CLARIFICATION WORKSHEET – SACC – 7/9/14
STARS WORKSHEET
STAR 4 – School Age Child Care (SACC)
Instructions: STARS staff will need to see site-specific documentation (sources of evidence) of each STARS Performance Standard in order to
designate the achievement of that STARS Performance Standard. In order to receive a designation at this level, the program must meet all of
the STARS Performance Standards for STAR 4, as well as STAR 1, STAR 2, and STAR 3. Equivalencies for School-Age (SACC) programs are
listed throughout the worksheets. Please contact your Regional Key for more information regarding paperwork. SACC only sites should use
these worksheets. Centers that have a mix of SACC and Early Learning components should contact the Regional Key for assistance.
This worksheet will help you to compile the information and paperwork necessary for designation. During your designation visit, STARS staff
may use other methods to confirm that a standard is met. For example, if the standard requires a piece of paperwork, STARS staff may ask
questions to verify the document. Please review the information in the Clarifications* section at the end of this document. All documentation
must be completed for the individual DPW-certified facility and the staff that are employed at that facility. It is important to organize all
documentation and keep it all in one place. Arranging the paperwork in a file box or a binder will make it easier for you to keep track of it and
allow the designation visit to go smoothly.
The table below includes 3 columns–
1. STARS Performance Standard & Documentation column – Each Performance Standard is located in this column and is the exact wording
found in the Standards document. The STARS Performance Standards build upon one another as you move up the STAR Levels.
Therefore, there are STAR 1, STAR 2, and STAR 3 standards included in the STAR 4 standards. These standards are italicized with the
STAR level in parentheses. Under each standard, there are checkboxes to help you keep track of the items needed for the designation
visit. You also will notice that certain standards have a note to let you know that there is an optional tool available to help meet the
standard.
2. Pre-Designation Notes column – There are important notes in this column to help you prepare. Please use this column during your predesignation preparation to help keep track of your progress. In the comments section, feel free to write specific notes or explanations.
Many SACC equivalencies will be listed in this section.
3. Designation Notes column – STARS staff will use this column during your STAR 4 designation visit. There also is a section for comments
where specific guidance can be provided.
As you are working through the worksheet, you will see several notes that ask you to refer to the Staff Records Grid (required for designation)
and Career Lattice Calculation Sheet forms at the end of this worksheet. Also at the end of this worksheet is the STARS Enrollment Calculation
Tool, which is also required for designation. Optional tools are also listed throughout the worksheet. These tools are listed with the individual
standards that they were designed to help you meet. Finally, there are two tools that will help in more than one section of the Performance
Standards. They are the Director/Staff Qualifications & Professional Development At-A-Glance and the STARS Goal Planning Tool. All of the
optional tools are available at www.pakeys.org or by contacting your STARS representative.
After you have completed all necessary items in this worksheet, please refer to the Next Steps section. This includes a summary of the
documentation that you will need to submit to request a STAR designation.
If you have questions or concerns during any part of this process, please do not hesitate to contact your Regional Key for assistance.
1
2
3
Pennsylvania Core Knowledge Competencies for Early Childhood and School Age Professionals (CKC) replaced Core Body of Knowledge
Pennsylvania Big Ideas Framework(Big Ideas) and
Individual Professional Development Plan for Early Childhood and School-Age Professionals (IPDP) transition from Professional Development Record (PDR)
July 1,2014 to July 1,2015 at which time it will be required for Keystone STARS providers. Copies of the PDR will no longer be available for ordering or downloading.
* Please see the Clarifications section beginning on page 52 of this worksheet.
CLARIFICATION WORKSHEET – SACC – 7/9/14
STAFF QUALIFICATIONS & PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT
STARS Performance Standard & Documentation
Pre-Designation Notes
Designation Notes
Director* Qualifications
1. Director completes the STARS Orientation
within 90 days of Enrollment in Keystone STARS.
 STARS approved professional development
certificates for STARS Orientation.
Pre-Designation Date: ___________
Note: This professional development is optional
for a director who had been a director at STAR 1
and above prior to July 1, 2008. All other
directors are required to attend this professional
development.
Director’s Initials:___________
 STARS Orientation Completed:
Date _________Hrs_____
Designation Date: _________
2. Complete professional development on the
Pennsylvania Core Knowledge Competencies for
Early Childhood and School Age Professionals
(CKC)/ Pennsylvania Big Ideas Framework (Big
Ideas) and Individual Professional Development
Plan for Early Childhood and School-Age
Professionals (IPDP) and Foundations of the
Environment Rating Scale (ERS).
STARS approved professional development certificates
 CKC/Big Ideas/IPDP for Directors
 Foundations of the ERS
*Note: PDR will remain in effect until June 30, 2015.
Copies of the PDR will no longer be available for ordering
or downloading as of July 1, 2014. During 7/1/14-7/1/15
will be the transition from PDR to using Big Ideas and
IPDP.
Notes:
 Directors hired within the 12 months prior to
designation have 12 months after their
directorship start date to complete the CKC/Big
Ideas/IPDP and foundations of the ERS
professional development
 If ITERS, ECERS or SACERS was taken before
July 2007, credit for Foundations of ERS is
given.
Director’s Initials:___________
 CKC/Big Ideas/IPDP Completed:
Date_________ Hrs_____
 Foundations of ERS Completed:
Date_________ Hrs_____
Documentation:

