Child-care providers could share state quality ratings with families

Participating child-care providers could share their quality ratings online and in writing with families. These options would cover Keystone STARS participants certified or licensed under Articles IX or X of the Human Services Code, including child-care centers and family child-care homes. Sharing ratings would be optional. An online rating would appear on an operating public website and include the number of stars received. Written information would use appropriate language and include the state's website explaining the program. These provisions would take effect 180 days after enactment. Written information could be given to a parent or legal guardian when applying for care.

The state child-care agency would issue signs showing participating providers' quality ratings. Certified or licensed providers participating in Keystone STARS could obtain a state-issued sign and choose whether to display it where the public can see it. Signs would identify the provider, the issuing agency, the issue date, the number of stars, and the agency's contact information. Signs would have to be clear, visible, readable, and appropriate for families' language needs. These provisions would take effect 180 days after enactment.

The state child-care agency would issue a rating guide explaining how participating providers could earn additional stars. The guide would apply to certified or licensed child-care providers applying for additional stars in Keystone STARS. Participation would be voluntary. The guide would allow providers to demonstrate a combination of staff qualifications, work experience, professional development, early learning activities, family and community partnerships, and effective program leadership and management. The requirement to issue the guide would take effect 180 days after enactment.