What is Keystone STARS? 
Keystone STARS is Pennsylvania’s Quality Rating and Improvement System (QRIS) for early childhood education programs. It helps families find high-quality early learning programs and supports providers in continuous quality improvement. 

Why Keystone STARS Matters: 

• Enhances the quality of early learning programs 

• Promotes child development and school readiness 

• Offers professional development for educators 

• Helps families make informed choices 

STARS Levels: 
Programs are awarded a STAR rating from 1 to 4 based on quality standards: 

• STAR 1 – Meets basic health and safety regulations. It 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 – Demonstrates moving beyond compliance. It 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 – Offers high-quality learning environments and strong staff-child relationships 

• STAR 4 – Provides the highest level of quality and continuous improvement.  

STAR 3 & 4 is also 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.  

Navigating the Process of Keystone STARS 

• Step 1: Maintain STAR 1 Eligibility 

• Step 2: Commitment to Increase Quality Practices 

• Step 3: Achieve STAR 2 Designation 

• Step 4: Pursue Continuous Quality Improvement (CQI) Activities 

• Step 5: Achieve a STAR 3 or STAR 4 Designation 

• Step 6: Complete Annual Renewal and a Full Designation Renewal Every Three Years 

Learn More Here 

Keystone STARS Performance Standards

STAR 1: Certification and Compliance  

Must be Met Before Moving to Higher STAR Level 

• Early childhood education and school-age programs holding a regular Certificate of Compliance from Pennsylvania’s Department of Human Services (DHS)  

• Preschool programs holding a private academic license from the Pennsylvania Department of Education (PDE)
  
• STAR 2: Performance Standards 

ALL STAR 2 Quality Indicators Listed Below Must be Met in Order to Move to Higher STAR Level) 

• Staff Qualifications and Professional Development 

• Early Childhood Education Program 

• Partnerships with Families and Communities 

• Leadership and Management 

• STAR 3 & 4 Performance Standards 

Combination of required quality indicators and optional points-based quality indicators)  

• Programs must meet STAR 1 and STAR 2 required quality indicators and two additional required STAR 3 and 4 quality Indicators as follows: 

• Program implements a system to support the staff’s education and career development 

• Professional Development to support teaching staff’s foundational knowledge in engaging in positive interactions with children and families. 

Learn More Here

Learn More or Find a Keystone STARS Program: 
Visit: www.pakeys.org/keystone-stars 

Your local Early Learning Resource Center (ELRC) can also help you find a Keystone STARS provider. Find your ELRC. 

NSOR – Spanish

FBI Clearance

• CY 863: Verbal Request for Release of Child
• CY 864: Fire Drill Log
• CY 866: Incident Report Form
• CY 867: Emergency Contact/Parental Consent Form
• CY 113: Pennsylvania Child Abuse History Clearance
• CY999: Consent/Release of Information Authorization Form
• SP 4-164: Request for Criminal Record Check
• PW 29A — Day Care Services Enrollment/Attendance Record
• CD 356: Emergency Drill Log

Visit pa.gov for more information