Training Certificates and/or PD
history.

PD certificates must include
signature of instructor (or
reprinted), date and hours.
1
2
3
Documentation:

Training Certificates and/or PD
history.

PD certificates must include
signature of instructor (or
reprinted), date and hours.

This must be completed within
90 days of hire unless director
was a director at a STAR 1 or
above site before 7/1/08.
** If ITERS, ECERS or SACERS pd
taken before July 2007 credit for
Foundations of ERS pd is given.
***Required Core trainings may not be
counted for specific annual pd. I.E.
Foundations of ERS may not be
counted toward the 2 hours of pd on
child observation, inclusive practices,
and/or ERS.
Pennsylvania Core Knowledge Competencies for Early Childhood and School Age Professionals (CKC) replaced Core Body of Knowledge
Pennsylvania Big Ideas Framework(Big Ideas) and
Individual Professional Development Plan for Early Childhood and School-Age Professionals (IPDP) transition from Professional Development Record (PDR)
July 1,2014 to July 1,2015 at which time it will be required for Keystone STARS providers. Copies of the PDR will no longer be available for ordering or downloading.
* Please see the Clarifications section beginning on page 52 of this worksheet.
CLARIFICATION WORKSHEET – SACC – 7/9/14
STAFF QUALIFICATIONS & PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT
STARS Performance Standard & Documentation
Pre-Designation Notes
Notes:
3. Complete professional development on
Continuous Quality Improvement (CQI) and the
Learning Standards. (STAR 2)
Participation in Afterschool Quality (ASQ) meets CQI
requirement
STARS approved professional development certificates
 CQI
 Links to Learning Foundations
 Afterschool Quality (ASQ)
 Learning Standards

1
2
3
 Directors hired within the 12 months prior to
designation have 12 months after their directorship
start date to complete the CQI, Links to Learning
Foundations, Afterschool Quality (ASQ) and Learning
Standards professional development.
 SACC: It is recommended that School Age directors
complete Links to Learning to meet the Learning
Standards professional development.
 Links to Learning Foundations is approved Core
Series professional development. It is six hours in
length and includes the following modules:
o Theoretical Framework
o Curriculum Planning Basics
o Linking to Learning Standards
o Theme and Project-based Learning
Additional Links to Learning modules include:
o Coordinating and Communicating with Schools
o Family Engagement
o Homework centers
o Literacy
o Math
o Science
o Fitness & Nutrition
o Technology
Participation in Afterschool Quality(ASQ) meets CQI
requirement
Director’s Initials:___________
 CQI Completed:
Date _________Hrs_____
 Links to Learning Completed:
__ Date
_________Hrs_____
 Afterschool Quality (ASQ) Completed:
Date _________Hrs_____
 Learning Standards Completed:
Date _________Hrs_____
Designation Notes
Documentation:

Training Certificates and/or PD
history.

