HARRISBURG, PA — On Wednesday, July 9, the Pennsylvania House of Representatives approved bipartisan legislation designed to modernize and improve the Keystone STARS program, the state’s rating system that guides families in selecting high-quality childcare providers.
House Bill 1600, introduced by state Reps. Jared Solomon (D-Philadelphia) and Tom Mehaffie (R-Dauphin), aims to update how providers are evaluated by recognizing work experience as part of a childcare provider’s STAR rating. Currently, Keystone STARS focuses heavily on formal credentials and education when assigning ratings, which can overlook the value of hands-on experience.
“Work experience should be counted when childcare employees and providers are evaluated to receive ‘STAR Status,'” said Solomon. “Hard work and a passion for guiding children and helping them grow must be rewarded.”
Mehaffie echoed the importance of the updates, adding that Keystone STARS is already an important tool for parents and deserves improvements to keep pace with the needs of families and providers. “Keystone STARS ratings help families make informed choices about care facilities within their communities. It is a fantastic program in need of updates,” he said.
In addition to incorporating work experience into evaluations, the bill would empower childcare providers to better communicate their STAR status to families. Providers would be encouraged to display their ratings prominently on entrances and websites, ensuring parents have clear, visible information when making decisions about where to enroll their children.
“Parents deserve to know that their children will be safe and have the highest quality of care,” Solomon emphasized.
Having passed the House with bipartisan support, House Bill 1600 now heads to the state Senate for further consideration. If enacted, the measure could strengthen the quality and transparency of childcare services across Pennsylvania, giving both providers and families greater confidence in the state’s early education system.
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