future educators. This field is for validation purposes and should be left unchanged. To support learning at home, a variety of methods are used to communicate with families about curriculum objectives, early childhood education goals, and effective strategies for supporting their childs development. This is an introduction for parents or other caretakers (guardians or foster families) to the landscape of child care in Pennsylvania. Program implements practices that support continuity of care that helps ensure children and families are engaged in continued, high-quality early learning experiences through stable relationships with caregivers.

Contact Early Learning Resource Center (ELRC) Region 17 and review the following resources to learn more about the Keystone STARS program! Lemoyne, PA 17043, Professional development opportunities for early childhood and school-age providers, Independent Environmental Rating Scale (ERS) assessments for early learning and school-age programs, Early Childhood Mental Health Consultation, Local Education and Resource Network (LEARN), Early Childhood Education Linkage System (ECELS). 701 Bosler Avenue Seek out learning experiences in the community and share that information directly with families. Create an Account - Increase your productivity, customize your experience, and engage in information you care about. More information on the Child Care Works program is available here.Tax credits for parents. Reach out to all families to inform them of available conference times in advance. Decide how often to implement the self-assessment and mark those dates on the calendar. A Guide to Help Parents Identify Quality Child Care, Find Keystone STARS quality-rated child care programs, View the Keystone STARS Performance Standards, Information for child care programs interested in joining Keystone STARS, View the Crosswalk of 2020 Keystone STARS Performance Standards to Previous Version. We are licensed by the Complete written daily communication for infants and toddlers and include information about developmental milestones. Learn how HiMama can help you align to Pennsylvania quality guidelines without all the paperwork and late nights. A Keystone STARS designation informs parents that their children are in a safe, respectful environment in which they are learning new things every day to support their current and future successes in school and in life. Susquehanna Valley Medical Specialties, P.C. Early learning programs participating in Keystone STARS can earn a quality rating score from a STAR 1 to a STAR 4. If you would like to support PACCAs efforts to promote quality early care, you may join as an Affiliate member. Provide information to parents, providers, and the general public regarding the Department of Human Services' requirements for operating a child care facility. Translation/interpreters are provided for families as needed. Visit our Public Policy page regularly for information on state and federal legislation that may affect child care in Pennsylvania. Develop a binder or an online list of useful resources to support family wellness. The Pennsylvania Key, on behalf of OCDEL, has developed a resource page for providers and professionals to more easily navigate where to post and find employment opportunities. Kids Cafe, a program through the Cental PA Food Bank, provides We are happy to announce that a recorded webinar on the Document Uploader is now available. Msg & data rates may apply. Early Childhood PENNSYLVANIA (Teacher Education And Compensation Helps) is a scholarship program for child care teachers and directors to attend college classes while working full-time. PEER HELPERS: Teen-aged students perform responsible leadership Browse the entire toolkit with resources for providers, relative providers, and families. Hopefully, you will find this resource helpful and utilize it moving forward. Invest in regular communication using virtual platforms, apps, a social media page, email updates, etc., and include strategies for supporting child development. Search for child care and other early learning programs near https://youtu.be/9v13wOPFZgoHandouts:Map of Early Learning Resource Centers in Pennsylvania. Talk to your friends, coworkers, and families about quality care. Each program applies HiMama in different ways to assist them with alignment to the core foundations of: staff education, learning environment, leadership and management, and family/community partnerships. A vital part of Pennsylvania's early learning system, Keystone STARS works with programs, such as Head Start, school-aged programs, and programs certified by the Department of Human Services. Physical fitness - health enhancement, wellness Conduct random sample inspections of family child care homes. Plan to use the self-assessment to regularly inform the CQI plan and to