PD certificates must include
signature of instructor (or
reprinted), date and hours.
** If CQI was taken before January
2008, this pd was offered as a part of
the FPD training. Older certificates
might just state FPD.
** Best practice would be to take the
updated professional development
currently offered.
****Required Core trainings may not
be counted for specific annual pd. I.E.
Foundations of ERS may not be
counted toward the 2 hours of pd on
curriculum, program or child
assessment, and/or Learning
Standards.
Pennsylvania Core Knowledge Competencies for Early Childhood and School Age Professionals (CKC) replaced Core Body of Knowledge
Pennsylvania Big Ideas Framework(Big Ideas) and
Individual Professional Development Plan for Early Childhood and School-Age Professionals (IPDP) transition from Professional Development Record (PDR)
July 1,2014 to July 1,2015 at which time it will be required for Keystone STARS providers. Copies of the PDR will no longer be available for ordering or downloading.
* Please see the Clarifications section beginning on page 52 of this worksheet.
CLARIFICATION WORKSHEET – SACC – 7/9/14
STAFF QUALIFICATIONS & PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT
STARS Performance Standard & Documentation
4. Complete professional development in the ERS
scales appropriate to age groups in the facility
(STAR 2)
SACERS (for majority 1st grade and up) or ECERS (if
majority Kindergarten or separate Kindergarten class)
www.pakeys.org
(STAR 2)
 STARS approved professional development
certificates for SACERS scales
 STARS approved professional development
certificates for ECERS scales
5. Complete STARS Orientation Part 2. (STAR 3)
 STARS approved professional development
certificates for STARS Orientation Part 2.
1
2
3
Pre-Designation Notes
Designation Notes
Notes:
 Directors hired within the 12 months prior to
designation have 12 months after their
directorship start date to complete professional
development in the ERS scales appropriate to
the facility.
 To determine which ERS is appropriate to your
facility, please contact the Regional Key.
Director’s Initials:___________
 ECERS Completed: Date
Hrs
 SACERS Completed: Date
Hrs
Documentation:

Training Certificates and/or PD
history.

PD certificates must include
signature of instructor (or
reprinted), date and hours.

ERS pd must reflect the ages of
all children serviced.
Note: Directors hired within the 12 months prior
to designation have 12 months after their
directorship start date to complete the STARS
Orientation Part 2.
Director’s Initials:___________
 STARS Orientation Part 2 Completed:
Date _________Hrs_____
Documentation:

Training Certificates and/or PD
history.

PD certificates must include
signature of instructor (or
reprinted), date and hours.
** If ITERS, ECERS or SACERS pd
taken before July 2007 credit for
Foundations of ERS pd is given.
***Required Core trainings may not be
counted for specific annual pd. I.E.
Foundations of ERS may not be
counted toward the 2 hours of pd on
child observation, inclusive practices,
and/or ERS.
Pennsylvania Core Knowledge Competencies for Early Childhood and School Age Professionals (CKC) replaced Core Body of Knowledge
Pennsylvania Big Ideas Framework(Big Ideas) and
Individual Professional Development Plan for Early Childhood and School-Age Professionals (IPDP) transition from Professional Development Record (PDR)
July 1,2014 to July 1,2015 at which time it will be required for Keystone STARS providers. Copies of the PDR will no longer be available for ordering or downloading.
* Please see the Clarifications section beginning on page 52 of this worksheet.
CLARIFICATION WORKSHEET – SACC – 7/9/14
STAFF QUALIFICATIONS & PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT
STARS Performance Standard & Documentation
6. Attend child abuse mandated reporter
professional development that reflects the most
current laws in Pennsylvania. (STAR 2)
 Certificate or other documentation showing
completion date of professional development
Pre-Designation Notes
Designation Notes
Notes:
Documentation:

Training Certificates and/or PD
 The professional development instruction must
history.
be a minimum of 2 hours in length.

PD certificates must include
 If completed between 7/1/2006 and 6/30/2007,
signature of instructor (or
staff person must read and sign the summary of
reprinted), date and hours.

Training Certificates MUST be
the new laws passed in May 2007. Attach the
present. NO credit is given for
signed summary to the documentation of
pd mailed to BKC or ECELS
professional development.
unless proof of the completed
 If completed prior to 7/1/06, that person must
modules and return postage
receipt or cancelled check is
receive updated mandated reporter professional
verified. PD certificates must
development.
be submitted to STARS
 For more information, contact STARS staff or go
Manager when received.
to www.pakeys.org.

