Keystone STARS is a Pennsylvania voluntary program for enhancing the quality of child care provided to the community. Through Keystone STARS, a child care provider works to increase its standard of care above the state’s minimum health and safety licensing regulations. Research shows that quality child care increases a child’s learning skills and school readiness level.

Keystone STARS provides financial support to maintain these standards each fiscal year to purchase supplies and equipment for the classrooms and to give merit incentives for the staff for their professional development.

The Family YMCA Early Childhood Development Center and Before and After School Child Care Programs are currently working towards standards for a STAR THREE site with a project completion date of 2007.