keep on task in fulfilling the family engagement goals. You can search using the Department of Human Services free provider search on the COMPASS website:https://www.compass.state.pa.us/Compass.Web/ProviderSearch/Home#/BasicSearch, To read the criteria for each STAR level to understand more about what STAR Means, visit the PA Keys website athttps://www.pakeys.org/keystone-stars/. The Keystone STARS program, which stands for Standards, Training/Professional Development, Assistance, Resources was introduced in 2002 by the Office of Child Development and Early Learning (OCDEL) to improve, support, and recognize a continuous quality improvement efforts of the early learning programs in Pennsylvania. Ensure graduates of Pennsylvanias high schools are career ready. 2022 United Way of Pennsylvania. T.E.A.C.H. Include the plan for continuity of care in the Family Handbook. Our program is accredited by the National Association for Rating Scale), Pennsylvania Learning Standards for Early Childhood is accessible for child care and early learning programs directly through the HiMama app, enabling assistance with lesson planning, developmental observations, online portfolios and development reports, HiMama electronic portfolios and development assessment reports can be shared with parents on an as-needed basis or by the schedule set by the early learning center / program, Visual documentation of classroom activities assists in evaluation of classroom setup and learning activities, An operational business plan, risk management plan, strategic plan, and financial review by a CPA are completed, A written code for professional staff conduct is instituted, Childrens health and well- being is tracked through HiMama app, including illnesses and injuries, HiMama has created a parent handbook template that includes risk management strategies and communication plans, Components of staff performance can be evaluated through the HiMama app, including classroom documentation quality and interactions with families, Implemented policies regarding parent engagement and partnership in the planning and decision making for the program, The program offers parents an individual meeting about transition and develops and shares a plan for child transition with parents and stakeholders, HiMama enables early childhood programs to connect parents with the classroom by inviting them to participate in childrens experiences and in turn build all around trusting partnerships, Parents receive individual updates and reports about their childs experience and development in the early childhood program, including assessments to reflect on a childs readiness for transitions to new programs or into school age programs. A Keystone STARS designation informs parents that their children are in a safe, respectful environment in which they are learning new things every day to support their current and future successes in school and in life. This webinar covers how to create an account and apply for the Career Pathway. Early learning programs participating in Keystone STARS can earn a quality rating score from a STAR 1 to a STAR 4. Therefore, the Keystone STARS Performance Standards reflect research-based practices to improve outcomes for children. Improve access, affordability, and completion in postsecondary education and training. assist with homework. The higher the STAR level, the higher the quality standards. Develop a partnership with your childs teachers. All rights reserved. Consider adjusting conference times to meet families scheduling needs. Save copies of communication with families about conferences, emails, conference time sign-up sheets, and records of completed/offered conferences. The early childhood center has a set of established business practices to ensure childs safety and optimal early learning, The early childhood program encourages parents, caregivers and community members to become a part of the child's learning, enter kindergarten ready to learn and have an easier time adjusting to change, perform better in school, both academically and socially, are more likely to graduate high school, attend college/university and succeed their future career, Staff qualifications represent best practices for the early learning field, Directors & staff continuously participate in professional growth and development activities, Enables staff to create and deepen relationships with families by using technology to communicate learning in the classroom, Staff is applying mobile technology in the classroom to better align with expectations of the families, Provides professional growth and development activities, through numerous HiMama resources, including weekly blog articles, weekly podcasts for leaders in early childhood education, white papers and reports, Assessment of the child is completed and shared with parents 3 