We are waiting for a verified
list of acceptable trainers.
Completion Date: _____________
* If pd taken before 7/1/06 – updated
pd is required.
**If pd taken between 7/1/06 and
6/30/07 a signed copy of the updated
laws from May 2007, must be present.
***This pd may not be counted toward
Director’s annual health and safety
requirement unless the standard has
been met and this is used as a
refresher.
1
2
3
Pennsylvania Core Knowledge Competencies for Early Childhood and School Age Professionals (CKC) replaced Core Body of Knowledge
Pennsylvania Big Ideas Framework(Big Ideas) and
Individual Professional Development Plan for Early Childhood and School-Age Professionals (IPDP) transition from Professional Development Record (PDR)
July 1,2014 to July 1,2015 at which time it will be required for Keystone STARS providers. Copies of the PDR will no longer be available for ordering or downloading.
* Please see the Clarifications section beginning on page 52 of this worksheet.
CLARIFICATION WORKSHEET – SACC – 7/9/14
STAFF QUALIFICATIONS & PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT
STARS Performance Standard & Documentation
7. Level VI or above on the Career Lattice.*
 Transcripts or copy of degree/diploma from an
accredited college indicating completion of a Bachelor’s
degree including 30 Education credits with
documentation of the major area of study
Level V or above on the Career Lattice.**
 Transcripts or copy of degree/diploma from an
accredited college indicating completion of an
Associates/AAS or above degree with 60/65 credits
(including 18 ECE credits) with documentation of the
major area of study
 ASB (Associate of Specialized Business) or AST
(Associate of Specialized Technology) with a focus on
ECE with a signed program to program articulation
agreement with another accredited institution of higher
education offering an Associate in ECE or Baccalaureate
in ECE or Child Development.
Pre-Designation Notes
SACC: For SACC practitioners including
Kindergarten, credits on the Career Lattice may
be in Education (excluding Secondary
Education).
Degree Type/Major Area of Study:
_______________________________________
Graduation Date: _________________________
Designation Notes
Documentation:

Diploma must be in an
acceptable related field of
study which includes: Human
Development, Psychology,
Sociology, Social Work,
Education, Nursing, Home
Economics/Family and
Consumer Science, Recreation,
Child and Family Studies, and
Business .

Transcript listing date degree
was earned.
[List Career lattice levels on the Staff Records Grid. See
column K.]
Optional Tool Available:
Early Childhood Education (ECE) Teacher Quality
www.pakeys.org/private/net//docs/3/ECE%20TEACHER%20QU
ALITY%20October%202010.docx
1
2
3
Pennsylvania Core Knowledge Competencies for Early Childhood and School Age Professionals (CKC) replaced Core Body of Knowledge
Pennsylvania Big Ideas Framework(Big Ideas) and
Individual Professional Development Plan for Early Childhood and School-Age Professionals (IPDP) transition from Professional Development Record (PDR)
July 1,2014 to July 1,2015 at which time it will be required for Keystone STARS providers. Copies of the PDR will no longer be available for ordering or downloading.
* Please see the Clarifications section beginning on page 52 of this worksheet.
CLARIFICATION WORKSHEET – SACC – 7/9/14
STAFF QUALIFICATIONS & PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT
STARS Performance Standard & Documentation
Director* Development
1. Annual professional development plan is
developed based on needs identified in the
Individual Professional Development Plan (IPDP).
(STAR 2)
 Annual professional development (PD) plan completed
based on the needs in Big Ideas and IPDP.
[Check () on the Staff Records Grid. See column L.]
 PD plan completed for the past 12 months
[Check () on the Staff Records Grid. See column M.]
Professional Development Plan (PDR) will be
accepted through June 30, 2015
1
2
3
Pre-Designation Notes
Notes:
Professional Development Record (PDR)
July 1, 2014 PDR will no longer be available for
ordering or downloading.
Transition to IPDP July 1, 2014-July 1,2015
IPDP Required as of July 1, 2015
 Annual training plan must be current and must be
signed/dated by the Director and Staff. All four (4)
pages must be completed as follows:
o Knowledge Areas and Competency Codes must be
listed on pages 12, 13, etc.
o Professional development must be crossreferenced.
o Self-assessment must be completed
 Director must complete Knowledge Areas (K1-K7, as
well as D1-D8) whether they work inside the
classroom or not.
 New directors have 90 days from hire date to
complete PDR. SACC directors have 180 days to
complete PDR.
Big Ideas Framework (Big Ideas)

Directors and Family Primary Staff/Owner
o Complete ALL Essential questions in all
knowledge areas indicating Knowledge levels
and IPDP needs/priorities identified

IPDP needs to reflect individual professional
development needs identified in self-assessment
and must be signed by Director and staff.

SACC Directors have 180 days to complete IPDP
Designation Notes
Documentation:

Annual training plan MUST be
current. ALL pages must be
completed (4 total) if using
PDR.

One page of Individual
Professional Development Plan
must be completed if using the
Big Ideas and Individual
Professional Development
Plan.

Annual training plan must be
signed by director and dated.

Knowledge Areas and
Competency Codes must be
listed on pages 12, 13, etc.

Professional development
must be cross-referenced.

Self-assessments must be
completed.

Director must complete
Knowledge Areas (K1-K7 as
well as D1-D8) whether they
work inside the classroom or
not.

