SPIN’s Three Early Childhood Centers all Earn STAR 4 Status in 2009!

Monday; February 9, 2009

In 2002, Keystone STARS (Standards, Training, Assistance and Support) was instituted in the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania to ensure that all Pennsylvania families have access to high quality early care and education to foster success in school and life. The Pennsylvania Early Learning Keys to Quality, sponsored by the Department of Public Welfare's Office of Child Development and Early Learning, is a quality improvement program in which all early learning programs and practitioners are encouraged and supported to improve child outcomes.

Workforce performance standards for childcare centers are designated by STARS 1 through 4. This year SPIN rose from STAR 2 to STAR 4 by exceeding rigorous professional development training goals in all areas including early learning programming, leadership development and partnering with families. SPIN employees exceeded the number of required training hours through our on site college programs and annual training. In 2007, SPIN's STAR 2 status resulted in an award of $24,000 for program enhancement and R&R. SPIN is now eligible to receive further merit and R&R awards from Keystone based on its STAR 4 designation. Congratulations to SPIN's Children's Services!