times a year, Use the PA Early Learning Standards to develop programs, Community service & international understanding, Childwatch: Mon-Frid 4:30am-9:30pm; Sat 6am-6pm; Sun By communicating and working with your childs teachers, you can help reinforce new skills and identify potential areas of concern. The advanced search functionality not only allows you to select providers by age and location, but also by program, schedule, environment, transportation and available financial assistance. All rights reserved. The Performance Standards for Keystone STARS Let families know that the program can support them by providing relevant resources. All documents uploaded through the Document Uploader by providers can be viewed by a programs QC and Designator through the SMART software. standardized tool (Environment Quality environments provide a stimulating, loving atmosphere in which children will thrive. Children who attend quality early learning programs benefit in several ways, such as: The programs STAR levels are based on the quality standards in four key areas with requirements increasing in each area for each STAR level. Since the inception of the Keystone STARS program in 2002, the Performance Standards have been the bedrock of the program. A vital part of Pennsylvania's early learning system, Keystone STARS works with programs, such as Head Start, school-aged programs, and programs certified by the Department of Proudly founded in 1681 as a place of tolerance and freedom. Encourage the formation of a Family Advisory Council. Make time in the schedule to regularly update resources and determine which resources best support the programs families. Keystone STARSis a quality rating system that promotes quality improvement in early learning and development programs and school-age child care. A program can earn and progress from STAR 1 to a STAR 4 level. However, weve provided some guidance on how HiMama will assist your early childhood program in meeting the expectations set out by the four foundations of the Keystone STARS program. - early childhood educators have appropriate training, experience and knowledge for working with young children, - early childhood center/program has a variety of materials and activities for each age level that makes it possible for children to expand their learning on a daily basis, - early childhood center/program has solid and well established business practices to ensure child's optimal safety and effective early learning, - early childhood center/program encourages parents, caregivers and community members to become a part of the child's learning, Pennsylvania Department of Public Welfare. and review the following resources to learn more about the Keystone STARS program! Consider accessing training to effectively implement the. A NAEYC Accredited, Keystone Star 4 Early Learning Center, Consider planning for educator absences with continuity of care in mind (for example, covering absences with the same substitute educator.). Click here or hit the 'esc' key on your keyboard to leave this site fast. When planning an event, consider families transportation needs. Develop a mentor program for older children to assist and connect with younger children in the program. The webinar also includes how to create an Organizational profile, completing self-assessments and the Individualized Professional Development Plan. The new COMPASS early learning program search, www.findchildcare.pa.gov, offers a simple zip code search for families to quickly find programs near them, or a more advanced search to meet their specific needs. For more information on membership, email PACCA at info@pacca.org or if you have additional questions, please contact PACCA at info@pacca.org or by calling (717) 657-9000. Trying Together is pleased to partner with PennAEYC to support the Pittsburgh Chapter of, Justice, Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion, 2022 Highmark Walk for a Healthy Community, Talking with Parents about Play and Learning, The Many Benefits of Continuity of Care for Infants, Toddlers, Family, and Caregiving Staff, PA Parent Advisory Council for Migrant Families, Developmentally Appropriate Parenting Series, PA Strengthening Families Protective Factors Framework, Pennsylvania Family Engagement Birth Through College, Career, Community Ready Framework. Intentionally create moments throughout the day in which children can maintain contact with former caregiversstory time, drop off, outdoor play time, etc. The state and federal governments fund this program, which is managed by theEarly Learning Resource Center(ELRC)office located in your county. Communicate with families about the plan for slowly transitioning a child to a new educators care. Contact your Quality Coach with questions! Look, Listen, and Ask: Choosing Quality Child Care Tip Sheets, Healthy