SACC Directors have 180 days
to complete.
Pennsylvania Core Knowledge Competencies for Early Childhood and School Age Professionals (CKC) replaced Core Body of Knowledge
Pennsylvania Big Ideas Framework(Big Ideas) and
Individual Professional Development Plan for Early Childhood and School-Age Professionals (IPDP) transition from Professional Development Record (PDR)
July 1,2014 to July 1,2015 at which time it will be required for Keystone STARS providers. Copies of the PDR will no longer be available for ordering or downloading.
* Please see the Clarifications section beginning on page 52 of this worksheet.
CLARIFICATION WORKSHEET – SACC – 7/9/14
STAFF QUALIFICATIONS & PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT
STARS Performance Standard & Documentation
Pre-Designation Notes
2. Annually participate in 3 professional growth
and development activities.*
 Membership card, certificate, meeting minutes,
certificate of attendance, or other documentation of the
listed professional development activities
 STARS staff may interview director during the
designation visit to discuss staff participation in
professional growth and development activities
List activity beside each check box:
 __________________________________________
 __________________________________________
 __________________________________________
[List the number of activities on the Staff Records Grid.
See column X.]
Note: Directors hired within the 12 months prior
to designation have 12 months after their
directorship start date to complete.
1
2
3
Designation Notes
Documentation:

See “Clarifications” listed at
the end of the worksheet.

ALL professional activities
must have proof of
documentation.
Pennsylvania Core Knowledge Competencies for Early Childhood and School Age Professionals (CKC) replaced Core Body of Knowledge
Pennsylvania Big Ideas Framework(Big Ideas) and
Individual Professional Development Plan for Early Childhood and School-Age Professionals (IPDP) transition from Professional Development Record (PDR)
July 1,2014 to July 1,2015 at which time it will be required for Keystone STARS providers. Copies of the PDR will no longer be available for ordering or downloading.
* Please see the Clarifications section beginning on page 52 of this worksheet.
CLARIFICATION WORKSHEET – SACC – 7/9/14
STAFF QUALIFICATIONS & PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT
STARS Performance Standard & Documentation
3. Complete the PA Director’s Credential. (STAR 3)
 Documentation of completion in PA Director’s
Credential
1
2
3
Pre-Designation Notes
Designation Notes
Director/Administrator Initials:_____
Documentation:

Certificate (check expiration)
PA Director’s Credential:
Expiration date is 5 years after
Completed: Yes □ No □
the date of issue and every 5
-ORyears thereafter.
Portfolio Assessment:

Director’s Credential must be
applied for through the PaKeys
Completed:
Yes □ No □
after the 3 required courses
Note:
are completed.
 A portfolio review and assessment process

The transcript or certificate
exists for directors with a Bachelor’s Degree or
from the college IS NOT
ACCEPTABLE.
higher who believe that they meet the Director’s

This must be completed to
Credential requirements without attending
move from a STAR 2 to a
classes. Please refer to the Professional
higher STAR level.
Development section of the PA Keys website at

For a site that is currently at a
http://www.pakeys.org/pages/get.aspx?page=C
STAR 3 or 4 and hires a new
director – the director would
areer_Degrees.
have 2 ½ years to complete
 To assist facility with director turnover, this
the Credential with a waiver in
standard may be extended for 2½ years from
place.
the directorship start date, if the director enrolls

ANY MOVEMENT FROM STAR 2,
3, OR 4 REQUIRES THE
in the PA Director’s Credential and develops a
DIRECTOR TO HAVE A
Detailed SQAP for completion within 2½ years.
COMPLETED DIRECTOR
Please refer to your Regional Key for further
CREDENTIAL!!!
information.
 After completing course work, a director must
apply for a certificate through the PA Key.
Please refer to www.pakeys.org for more
information.
Pennsylvania Core Knowledge Competencies for Early Childhood and School Age Professionals (CKC) replaced Core Body of Knowledge
Pennsylvania Big Ideas Framework(Big Ideas) and
Individual Professional Development Plan for Early Childhood and School-Age Professionals (IPDP) transition from Professional Development Record (PDR)
July 1,2014 to July 1,2015 at which time it will be required for Keystone STARS providers. Copies of the PDR will no longer be available for ordering or downloading.
* Please see the Clarifications section beginning on page 52 of this worksheet.
CLARIFICATION WORKSHEET – SACC – 7/9/14
STAFF QUALIFICATIONS & PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT
STARS Performance Standard & Documentation
4. 27 annual clock hours of professional
development based on the IPDP, including the
Director’s section.
(This is 6 additional clock hours above the STAR 3
requirement; 21 clock hours must be based on the
IPDP. Also, 3 of the clock hours must be in
management, professionalism, supervision, leadership,
and/or administration.)
 Documentation of STARS approved professional
development including information such as course title,
hours, instructor signature and date.
 3 hours in management, professionalism, supervision,
leadership, and/or administration
 21 hours of STARS approved professional
development match the needs in IPDP
[List the number of annual clock hours on the Staff
Records Grid. See column P.]
Pre-Designation Notes
Notes:








