2023 Keystone STARS Program Manual

History: The Office of Child Development and Early Learning (OCDEL) was established in 2007 as a joint initiative between the Departments of Education and Human Services. It was established to promote opportunities for all Pennsylvania’s children and families by building systems and providing supports that help ensure access to high-quality child and family services.

Mission: The Office of Child Development and Early Learning provides families access to high quality services to prepare children for school and life success.

Goals:

• Work effectively, collaboratively, creatively, and successfully to ensure that all families have access to high quality programs for their children;
• Engage stakeholders in actionable ways that provide guidance on programs and policies; and
• Identify and use key data and research to improve policies and practices.

OCDEL is composed of five Bureaus:

Bureau of Certification Services
The Bureau of Certification Services is responsible for the regulation of all child care centers, group child care homes and family care homes in Pennsylvania. The Certification Bureau receives inquiries regarding a variety of topics, including: the requirements and process for opening a child care facility; the statutes and regulations for designation of a child care facility; the status and compliance history of specific facilities; and the complaints regarding child care facilities.

Bureau of Finance, Administration, and Planning
The Bureau of Finance, Administration, and Planning oversees a budget of approximately $2 billion dollars in state and federal resources combined to serve children, families, and programs. Additionally, the bureau manages the Office’s IT systems development, data needs, and personnel supports.

Bureau of Early Intervention Services
The Bureau of Early Intervention (EI) Services assures that all eligible children from birth to five with disabilities and/or developmental delays receive services and supports that maximize their development, so they are successful in any early care and education setting. Services are provided to eligible infants, toddlers, and young children three and older. This Bureau oversees the Early Intervention Program for children from birth to school age and provides family support programs that strengthen families, reduce risk, and increase early learning opportunities for children.

Bureau of Early Learning Resource Center Operations and Monitoring
The Bureau of Early Learning Resource Center Operations and monitoring provides direct support to the ELRCs through instruction, technical assistance, and remediation, as warranted, on all programmatic and system requirements. It is also responsible for establishing processes and tools to measure and enforce grantee accountability and program integrity and for monitoring grantees to assure fiscal, grant and programmatic compliance and adherence to federal and fiscal reporting requirements. This work is carried out through the Bureau’s two divisions, the Division of Fiscal Monitoring and Compliance and the Division of Technical Management and Compliance.

Bureau of Early Learning Policy and Professional Development
The Bureau of Early Learning Policy and Professional Development develops and implements standards for early childhood education programs and professional to improve the quality of early learning for young children and provides technical assistance for programs and professional. The Bureau is also responsible for establishing and maintain the rules, regulations, and policies for the subsidized child care program, Child Care Works (CCW) and for Child Care Certification.

The Division of Standards and Professional Development, funded primarily through the Department of Education, is responsible for the implementation of Pennsylvania Pre-K Counts (PA PKC), and the Head Start Supplemental Assistance Program (HSSAP). The division provides support for the Every Student Succeeds Act (ESSA) early education coordination requirements; implementation of the Early Childhood Education Professional Standards and the Pennsylvania Early Learning Standards; and the implementation of the Early Childhood Education Professional Development Organizations (ECE PDO).

The Division of Keystone STARS and Child Care Works (CCW) Policy is responsible for developing the standards and policy related to Pennsylvania’s Quality Rating Improvement System (QRIS) and the regulations and policy related to Pennsylvania’s subsidized child care program. The division is also responsible for ensuring federal Child Care and Development Fund (CCDF) compliance.

The Division of Regulatory Administration and Policy (RAP) is responsible to plan, organize and manage the development of policy, procedures, and regulations as they relate to Pennsylvania’s regulations for the certification of child care facilities and its relationship to the quality rating improvement system Keystone STARS to ensure compliance with state and federal requirements. This unit develops, oversees, and conducts training as needed to maintain procedures and regulatory compliance standards for all providers. Oversee policy announcements, clarifications, regulatory interpretations, and training and communication materials for all providers as related to certification of child care facilities. 

Keystone STARS is a program of Pennsylvania’s Office of Child Development and Early Learning (OCDEL). Keystone STARS is a responsive system to improve, support, and recognize the continuous quality improvement (CQI) efforts of early learning programs in Pennsylvania.

Keystone STARS is guided by three core principles:

1. A whole child approach to education is essential to meeting the holistic and individual needs of each and every child and family.
2. Knowledgeable and responsive early childhood education professionals are essential to the development of children and the support of families.
3. Building and sustaining ongoing positive relationships among children, families, early childhood and education professionals, and community stakeholders is essential for the growth and development of every child. Inclusion, diversity, equity, and respect are foundational values embedded in these principles.

