Pa. Department of Public Welfare Celebrates 10 Years of Quality Child Care

HARRISBURG, Pa., May 8, 2012 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- Governor Tom Corbett, the Department of Public Welfare and hundreds of children and families today celebrated 10 years of quality child care in Pennsylvania made possible through the Keystone STARS program.

Keystone STARS, launched in 2002 as a pilot program, has been instrumental in shaping early education and improving quality learning environments for more than 167,000 children at approximately 4,150 child care facilities statewide. 

"Our investment in early child care education is the foundation that children need to grow academically," said DPW Secretary Gary D. Alexander. "For some, the Keystone STARS program has been a safe and nurturing place to grow, for others, a place to address and overcome delays. For all children, participating in quality early education through Keystone STARS has helped them become the shining stars they deserve to be."

Participating child care and Head Start programs may earn a STAR 1 through STAR 4 rating by meeting performance standards for professional development, the organization's learning program, partnerships with the family and the community and business practices. STAR 4 is the highest rating.

Today's anniversary celebration recognized nearly 200 children from 43 counties as Shining Stars. These children were nominated by teachers and families who felt the children reached early learning milestones while attending a Keystone STARS center.

Governor Tom Corbett congratulated the success of the program, and offered his thanks to those who are committed to enriching the lives of children through early education.

"Because of the quality programming offered by participating Keystone STARS facilities, Pennsylvania's Shining Stars have been given the opportunity to reach their full potential," said Governor Corbett. "As we recognize this 10th anniversary, my sincerest appreciation goes to the parents; the talented teachers at the STAR facilities and to the Office of Child Development and Early Learning employees who provide the technical and supportive assistance that have made this program a success."

For more information on the nominees and the nominators of the Shining Stars, visit Pennsylvania's Promise for Children website at www.papromiseforchildren.com.

For more information about the Department of Public Welfare and the Keystone STARS program, visit www.dpw.state.pa.us or call 1-800-692-7462.

Media contact: Carey Miller, 717-425-7606

SOURCE Pennsylvania Department of Public Welfare