Minds: Nurturing your Childs Development, How to file a complaint against a child care program. Provide information and opportunities for participating in group advocacy efforts in early childhood. an evening meal for each student. The early childhood program has a variety of materials and activities for each age level , which allows children to expand their learning abilities on the daily basis. It provides an efficient and convenient method to transmit documentation to a QC as you have time, without the worry of traditional mail or fax options. How your center chooses to use HiMama will vary based on the unique circumstances of your community, families, educators and attending children. Provide universal access to high-quality early childhood education. The results of the self-assessment are used to inform the programs CQI plan. Search for programs that offer overnight care. The early childhood educators have appropriate training, experience and knowledge for working with young children. The more information the teacher has about your child, the better job he/she can do. Please review the following Keystone STARS Bonus Points Tip Sheets for quality initiatives associated with the current Keystone STARS bonus point opportunities. Join PACCA. Let families know about resources that may benefit them. Organize mentorship for familiesconnect new families with seasoned families in the program. years. Greater Susquehanna Valley YMCA - Milton Child Care, Greater Susquehanna Valley YMCA - Sunbury Child Care, Pennsylvania Department of Human Services, PA Department of Human Services - Child Care and Early Learning Program Locator, Allison Hill Community Ministry - Care After School Program, American Family Services - Child Care Center, Archdiocese of Philadelphia - Comprehensive Day Care - St. Rose of Lima Elementary, Avis United Methodist Church - All Things Bright and Beautiful Day Care Center, Barber National Institute - Happy Hearts ChildCare/Pre School, Berwick YMCA - Child Care and Early Learning Center, Boys & Girls Clubs of Philadelphia - Lil' Clubhouse - Bridesburg, Boys & Girls Clubs of Philadelphia - Day Care Services - Wayne Avenue, Butler County Children's Center - Early Learning Connections - Child Care, Butler County Family YMCA - Recreational Activites, Calvary United Methodist Church - Calvary Kids, Cambria County Child Development Corporation, Cambria County Child Development Corporation - Delightful Discoveries/East Side School Age Program, Cambria County Child Development Corporation - Forest Hills School Age Program, Cambria County Child Development Corporation - Penn Cambria Before & After School Program, Cambria County Child Development Corporation - Building Blocks Learning Center, Cambria County Child Development Corporation - Conemaugh Valley Child Care Program, Cambria County Child Development Corporation - Creative Care Learning Center, Cambria County Child Development Corporation - Johnstown Elementary Before/After School Age Progra, Cambria County Child Development Corporation - Treasured Times Learning Center School-Age Program, Cambria County Child Development Corporation - Treasured Times Learning Center, Capital Area Head Start - Early Head Start Home Based Services, Career Institute of Technology - Child Care Centers, Catholic Youth Association of Pittsburgh - Infant and Toddler Daycare, St John Neumann School for Children & Families, Child Care Information Services of Chester County, Child Care Information Services of Chester County - Resource & Referral, Child Care Information Services of Chester County - Subsidized Day Care, Child Development Centers - Cranberry - Infant/Toddler Care, Child Development Centers - Franklin Child Development Center - Infant/Toddler Care, Child Development Centers - Oil City Child Development Center - Infant/Toddler Care, Child Development Centers - Willow Child Development Center - Infant/Toddler Care, Child Development Council of Northeastern Pennsylvania, Child Development Council - Kiddie Space Heights Center, Child Development Council - Hazleton Center, Child Development Council - South Wilkes-Barre Center located in St. Peter's Lutheran Church, Child Development Council - Nesbitt Center in Dorranceton Methodist Church, Child Development Council - Tunkhannock Center, Child Development Council - Wilkes-Barre Center, Child Development Council - West Pittston Center, Child Development, Incorporated - Administrative Office, Fountain Springs Center - Head Start, PA PreK Counts and Child Care, Mahanoy City Center - Child Care, Head Start and PA PreK Counts, Pottsville Center - Child Care, Head Start, PA PreK Counts, Children's Aid Society in Clearfield County, Children's Aid Society in Clearfield County - Child Care, Children's Center of Mercer County - Child Care Center, Community Action Partnership of Lancaster