Legislation passed by the Pennsylvania House aims to update the Keystone STARS system, benefiting child care providers and families. The measure is sponsored by Reps. Tom Mehaffie (R-Dauphin) and Jared Solomon (D-Philadelphia).
The bill encourages early learning programs to display their ratings (STAR1 to STAR4) on entrance doors and websites. It also seeks recognition for individual providers’ years of experience in the Keystone STARS evaluations.
“Keystone STARS ratings help families make informed choices about care facilities within their communities. It is a fantastic program in need of updates,” Mehaffie stated.
“Parents and guardians want to be well informed about the programs in which they are enrolling their children,” Solomon remarked. “Keystone STARS is an important tool in their toolbox.”
Mehaffie and Solomon have supported modernizations to Keystone STARS, established in Pennsylvania in 2002 with performance standards based on research-based practices.
The representatives encourage families to inquire about child care programs’ Keystone STARS scores when choosing day cares and early learning centers.
House Bill 1600 passed with a 176-to-27 vote and now proceeds to the Senate for consideration.
