Vincentian Child Discovery: McCandless recently earned the highest possible rating under the Keystone STARS Program!
Staff at VCDC McCandless have been hard at work over the last several months to earn the STAR 4 level, which positions VCDC McCandless as a center of excellence in Pennsylvania.
STARS stand for Standards, Training and Professional Development, Assessment, Resources and Support. Most childcare centers in Pennsylvania are certified Keystone STARS providers and are allotted either level 1, 2, 3, or 4.
Keystone STARS is a responsive system to improve, support, and recognize the continuous quality improvement efforts of early learning programs in Pennsylvania. The system is guided by three core principles:
- A whole child approach to education is essential to meeting the holistic and individual needs of each and every child and family.
- Knowledgeable and responsive early childhood education (ECE) professionals and educators are essential to the development of children and the support of families.
- Building and sustaining ongoing positive relationships among children, families, early care and education professionals and community stakeholders is essential for the growth and development of every child.
Inclusion, diversity, equity and respect are foundational values embedded in these principles.
To become eligible for the program, a facility must hold a current and full certificate of compliance from the PA Department of Human Services, must have a current private preschool academic license from the PA Department of Education, must remain in good standing with the PA Department of Revenue.
The STARS rating consists of a variety of measurements, including:
- Staff education: Early childhood teachers have the training and knowledge for working with young children
- Classroom/Learning environment: The program has a variety of materials and activities for each age level that makes it possible for children to learn something new every day!
- Including families and the community: Families and community members are encouraged to become a part of the child’s learning progress
- Leadership and management: A quality program has to have sound business practices to ensure your child’s safety and early learning
Congratulations to all of our colleagues at VCDC McCandless for this tremendous accomplishment!