County, Early Learning Resource Center - Lancaster County, Congregation Beth Solomon Community Center, Congregation Beth Solomon Community Center - Community Center, Crispus Attucks York - Early Learning Center, Crosspoint United Methodist Church - Christian ChildCare, Day Nursery Association - Toddler Program, Early Connections - John E Horan Garden Apartments, East End Community Center - Little Legends Daycare, Ebenezer United Methodist Church - Child Care, Federation Early Learning Services - Toddler Services, First Church of God Mechanicsburg - Learning and Play Center, First Free Methodist Church - At each level, programs must meet certain quality standards in four key areas: staff education, learning environment, leadership/management, and family/community partnerships. If you have any questions, please reach out to your Quality Coach or Maggie Johnson. Regulated child care and Keystone STARS programs, Home Visiting programs, Head Start, Early Intervention, and PA Pre-K Counts. Child Care Consultants Search for a variety of early learning programs throughout PA, like, Copyright 2015. Host a workshop in which families and educators discuss ways to support childrens development in partnership with program goals. We do not recommend or endorse any particular resource on CAP4Kids. Conduct orientation training for prospective child care providers. curriculum and assessment, Independent evaluation of classroom setup and learning activities using a and education of Pennsylvania's children is an investment in the future.

PA 211 Terms and Privacy. A parent of a child who needs more interaction with other children? 29 North Duke Street The Strengthening Families Protective Factor Framework or a similarly focused evidence-based tool is used to assess engagement of and interactions with families. To find a Keystone STARS program near you, a parent or caregiver can visit Pennsylvanias COMPASS website, click on Find a Provider and select the option they are looking for in a center. The QC and Designator can also communicate with the provider through the Document Uploader regarding whether or not the sources of evidence were successfully transmitted, reviewed and determined sufficient, or reviewed and determined that additional information is needed. At each level, programs must meet certain quality Know that a process of self-assessment is essential in developing an ongoing, effective family engagement practice. Reach out to nearby organizations to make connections and learn about services. Keystone STARS is a quality improvement initiative for child care programs in PA. Programs can receive a STAR 1- STAR 4 rating (STAR 4 being the highest). The Keystone STARS program is managed by the Pennsylvania Department of Public Welfare and is further administered by six Regional Keys or child care resource developers in the state of Pennsylvania. ELRC Regios 9 HiMama makes documentation and reporting of childrens learning and development in alignment with Pennsylvania Learning Standards for Early Childhood quick and easy so that educators can spend less time on documentation and paperwork and more time with children. standards in four key areas: staff education, learning environment, leadership/management, and family/community partnerships. Document the information shared in the conference: a childs social and emotional growth, physical development, a families needs and goals, etc. Numerous early childhood programs in Pennsylvania use HiMama in their licensed child care facilities to meet expectations set out by the Keystone STARS program. you, find help paying for child care, and learn more about the Keystone STARS Conduct initial inspections, renewal inspections, and unannounced inspections of child care centers and group child care homes to assess compliance with the Department of Human Services'child care service regulations. A parent who is concerned about your childs kindergarten readiness? children ages 12 months-5 years of age. (For example, the child might spend a few hours in the new classroom and slowly phase into a full day there over time.). York, PA 17401, Child Care Consultants At each level, a center has to meet certain research-based best practices, where each STAR level builds on the previous one. Formulate a step-by-step plan for educators and directors to follow when they have concerns about a childs development. If you have any questions, please reach out to your Quality Coach or. tfreeKidz Center, Fishburn United Methodist Church - Fishburn Flock Early Childhood Learning Center, Friendship House - East Mountain Center for Early Learning - Scranton, Fulton County Family Partnership - Child Care Services, Garver Memorial YMCA - Childcare Enhancement Program, GEARS (Greater Elizabethtown Area Recreation and Community Services), Good Hope Lutheran Church - Good Hope Christian