Keystone STARS has four primary goals:

• To improve the quality of early childhood education (ECE).
• To support ECE providers in meeting their quality improvement goals;
• To recognize programs for CQI and meeting higher quality standards; and
• To provide families a way to choose a quality ECE program.

OCDEL’s Keystone STARS Program supports ECE programs in making quality improvements. Programs are encouraged to think about the Keystone STARS Performance Standards as a tool to support continuous quality improvement (CQI) that will have positive impacts services for the children and families in their care. Pennsylvania is required to use a portion of its federal Child Care and Development Fund (CCDF) funds for activities that improve the quality of child care services and increase families’ options for, and access to, high-quality child care. CCDF is devoted to helping low-income families working or participating in education and training to pay for child care and improve their access to quality child care. Keystone STARS is funded by Pennsylvania’s quality set-aside fund as well as state funding streams.

OCDEL’s Keystone STARS Program supports all ECE programs in making quality improvements. Programs are encouraged to think about the Keystone STARS Performance Standards as a tool to support CQI that impacts services to the children and families in their care.

The Keystone STARS Performance Standards are intended to support programs in developing a meaningful, individualized CQI Plan. In addition, the Standards allow the broad diversity of ECE providers in Pennsylvania to demonstrate quality practices in ways that are meaningful to them and the families in their care. Keystone STARS is a hybrid system with required quality indicators at each STAR level combined with the additional ability to earn points among optional quality indicators at the STAR 3 and 4 levels. The optional, points-based quality indicators at the higher STARS levels allow programs to choose the activities that they feel best demonstrate their quality practices.

There are 4 categories in Keystone STARS Performance Standards, each of which have quality indicators at STAR 2, 3 and 4 levels:

• Staff Qualifications and Professional Development (SQ)
  • At STAR 2, there are three required SQ quality indicators.
  • At STAR 3 and 4, there is one required SQ quality indicators and nine optional points-based quality indicators.
• Early Childhood and Education Program (EC)
  • At STAR 2, there are five required EC quality indicators.
  • At STAR 3 and 4, there is one required EC quality indicator and five optional points-based quality indicators.
• Partnerships with Families and Communities (FC)
  • At STAR 2, there are four required FC quality indicators.
  • At STAR 3 and 4, there are eight optional points-based quality indicators.
• Leadership and Management (LM)
  • At STAR 2, there are five required LM quality indicators.
  • At STAR 3 and 4, there are 11 optional points-based quality indicators in this category.

When using the Keystone STARS Performance Standards, programs are encouraged to examine each individual quality indicator in terms of their Intent, Implementation, and Impact. Each of the 3 I’s is explained in further detail below:

INTENT refers to the purpose of each quality indicator and their importance for the experiences of the children and families enrolled as well as to the program staff. Identifying the intent of each quality indicator will also help programs think about how they will implement the quality activity.

IMPLEMENTATION refers to the methods a program uses to carry out the intent of the quality indicator. When thinking about implementation strategies, it is important to realize that these strategies may look different in each program due to the flexibility built into the Keystone STARS Performance Standards. Implementation strategies can be thought of as what it might it look like, feel like, and sound like in a program that is fully applying the intent of each quality indicator. The strategies a program chooses to implement each quality indicator will dictate what sources of evidence and documentation the program will submit to their Quality Coach and Designator.

IMPACT refers to the how implementing the quality indicator will enrich, or positively impact, the experiences of children and families enrolled at the program. Beyond children and families enrolled at the program, the impact of the quality indicator can also be thought of in terms of how staff working at the program will be positively affected.

Through thinking about each STARS quality indicator in terms of the 3 I’s, programs will:

• have a better understanding of the purpose and importance of each quality indicator for the experiences of children and families enrolled at the program as well as for program staff. (INTENT)
• be able to demonstrate the explain how they are meeting the intent of the indicator within their program (IMPLEMENTATION)
• be able to explain how children and families in their program are positively affected by the quality activity (IMPACT)

The “Thoughtful Questions for Quality Coaches and Providers” column in the Performance Standards will support programs in helping them to identify how they are implementing the intent of the individual indicators.

Since the inception of the Keystone STARS program in 2002, the Performance Standards have been the foundation of the program. The standards are guided by the principle that quality early learning programs are the foundation for children’s success, and investment in Pennsylvania’s field of ECE is an investment in the future. Keystone STARS Performance Standards reflect research-based practices to improve outcomes for children. Quality ECE benefits children, families, and ECE programs across Pennsylvania.

Benefits for Children and Families Include the Following:

• Quality ECE promotes children’s healthy development and early learning.
• Quality ECE programs allow families to have confidence that their children are in a safe, respectful environment.
• Keystone STAR designations help families identify quality child care programs that best meet the needs of their children.
• Reliable quality child care allows families to focus on work, education, or training and results in fewer absences due to child care issues; and
• Quality ECE programs help families locate additional resources within the community that can further support the needs of their children.

