The PA Office of Child Development and Early Learning (OCDEL), a collaborative effort between the Pennsylvania Department of Education (PDE) and the Pennsylvania Department of Human Services (DHS), was included in Pennsylvania’s Honor Roll designation by the Results for America’s Invest in What Works State Standard of Excellence. The recognition highlighted OCDEL’s Keystone STARS use of equitable and data-based investments in early education.

“We are honored by this distinction and are proud to say, Pennsylvania is investing in what works by supporting our child care providers as they continue to strive for higher quality on behalf of the children and families they serve,” said DHS Acting Secretary Meg Snead. “Early learning programs set a foundation that helps children throughout schooling and into adulthood. By investing in our children, we are investing in our commonwealth’s future – something we must always continue to look towards.”

Keystone STARS, Pennsylvania’s Quality Rating Improvement System, aims to improve the quality of early childhood education programs through a performance standard framework leveraged in state contracts to providers. This program uses data to measure learning centers throughout the commonwealth, provide equitable support, and direct funding to better serve all families and child care centers.

Early learning programs participating in Keystone STARS can earn a quality rating score from STAR 1 through 4. The eligibility criteria for child care providers to participate in a variety of state-funded initiatives often rely on a STAR 3 or 4 designation. The Results for America recognition highlights OCDEL’s efforts to support STAR 1 and 2 early learning centers.

In the last year, Pennsylvania has invested approximately $400 million to increase base rates and setting access incentives for providers participating in Child Care Works (CCW), Pennsylvania’s subsidized child care program. Nearly two-thirds of children whose families enrolled in  CCW are enrolled in a STAR 1 or 2 rated facility. By investing in base rates to providers participating in CCW, Pennsylvania is helping providers invest in services offered for the children in care, staff development and compensation, and the overall quality of their child care center. Additionally, Keystone STARS provides early childhood programs in Pennsylvania with the tools to continually improve service to children and families. STAR 1 and 2 child care providers have access to Quality Coaches who offer technical assistance to help increase their STAR rating.

“The Performance Standards for Keystone STARS are guided by the principle that quality early learning programs are the foundation for children’s success,” said Tracey Campanini, Deputy Secretary, Office of Child Development and Early Learning. “Add in data-driven decision making and investing in equitable early education, we are building a path for all Pennsylvania’s children to learn to their fullest potential.”

The Results for America Invest in What Works State Standard of Excellence (State Standard of Excellence) sets a national standard for how state governments can best use evidence and data in budget, policy, and management decisions. States receiving this recognition demonstrate the use of data and evidence to achieve better, more equitable outcomes for their residents and to invest in what works.

For more information on Keystone STARS, visit here. Providers seeking to apply for American Rescue Plan Act Child Care Stabilization Grants can learn more and apply here. Pennsylvanians looking for child care can visit www.findchildcare.pa.gov.