1
2
3
Designation Notes
Documentation:

Training Certificates and/or PD
Completion of college credit hours will count toward
history.
annual clock hours of professional development. The

PD certificates must include
hours allotted will be as follows: 1 credit = 15 annual
signature of instructor (or
clock hours.
reprinted), date and hours.
Annual clock hours include professional development

Training Certificates MUST be
that has occurred in the 12 months prior to the
present. NO credit is given for
designation visit. These hours may follow a staff
pd mailed to BKC or ECELS
person from one STARS facility to another, as long as
unless proof of the completed
the hours are taken within the year prior to
modules and return postage
receipt or cancelled check is
designation and are aligned with the individual’s PDR
verified. PD certificates must
and the ages of children served.
be submitted to STARS
Director hired within the 12 months prior to
Manager when received.
designation have 12 months after their directorship

Annual training hours will be
start date to complete annual clock hours.
based upon the date of the
Fire and Water Safety do not count toward the
DESIGNATION visit. Please
consider this date when
required annual clock hours.
reviewing the documentation
Pediatric First Aid does not count toward the required
during the predesignation.
annual clock hours.

Acceptable professional
Self-learning modules require 6-8 weeks to process
development includes college
and receive certificates.
transcripts of coursework.
(Gen. Ed. courses are
For designation purposes, a copy of the completed
acceptable as long as the
module and returned mail receipt will be acceptable.
major declared is in a “Related
However, a copy of the professional development
Field.”
certificate must be submitted to the Regional Key

Student’s name and name of
when received.
college must be on the
SACC: It is recommended that Directors of SACC
transcript.
programs attend “Using Portfolios to Bring Out the
Best in School Age Children” as part of their annual
hours.
Pennsylvania Core Knowledge Competencies for Early Childhood and School Age Professionals (CKC) replaced Core Body of Knowledge
Pennsylvania Big Ideas Framework(Big Ideas) and
Individual Professional Development Plan for Early Childhood and School-Age Professionals (IPDP) transition from Professional Development Record (PDR)
July 1,2014 to July 1,2015 at which time it will be required for Keystone STARS providers. Copies of the PDR will no longer be available for ordering or downloading.
* Please see the Clarifications section beginning on page 52 of this worksheet.
CLARIFICATION WORKSHEET – SACC – 7/9/14
STAFF QUALIFICATIONS & PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT
STARS Performance Standard & Documentation
Staff* Qualifications
1. New Staff Orientation* completed by all aides
and new staff within 90 days of start of
employment. (STAR 2)
 Documentation of SACC New Staff Orientation for
new staff (within 90 days of start of employment) and
aides
[Check () on the Staff Records Grid. See column N.]
1
2
3
Pre-Designation Notes
Designation Notes
Notes:
Documentation:

At the designation, only staff
 “New staff” includes employees who were hired
that are 90 to 180 days from
within the past 6 months.
their start date will be verified.
 New staff and aides working less than 500 hours

Training Certificates MUST be
per year must complete the orientation within
present. NO credit is given for
pd mailed to BKC or ECELS
180 days of start of employment.
unless proof of the completed
 Volunteers and Substitutes working more than
modules and return postage
500 hours per year must complete the
receipt or cancelled check is
verified. PD certificates must
orientation within 180 days of start of
be submitted to STARS
employment.
Manager when received.
 For staff working in both Early Childhood and

ALL staff listed on the Staff
School Age classrooms, please complete the
Records Grid as an aide must
have completed New Staff
New Employee Orientation for the age group of
Orientation.
primary focus.

These training hours count
 It is recommended that staff complete this
only for New Staff Orientation.
requirement within 30-45 days of hire, so that
They do not meet Health and
Safety, Observation or other
the provider receives the professional
professional development
development certificate within the 90 day
requirements.
period.