Benefits for Providers Include the Following:

• Providers receive individualized support and assistance from Early Learning Resource Center (ELRC) Quality Coaches;
• Providers can receive grants, awards, and other financial supports as offered;
• Providers can participate in supportive professional development;
• Providers benefit from the outreach and marketing of Keystone STARS to families; and
• Providers can receive increased Child Care Works (CCW) payments based on quality level.

Child Care Subsidy Daily Add-On, Tiered Reimbursement, for Keystone STARS Programs

As part of OCDEL’s commitment to CQI, programs participating in Keystone STARS at STAR 2 level and above receive a quality add-on rate for every child they serve who is enrolled in Child Care Works (CCW).

This subsidy add-on, or tiered reimbursement, is applicable to Family Child Care Homes, Group Child Care Homes, and Centers at STAR 2 and higher and increases with each STAR level. The add-on is automatically applied to the daily, subsidized child care rate for the program. The additional daily amount may, in some circumstances, increase provider rates to an amount that exceeds the Maximum Child Care Allowance (MCCA) rate.

Tiered Reimbursement Quality Add on Rates for Children Receiving Child Care Works

**EFFECTIVE DATE: September 1, 2019.

Grants and Awards

Qualifying child care programs may receive Keystone STARS grants and awards when available.

Tuition Assistance

Several types of tuition assistance are available to program staff working at Keystone STARS facilities:

• Professional Development Organization (PDO)
  Funded Opportunities Early Childhood Education Professional Development Organizations (ECE PDOs)* specialize in offering access to credit-bearing coursework through low- to no-cost programs for ECE professionals in Pennsylvania. For more information about the PDOs, visit pakeys.org/pdos.
• Child Development Associate (CDA) Assessment Fee Voucher Program
  The CDA ASSESSMENT FEE VOUCHER PROGRAM supplies payment for the CDA Assessment Fee that is required to complete the CDA Assessment process. The full CDA Assessment Fee of $425 is paid directly to the Council for Professional Recognition. This program does not reimburse individuals. The Pennsylvania Key also offers a voucher for $125 to cover an individual’s CDA Renewal Fee. For more information about the CDA Voucher Program, visit pakeys.org/cda-voucher.
• Rising STARS Tuition Assistance (RSTA)
  The Rising STARS Tuition Assistance Program pays 95% of tuition costs and fees for eligible college coursework taken by early learning professionals, with a maximum benefit of $8,000 per individual each fiscal year (July 1 through June 30). Tuition costs and fees net of other funding sources such as scholarships, stipends, discounts, or grants (except the Pell Grant) are used to determine the amount of assistance. It is recommended completed applications be submitted at least four weeks prior to the start of the course, or prior to the tuition due date, whichever is first. For more information about the Rising STARS Tuition Assistance program, visit pakeys.org/keystone-stars/rising-stars.
• Teacher Education and Compensation Helps (T.E.A.C.H.) Pennsylvania Scholarship Program
  T.E.A.C.H. (Teacher Education and Compensation Helps) Early Childhood Pennsylvania offers a variety of scholarship options to help early childhood professionals complete course work toward a degree in early childhood education (ECE) and increase their compensation, while also helping early childhood programs to retain qualified staff. Pennsylvania Child Care Association (PACCA) is the licensed administrator of the T.E.A.C.H. Scholarship Program in Pennsylvania. For more information on the types of scholarships available, eligibility criteria, program requirements or to download brochures and applications, visit pacca.org/teach_scholarship.php.

  T.E.A.C.H. Early Childhood® Pennsylvania is supported by the Office of Child Development and Early Learning (OCDEL) of Pennsylvania’s Department of Human Services (DHS) and Pennsylvania’s Department of Education (PDE). For more information, visit dhs.pa.gov and education.pa.gov. 

There are four levels of quality in Keystone STARS:

• STAR 1 equates to a Department of Human Services (DHS) Certificate of Compliance and/or a Department of Education (PDE) private academic license and a focus on health and safety. STAR 1 programs are encouraged to continue working toward higher STAR levels.
• STAR 2 signifies a commitment to CQI and to structural quality. STAR 2 programs must meet all required quality indicators at STAR 2 before moving to a high STAR level.
• STAR 3 and STAR 4 is thought to represent the highest level of quality in ECE. Programs must meet all required quality indicators at the lower STAR levels and then earn a minimum number of points using the STAR 3 and 4 optional, point-based quality indicators.

