News

In partnership with Start Strong PA, Trying Together released the report, “The Value and Cost of High-Quality Early Care and Education,” which provides insight into the importance of high-quality early care and education.

About the Report

This report, the first in a series of exploring the barriers to high-quality, aims to:

• outline the history of Keystone STARS (launched in 2002)
• review current research
• elevate providers’ voices to explore financial barriers related to reaching and maintaining quality ratings

While there is significant value in Keystone STARS, over 20 years after its creation, insufficient funding can make high-quality ratings unattainable for programs across the state. High-quality early care and education is associated with high costs because it requires multiple layers of resources, including experienced and qualified teachers.

Policy recommendations:

• replace the current market rate survey with a cost estimation study using an approved cost modeling tool to ensure child care subsidy reimbursement rates meet the true cost of quality care
• increase program incentives within Keystone STARS
• invest in additional supports to recruit, recognize, and retain qualified early childhood teachers

Learn more and read the full report or its executive summary.