What is Keystone STARS Technical Assistance (TA)?

 

For several years, Keystone STARS (Standards, Training/Professional Development, Assistance, Resources and Support), has provided a level of guidance and support to early care and education providers. This quality initiative was designed to recognize and reward child care providers that exceed minimum state health and safety standards.

 

As the years go on, we realize now the extreme importance of quality early learning for a child. Research has shown that 90% of a child’s brain growth occurs in the first years of life. Children who participate in early quality care and education programs have greater rates of success in scholastics, social, emotional, and physical areas of development.

 

In keeping with our Keystone STARS support aspect, we have designed a program which helps providers reach their STARS goals with even greater success.

 

Keystone STARS Technical Assistance is comprised of a statewide network of organizations that provide consultation and technical assistance to organizations working towards STAR designations.

 

Keystone STARS TA:

  • Provides individualized and onsite assistance to facilities.
  • Offers help for centers, providers, etc. who are in need of achieving a specified knowledge area or performance expectation of the Keystone STARS standards.
  • Is an added incentive for providers to reach their quality care and education goals with a trained professional.

 

What are the goals of a Keystone STARS TA?

 

  • Establish a statewide, stable network of technical assistance services for the Keystone STARS initiative.
  • Foster the formation of collaborative partnerships among community-based consultants to deliver comprehensive consultation to Keystone STARS facilities.
  • Assist eligible Keystone STARS child care facilities in achieving specific performance standards required for STAR movement.

To qualify for Keystone STARS TA, you must be a certified or registered center, group and/or home-based provider that has applied for Keystone STARS and been awarded a STAR level or starting with STARS. In addition, your facility is required to complete KS Core Training Series consisting of Environment Rating Scale training, the CBK/PDR for Director training, and training on Developing a Facility Training Plan.

 

Benefits of Keystone STARS Technical Assistance (TA)

  • Assists in assuring your clients that they are receiving high quality care and education.
  • Gives opportunities to improve what needs to be worked on and enhance what is already being done to promote quality care.
  • Provides opportunity to work with a trained professional who can help you meet STAR designations, which leads to:

> Increased funding for professional development and education

> Improvements on learning environment and materials

> Ensuring quality through STARS standards


For more information contact your STARS Manager or

Call theTA Coordinator at 814-874-0144 x16

 

For more information or to download and print a copy of our brochure please click here.