The 8 hour “Getting Started”
 These training hours count only for New Staff
New Staff Orientation is
currently meant as a refresher
Orientation. They do not meet Health and
and does not replace the 15
Safety, Observation or other professional
hour New Staff Orientation.
development requirements.
Pennsylvania Core Knowledge Competencies for Early Childhood and School Age Professionals (CKC) replaced Core Body of Knowledge
Pennsylvania Big Ideas Framework(Big Ideas) and
Individual Professional Development Plan for Early Childhood and School-Age Professionals (IPDP) transition from Professional Development Record (PDR)
July 1,2014 to July 1,2015 at which time it will be required for Keystone STARS providers. Copies of the PDR will no longer be available for ordering or downloading.
* Please see the Clarifications section beginning on page 52 of this worksheet.
CLARIFICATION WORKSHEET – SACC – 7/9/14
STAFF QUALIFICATIONS & PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT
STARS Performance Standard & Documentation
2. 100% of Teachers/Group Supervisors (GS) at
Level V or above and 50% of Teachers/Group
Supervisor (GS) at Level VI or above on Career
Lattice; 50% of Assistant Teachers/Assistant
Group Supervisor (AGS) at Level IV or above and
25% of Assistant Teachers/Assistant Group
Supervisor (AGS) at Level V or above on Career
Lattice; and 50% of Aides at Level II or above on
Career Lattice.
Level V or above on the Career Lattice.*
 Transcripts or copy of degree/diploma from an
accredited college indicating completion of an
Associates/AAS or above degree with 60/65 credits
(including 18 ECE credits) with documentation of the
major area of study
 ASB (Associate of Specialized Business) or AST
(Associate of Specialized Technology) with a focus on
ECE with a signed program to program articulation
agreement with another accredited institution of higher
education offering an Associate in ECE or Baccalaureate
in ECE or Child Development.
[List Career Lattice levels on the Staff Records Grid.
See column K.]
Optional Tool Available:
Career Lattice Information Sheet
Early Childhood Education (ECE) Teacher Quality
www.pakeys.org/private/net//docs/3/ECE%20TEACHER%20QU
ALITY%20October%202010.docx
1
2
3
Pre-Designation Notes
Notes:
 Volunteer, substitute, or other staff scheduled at a
site to “enhance regulatory ratios” are not required to
be included in the Career Lattice percentages.
 Site directors will be responsible for maintaining
appropriate documentation of staff degrees and
Education credits attained. If site is selected for
grant/award monitoring, STARS staff will verify this
information during the designation process.
 SACC: The Pennsylvania School-Age Professional
Credential (SAPC) may substitute for a CDA for staff
employed at a SACC site. For information regarding
the SAPC, including where to obtain the credential,
please contact your Regional Key or visit
www.pakeys.org.
(The School-Age Child Care Specialized Diploma
through Northampton Community College and the
School-Age Diploma through Harrisburg Area
Community College may also continue to substitute
for a CDA for staff employed at a SACC site. As of July
2010, practitioners with one of these degrees need to
follow the renewal process established for the SACC
Credential.)
For information regarding CDA programs / SACC
Credential financial resources, call your Regional Key.
 SACC: For SACC practitioners including Kindergarten,
credits on the Career Lattice may be in Education
(excluding Secondary Education). See Alternate
Pathways document in ECE Teacher Quality
Designation Notes
Documentation:

This will be verified through
transcripts, CDA certificates
along with expiration, and/or
diplomas as to
completion/enrollment and
related field of study.
** To meet the requirements of the
CDA the staff person must have
completed the necessary coursework
which varies between higher education
facilities. The variation is between 6 –
12 credits for a total of 120 hours) and
must then apply to the CDA Council to
receive certification. The original
certification is valid for 3 years and
must be renewed every 5 years
thereafter.
 www.pakeys.org/private/net//docs/3/ECE%20TEACH
ER%20QUALITY%20October%202010.docx
Pennsylvania Core Knowledge Competencies for Early Childhood and School Age Professionals (CKC) replaced Core Body of Knowledge
Pennsylvania Big Ideas Framework(Big Ideas) and
Individual Professional Development Plan for Early Childhood and School-Age Professionals (IPDP) transition from Professional Development Record (PDR)
July 1,2014 to July 1,2015 at which time it will be required for Keystone STARS providers. Copies of the PDR will no longer be available for ordering or downloading.
* Please see the Clarifications section beginning on page 52 of this worksheet.
CLARIFICATION WORKSHEET – SACC – 7/9/14
STAFF QUALIFICATIONS & PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT
STARS Performance Standard & Documentation
Staff* Development
1. Annual professional development plan is
developed for each staff member based on needs
identified in the Individual Professional
Development Plan (IPDP) and documented on the
Professional Development plan in the IPDP. (STAR
2)
 Individual Professional Development Plan completed
showing staff member’s professional development needs
 Annual professional development plan completed
based on the needs in IPDP
[Check () on the Staff Records Grid. See column L.]
 Professional development plan completed for the past
12 month period
[Check () on the Staff Records Grid. See column M.]
Pre-Designation Notes
Designation Notes
Notes:
Documentation:

