July 25, 2019 Changes Made to Rising STARS Tuition Assistance Program For Fiscal Year 2019-20, the Office of Child Development and Early Learning’s Rising STARS Tuition Assistance (RSTA) program has undergone several important changes. Administered by The Pennsylvania Key, RSTA helps cover a portion of tuition costs for early childhood professionals. Fiscal Year 2019-20 Changes The following changes have been implemented for FY 2019-20: “Grandfathered” applicants seeking an AA, BA, or PreK-4 Teacher Certification will continue to receive 95% of tuition costs with a maximum benefit of $6,000 per individual. These applicants will need to transition to T.E.A.C.H. or another financial aid resource by Fiscal Year 2020-2021. For new applicants for approved CDA or Credential Coursework, individuals will receive 95% of tuition costs and fees net of other funding sources for approved credential or CDA coursework up to eighteen (18) credits. Additionally, new applicants for approved CDA or Credential Coursework can submit a request form (including receipt) for reimbursement for books after purchase. More Information To learn more about the RSTA program, visit the Pennsylvania Key website. For questions, call 1.800.284.6031 or email pakeyvoucherprogram@pakeys.org. *Information provided by the Pennsylvania Office of Child Development and Early Learning
May 29, 2019 Rising STARS Tuition Assistance Sign Up Moving to PD Registry Beginning Fall 2019, applicants will apply for the Rising STARS Tuition Assistance Program through the PD Registry. About the Program The Rising STARS Tuition Assistance Program pays 95% of tuition costs for eligible college coursework taken by early learning professionals, with a maximum benefit of $6,000 per individual each fiscal year (July 1 – June 30). The program covers tuition costs only and does not include books, materials, or fees. Tuition costs net of other funding sources such as scholarships, stipends, discounts, or grants (except the Pell Grant) are used to determine the amount of assistance. It is recommended completed applications be submitted at least four weeks prior to the start of the course, or prior to the tuition due date, whichever is first. Access the Program Before Fall 2019 During the transition, The Pennsylvania Key is still currently accepting applications for the 2018-19 fiscal year and summer classes. Early learning professionals taking coursework beginning before fall semester are welcome to apply using the current process in the Portal. At this time, applications will not be reviewed for the fall semester. More Information For new eligibility requirements and to stay up-to-date on the ongoing changes, visit the Pennsylvania Key website. *Information provided by The Pennsylvania Key
April 18, 2019 How to Run a Profitable Child Care Business Through this four-week online session, participants learn the basic principles of operating the business of a child care program. With a focus on maximizing profits, Trying Together will present opportunities to minimize expenses and illustrate ways that various public funding sources and Keystone STARS participation may affect program revenue. Primarily intended for child care program administrators, owners, and operators, this course provides valuable resources for those interested in applying for Pre-K Counts, or for family and group child care program leaders who are interested in learning more about operating profitably. This online course occurs over the timeline of four weeks (Start Date: Monday, May 27 through Thursday, June 27, 2019), and will be offering four hours of professional development credits after completion of the session. Registration To register for this course, visit the event website. Questions For more information and questions, contact Jasmine Davis at 412.421.3889 or jasmine@tryingtogether.org. Share this flyer with your network.
October 2, 2018 Thank Congress for Increased CCDBG Funding The U.S Senate and House of Representatives voted in favor of a Labor, Health and Human Services, Education and Defense 2019 spending bill. This measure not only maintains the historic increase in funding for the Child Care and Development Block Grant (CCDBG) in 2018 but includes a $50 million increase! The legislation also includes support for other critical early care and education programs. On September 28, the President signed the bill into law. Why Does It Matter? With increased funding for the 2018 federal fiscal year, the Office of Child Development and Early Learning is able to lift the rate freeze for STAR 1 and 2 providers and increase base rates for all providers by two percent. In addition, the funding will support a pilot to contract for quality slots for infants and toddlers participating in the subsidy program and will further support professional development for child care teachers. The continued support and increase of this line item is critical for Pennsylvania to improve access to high-quality care for children. Take Action Please join us in thanking our members of Congress for understanding the importance of early care and education investments for our youngest children!
August 1, 2018 New Keystone STARS Performance Standards Available In 2017, The Keystone STARS Think Tank Team, in partnership with thousands of stakeholders, developed principles to guide the STARS revision process. During the 2017-18 program year, the Office of Child Development and Early Learning (OCDEL) refined Keystone STARS to be more efficient for providers to participate and more effective at improving child outcomes. The new Keystone STARS Performance Standards and Program Manual became available on July 1, 2018. For more information on updates to the program, listen to the Keystone STARS July 2018 Update webinar. This brief presentation covers changes to the Keystone STARS Performance Standards and Indicators, Alternate Pathways to STARS Designation, and Program Quality Assessment. For more information on the Keystone STARS program visit the PA Key website. For questions or comments, please contact OCDEL at RA-OCDEarlyLearning@pa.gov. (Shared via PA Key)