Programs can move directly to a higher STAR level without being designated at a lower level. For example, a STAR 2 program can move directly to a STAR 4 by successfully meeting all STAR 4 performance indicators without first being designated as a STAR 3, providing they meet the higher required points.

Step 1: Maintain STAR 1 Eligibility
All programs who have a regular certificate of compliance through DHS or a private academic license through PDE are automatically welcomed into Keystone STARS as a STAR 1. These programs can choose to move up to higher STAR levels by using the Keystone STARS Performance Standards. All programs in Keystone STARS must be in good standing with the Pennsylvania Department of Revenue to maintain eligibility.

Step 2: Commitment to Increase Quality Practices
STAR 1 programs are encouraged to continue their commitment to higher quality and work to meet the more rigorous quality indicators at the higher STAR levels. STAR 1 programs should review the quality indicators for a STAR 2 program and begin to implement these standards to move towards becoming a STAR 2 program.

Step 3: Achieve STAR 2 Designation
Programs that demonstrate they are meeting all STAR 2 required quality indicators will be designated as a STAR 2.

Step 4: Pursue Continuous Quality Improvement (CQI) Activities
Programs that successfully achieve a STAR 2 designation are encouraged to engage in continued higher quality practices, implement, and build upon their CQI plan, and develop a robust Internal Assessment Process. Programs working toward the STAR 3 and 4 levels are encouraged to seek CQI assistance from a Quality Coach. At these levels, Quality Coaches will:

• Support programs through the STAR 3 and 4 evidence-gathering process
• Provide guidance in creating a CQI Plan with goals and activities to support comprehensive program improvements
• Review evidence of meeting STAR 3 and 4 quality indicators

Step 5: Achieve a STAR 3 or STAR 4 Designation
STAR 3 and STAR 4 designations are considered the highest of quality for early childhood education programs. At these levels, a program is demonstrating strengths in all 4 of STARS Performance Standard categories and is committed to a culture of continuous quality improvement in their program.

Step 6: Complete Annual Renewal and a Full Designation Renewal Every Three Years
At the end of years 1 and 2 heading into years 2 and 3, all STAR 2, 3, and 4 programs are required to complete an annual renewal which includes the following steps:

• Complete their Annual Renewal application in the PD Registry which includes electronically signing an attestation through which they acknowledge that they are continuing to meet all STARS quality indicators at which they designated.
• Submit a copy of their updated Continuous Quality Improvement (CQI) plan which demonstrates that the program is continuing to implement CQI activities and practices. Programs can complete their CQI Plan within the Registry Designation System or outside of the system using one of the 2 CQI Plan templates located in the Appendix (Resource Document #2 and Resource Document #3).
• Ensure that the information on their Staff Report in the PD Registry Designation System is correct including their staff’s position titles and hire dates. Update any incorrect or missing information for staff. Click here for more information on verifying staff. (The Staff Report can be found on the program’s Organization Profile tab in the PD Registry Designation System.)
• Ensure that all current onsite leadership team members and teaching staff have taken the course, Overview of Keystone STARS: Pennsylvania’s Quality Rating and Improvement System within 90 days of hire. (SQ 2.1)
• Ensure that all current onsite leadership team members and teaching staff have completed their PD Registry Profile to the point of having their Career Pathway level assigned and their employment has been verified by the program within 90 days of hire. (SQ 2.2) Learn how: pakeys.org/apply-for-career-pathway
• Ensure that, within 90 days of hire, all current onsite program leadership team members and teaching staff have completed their Professional Development Plans (PDP) in the PD Registry to support their educational achievement and professional growth.(SQ 2.3) Click here for more information on this step.

At the end of their third year, programs are required to complete another full designation visit in which all aspects of quality are monitored. Following completion of the full designation, programs will begin a new three-year cycle.

Keystone STAR designations are awarded for a 3-year period. Exceptions to the 3-year designation may occur under certain circumstances including but not limited to:

• Program is ready to achieve a higher STAR designation and applies to move up in STAR levels in the PD Registry System Program experiences a revocation, suspension, or issuance of provisional DHS Certificate of compliance
• Program experiences loss of OCDEL-approved Alternate Pathway accreditation
• OCDEL and/or its partners field concerns about a program’s quality from parents, families, and/or other stakeholders

In these cases, the program may need to undergo a full designation in order to maintain their STAR. As significant changes occur, programs are required to report these to their Quality Coach who will then determine if a new designation is required.

The Keystone STARS designation system launched on July 1, 2022, in the PA PD Registry. Programs access the streamlined Keystone STARS designation system in the PD Registry by clicking on the Keystone STARS/Grants tab located on their organization’s profile page. The screenshot below shows where the Keystone STARS/Grants tab will be once an individual has logged into their organization profile in the PA PD Registry.