Preschool, Grace United Methodist Church - Warren - Grace After-School Program (GAP), Grace United Methodist Church - Care with Grace Daycare, Grace-Trinity United Church of Christ - Day Care Center and After School Program, Greater Philadelphia Health Action - Child Development Program - Woodland, Greater Philadelphia YMCA - YMCA Services - Ambler, Greater Philadelphia YMCA - YMCA Services - Christian Street, Greater Philadelphia YMCA - YMCA Services - Columbia North, Greater Philadelphia YMCA - YMCA Services, Greater Philadelphia YMCA - YMCA Services - Northeast, Greater Philadelphia YMCA - YMCA Services - Phonexville, Greater Philadelphia YMCA - YMCA Services - Roxborough, Greater Philadelphia YMCA - YMCA Services - West Philadelphia, Greater Philadelphia YMCA - YMCA Services - Willow Grove, Greater Scranton YMCA - Before After School Care - Virtual and Hybrid Learning, Greater Scranton YMCA - Day Care Preschool, YMCA of Easton - Phillipsburg & Vicinity - Forks Education Center - Child Care, YMCA Wilkes-Barre - Child Care and Pre-School Early Learning Program, Hanover Area YMCA Association - Hanover Branch - Child Care Center, Hanover Area YMCA Association - South Hanover Branch, HAP Enterprises - Tiny Tot Child Development Center - Child Care - Beaver, Heritage Community Initiatives - 4 Kids Early Learning Center, Hope United Presbyterian Church - Happy Hollow at Hope Child Care, Huntingdon County Child and Adult Development Corporation, Huntingdon County Child and Adult Development Corporation - First Choice Child Care, Jefferson DeFrees Early Learning and Child Care Center, Jewish Community Center of the Lehigh Valley, Jewish Community Center of the Lehigh Valley - Early Childhood Programs, Jubilee Association - Child Development Center, Lawrence County Community Action Partnership, Lawrence County Community Action Partnership - Childcare, LVCC at Spring Garden Early Learning Center, LVCC's Judith Chase Early Learning Center, Mclamb Memorial Church of the Living God - Child Care, Meadville Family YMCA - Early Learning Academy, Broad Street Elementary School - Education Programs, East Pennsboro Elementary School - Education Programs, Elmwood Elementary School - Education Programs, Northside Elementary School - Education Programs, Saint Paul's United Church of Christ - Education Programs, Saint Stephens Lutheran Church - Education Programs, Shepherdstown Elementary School - Education Programs, Mechanicsburg Parks & Recreation Office - Education Programs, Middlecreek Area Community Center - Child Care, Millerstown United Methodist Church - Charge Office and Parsonage, My Bright Beginnings - Comprehensive Day Care - Fishtown, My Bright Beginnings - Comprehensive Day Care, Neighborhood Center of the United Methodist Church, Neighborhood Center of the United Methodist Church - Afterschool Program, Neighborhood Center of the United Methodist Church - Pre-School Program, Neighborhood Center of the United Methodist Church - Before School Program, Neighborhood Center of the United Methodist Church - Summer Adventures, North Penn YMCA - Day Care - Harleysville, North Penn YMCA - Day Care - Indian Valley, Opportunity House - Second Street Learning Center, Pathways of Southwestern Pennsylvania - Rainbows End Learning Centers - Washington, Pathways of Southwestern Pennsylvania - Rainbows End Learning Centers - Greene, Pocono Family YMCA - Stroudsburg Before and After School Program, Pocono Family YMCA - East Stroudsburg School Age Program, Premier Community Services - Premier Learning Center, Providence Connections - Infant and Toddler Day Care, Roseglen United Methodist Church - Christian Nursery Pre-School, Russell United Methodist Church - Day Care & Preschool, Ruth M. Smith Center - Preschool and Daycare, Salvation Army Harrisburg Capital City Region Worship and Service Center, Salvation Army Harrisburg Capital City Region Worship and Service Center - After School Program, Salvation Army Harrisburg Capital City Region Worship and Service Center- Spiritual Enrichment, Saucon Valley Community Center - Childcare and Early Learning Center, Scenic Rivers YMCA - Clarion County YMCA - Infant/Toddler Child Care, Scenic Rivers YMCA - Oil City YMCA Child Care Center - Younger Days, Scenic Rivers YMCA - Oil City YMCA Child Care Center - Infant/Toddler Child Care, Schreiber Center for Pediatric Development, Schreiber Center for Pediatric Development - Circle of Friends Academy, Shepherd's Fold - Child Care and Preschool, Shippensburg Church of the Nazarene - Jack and Jill Daycare, Jack and Jill Day Care and School Age Program - Faith Based, Sidney and Pauline Friedman Jewish Community Center, Friedman JCC - Illumination Early Learning Center, Summit Early Learning - Childcare - Snyder County, Summit Early Learning - Childcare - Union County, Summit Early Learning - Childcare - Mifflin County.