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, 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.

STARS Standards

Family Child Care Homes

2011-12 Keystone STARS Performance Standards for Family Child Care Homes >>

Centers and Group Homes

2011-12 Keystone STARS Performance Standards for Centers >>
2011-12 Keystone STARS Performance Standards for Group Homes >>

STARS Worksheets

Grants and Award Requests

The following types of grants are available to qualifying Keystone STARS facilities: Start with STARS Awards, Support Grants, Merit Awards and Education and Retention Awards. Child Care Works Add-on funds are also available beginning at the STAR 2 level.

Start with STARS Facilities

Site Environment Checklist & Start with STARS Grant Request Centers/Groups >>
Site Environment Checklist & Start with STARS Grant Request Family Child Care >>

STAR 1 Facilities

STARS Support Grant Request – Center/Group >>
STARS Support Grant Request – Family >>

STAR 2, 3, 4 and 4A Facilities

MERA (Merit and Education & Retention) Center/Group >>
MERA (Merit and Education & Retention) Family >>

Award Receipt Collection

To ensure that award funding is spent in accordance with state and federal guidelines, sites receiving financial awards are required to submit copies of their receipts when reconciling their award. The most up-to-date Receipt Collection documents can be downloaded from the PaKeys website >>.