PA KEYS Consulting What is PA KEYS/STARS?
Keystone STARS is an initiative of the Office of Child Development and Early Learning (OCDEL) to improve, support, and recognize the continuous quality improvement efforts of early learning programs in Pennsylvania.
The Keystone STARS Performance Standards provide the foundation for the program. The Performance Standards are grouped into four levels: STAR 1, STAR 2, STAR 3, and STAR 4. Each level builds on the previous level and utilizes research-based best practices to promote quality early learning environments and positive child outcomes. The standards address staff qualifications and professional development, the early learning program, partnerships with family and community, and leadership and management.
Keystone STARS is managed through a partnership of the Office of Child Development and Early Learning (OCDEL) and the Pennsylvania and Regional Keys.
Reasons To Participate in PA KEYS/STARS
As part of OCDEL’s commitment to continuous quality improvement in early learning, child care programs participating in Keystone STARS at the STAR 2 level or above will receive a subsidy add-on for every child they serve that is enrolled in Child Care Works.
This subsidy add-on or “tiered reimbursement” is applicable to family, group and centers at the STAR 2 level or higher, and increases with each STAR level. The add-on is automatically applied to the daily subsidized child care rate for the program by the CCIS. The additional daily amount may in some circumstances, increase provider rates to an amount that exceeds the Maximum Child Care Allowance.
For the 2008-09 fiscal year, the tiered reimbursment rates have increased. They are as follows:
| Daily Increase for | STAR 2 | STAR 3 | STAR 4 |
| Full-time | $0.50 | $1.50 | $2.00 |
| Part-time | $0.25 | $0.75 | $1.00 |
Here is How PA KEYS Can Help
Navigating the ERS road can be difficult.In spite of what you are told by the state, this is a very subjective instrument. The STARS and offices of OCDEL will tell you that there are just som things that you will have to, "Take a hit on". Is your playground safety surface frozen because there are sub-freezing temperatures? Is it impossible to give the amount of required breaks? Do you have a round knob on a door that a handicapped person with no hands will not be able to open? The question is, how would a handless person change diapers? Many centers have taken the so called, "Hit" for these observations, our centers among them. You see, the hits are built in. Even experienced owners and directors need an outside eye to understand what could and would be expected. Not knowing can mean the difference of $8,000 or more.
Owners, directors and staff inexperienced or experienced with ERS can become overwhellmed and stressed. The state can't help you the way the should or would like to because their resources are stretched thin. They can only offer minimal assistance. PA KEYS Consultants will do the job, the state cannot. We will work for you to make sure that you have a successful Observation,the first time, or we will come back for free, to help with your appeal. You can receive up tp 10 times the amount you will pay in hiring PA KEYS Consulting, in grants, and the state will even pay the fees. There is nothing to lose. Contact us now.
NECPA|National Early Care Program Accreditation
ABOUT NECPA ACCREDITATION
The NECPA has several components. The first is a thorough self-assessment of the program by management, staff, and parents to determine how closely the NECPA standards are being met. The second component is an action plan to address weaknesses. The third component is an on-site visit by a trained NECPA Verifier. And the fourth component is a review by the NECPA National Accreditation Council. The process is self-paced.
Accreditation is a growing process. As you and your staff work through the self-assessment, your goal should be to meet the NECPA standards fully. Most find it necessary to spend some time making changes in their programs in order to meet the standards. You may take as long as you need before requesting a verification visit.
As a pre-requisite to accreditation, all centers must have possessed a license in good standing from their respective states for at least one year. Full accreditation is granted for three years with satisfactory annual reviews. There are restrictions regarding changes in location and management for accredited centers.
NECPA|National Early Care Program Accreditation
www.NECPA.net
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A Step By Step Guide to NECPA Accreditation is available
NAEYC|National Association For the Education of Young Children is also an accepted Accreditation in PA as it is in many states. You can find more information about them at www.NAEYC.org.
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