Public Policy

Keystone STARS

The Keystone STARS Quality Improvement Initiative is a system that provides funding and supports to child care programs to improve quality. As child care programs increase their quality, they receive additional Stars. A STAR 4 is the highest STAR rating a program can receive.

Any DPW regulated child care provider can participate to receive a Star designation and to receive support grants, merit awards, or education and retention awards. Child care programs that do not meet the initial eligibility requirements can apply for a Start with Stars grant and receive Stars supports. 

Keystone STARS (Standards, Training, Assistance, Resource and Supports) is a quality improvement initiative for Pennsylvania's child care providers. Providers earn a Star 1 - Star 4 based on the quality of their programs. Through STARS, providers can access technical assistance, support grants and merit awards to continue to improve quality. The program began in 2003 as a pilot program but is now open to all DPW certified day care centers, group homes, and registered family providers. New programs may apply for Start with STARS.

Programs interested in STARS can download the program standards, self-study packets and enrollment information from the PA Keys website at http://www.pakeys.org/stars/Default.aspx.

To help promote visibility of your program’s participation in the Keystone STARS Quality Improvement program,  PACCA has created a STARS flag that is suitable for indoor or outdoor use. 

Download the STARS FLAG ORDER FORM

To apply for support, merit and education and retention awards, visit the PA Keys website at http://www.pakeys.org/stars/GrantApplications.aspx.

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