Mehaffie, Solomon Initiative Recognizes Child Care Providers’ Experience

HARRISBURG - Legislation passed by the House today would update the existing Keystone STARS system to benefit child care providers and families seeking services, according to the measure's sponsors, Reps. Tom Mehaffie (R-Dauphin) and Jared Solomon (D-Philadelphia). House Bill 1600 would encourage early learning programs to place their rating (STAR1 to STAR4) on their entrance doors and websites. It also would help individual providers be recognized for years of on-the-job experience as they are evaluated for the Keystone STARS program. "Keystone STARS ratings help families make informed choices about care facilities within their communities. It is a fantastic program in need of updates," Mehaffie said. "Parents and guardians want to be well informed about the programs in which they are enrolling their children," Solomon said. "Keystone STARS is an important tool in their toolbox." Mehaffie and Solomon have long championed modernizations and updates to Keystone STARS, which was established in Pennsylvania in 2002. The program established performance standards that are built around research-based practices related to staff education, learning environment, leadership/management, and family and community partnerships. The representatives encourage families to inquire about any child care program's Keystone STARS scores when evaluating potential day cares and early learning centers for their children. House Bill 1600 passed the lower chamber on a 176-to-27 vote. The bill now goes to the Senate for its consideration. Representative Thomas L. Mehaffie III 106th Legislative District Pennsylvania House of Representatives Media Contact: Jennifer Fitch 717-260-6563 jfitch@pahousegop.com RepMehaffie.com / Facebook.com/RepMehaffie

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