Looking for quality child care? Reach for the STARS!
Keystone STARS can help you understand the quality of a child care/ early learning program. For a young child, everything is a learning experience. The early learning program you choose, such as child care or Head Start, can affect how well your child does in kindergarten, school, and in life.
Children who attend a quality child care/early learning program
- come to kindergarten ready to learn;
- do better in school; and
- are more likely to graduate high school, attend college, and get good jobs.
What is Keystone STARS?
Keystone STARS rates child care programs from one to four STARS on things you care about. Programs may meet state regulations for safety, and offer a kid-friendly atmosphere with good teachers that partner with you to help your child learn. Child care and Head Start programs within Keystone STARS earn a STAR 1 to STAR 4 rating based on quality standards that measure:
- Staff education: Early childhood teachers have the training and knowledge for working with young children
- Classroom/Learning environment: The program has a variety of materials and activities for each age level that makes it possible for children to learn something new every day!
- Including families and the community: Families and community members are encouraged to become a part of the child’s learning progress
- Leadership and management: A quality program has to have sound business practices to ensure your child’s safety and early learning
As programs earn more STARS, they are providing higher quality early education for your child.
Find STARS programs near you. (Just look for the STAR level when you get your search results.)
Your local Early Learning Resource Center (ELRC) can also help you find a Keystone STARS provider. Find your ELRC.
What to expect at a Keystone STARS program
Department of Human Services Certificate of Compliance for child care centers or Certificate of Registration for family child care homes.
- A comfortable place where your child can explore and learn
- Laughing, reading, and talking which builds language skills
- Teachers who continue to learn new ways to help your child thrive
- A safe, healthy, and exciting place
- Music, art, science and play activities that increase school preparedness
- Your child feeling good about himself or herself
- Families involved in the program and their child’s development
- Teachers that listen to children and parents
- Children having fun together and being respectful of each other
Find Keystone STARS programs!
You can search for child care/early learning programs near you. Click on “Find a Provider” to choose what you are looking for in a program. You can select by things like your child’s age, your location, if you need access to public transportation, and how many STARS each program has.
Your local Early Learning Resource Center (ELRC) can also help you find a Keystone STARS provider. Find your ELRC.
Remember: the more STARS, the higher the quality!