Annual training plan MUST be
 Annual training plan must be current and must
current. ALL pages must be
be signed/dated by the Director and Staff. All
completed (4 total) if using
four (4) pages must be completed as follows:
PDR.
o Knowledge Areas and Competency Codes

One page of Individual
Professional Development Plan
must be listed on pages 12, 13, etc.
must be completed if using the
o Professional development must be crossBig Ideas and Individual
referenced.
Professional Development
Plan.
o Self-assessments must be completed.

Annual training plan must be
 New staff has 90 days from hire date to
signed by staff person and
complete IPDP. SACC staff has 180 days to
director and dated.
complete IPDP.

Knowledge Areas and
Competency Codes must be
 New staff orientation can be found on Better
listed on pages 12, 13, etc.
Kid Care

Professional development
http://extension.psu.edu/youth/betterkidcare/
must be cross-referenced.
school-age-practitioners/new-staff
Self-assessments must be
orientation-school-age-child-care
completed.

2. All staff must have current pediatric first aid
certification.* (STAR 3)
 First aid card or professional development certificate
indicating pediatric first aid
[List the Pediatric First Aid Expiration Date on the Staff
Records Grid. See column O.]
Notes:
Documentation:

PD certificate or card must
 Pediatric First Aid hours cannot count toward
clearly state pediatric first aid
the annual clock hours required by the
or must have it clearly stated
Performance Standards.
that Infant and Child has been
covered.
 In order for the First Aid Certificate to be
current, it must be renewed on or before the
 Acceptable curriculum is
offered through the:
expiration date, or every 3 years, as applicable.
o
American Academy of Pediatrics
 Pediatric First Aid is applicable to children from
o
Pediatric First Aid for Caregivers and
birth to 21 years old.
Teachers (PedFACTS)
o
American Heart Association (AHA)
 Staff hired within the 12 months prior to
o
Heartsaver Pediatric First Aid CPR
designation have 12 months after date of hire to
AED - American Safety and Health
complete.
Institute
o
o
o
1
2
3
New SACC staff have 180 days
to complete.
Medic First Aid
American Red Cross
National Safety Council.
Pennsylvania Core Knowledge Competencies for Early Childhood and School Age Professionals (CKC) replaced Core Body of Knowledge
Pennsylvania Big Ideas Framework(Big Ideas) and
Individual Professional Development Plan for Early Childhood and School-Age Professionals (IPDP) transition from Professional Development Record (PDR)
July 1,2014 to July 1,2015 at which time it will be required for Keystone STARS providers. Copies of the PDR will no longer be available for ordering or downloading.
* Please see the Clarifications section beginning on page 52 of this worksheet.
CLARIFICATION WORKSHEET – SACC – 7/9/14
STAFF QUALIFICATIONS & PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT
STARS Performance Standard & Documentation
3. For each Teacher/Assistant Teacher, 24 annual
clock hours of professional development* based
on IPDP; each Aide, 15 clock hours based on
IPDP.
(For Teachers/Assistant Teachers, this is 9 additional
annual clock hours above the STAR 3 requirement and
18 of these clock hours must be based on the IPDP.
Each Aide needs 15 clock hours based on IPDP, which is
3 above STAR 3)
 Teacher/Assistant Teacher – Each has additional 18
annual clock hours above the number to meet DPW
regulations
 Aides – Each has additional 9 annual clock hours
above the number to meet DPW regulations
 Professional development has occurred within the
past 12 months
 The additional hours of STARS approved professional
development match the needs in the IPDP.
 Documentation of STARS approved professional
development including information such as course title,
hours instructor signature and date.
[List the number of annual clock hours on the Staff
Records Grid. See column P.]
1
2
3
Pre-Designation Notes
Designation Notes
Notes:
Documentation:

Training Certificates and/or PD
 Completion of college credit hours will count
history.
toward annual clock hours of professional

PD certificates must include
development. The hours allotted will be as
signature of instructor (or
follows: 1 college credit = 15 annual clock
reprinted), date and hours.
hours.

Training Certificates MUST be
present. NO credit is given for
 Staff working less than 500 hours per year and
pd mailed to BKC or ECELS
volunteers/substitutes working more than 500
unless proof of the completed
hours per year must take 12 annual clock hours.
modules and return postage
receipt or cancelled check is
 Staff hired within the 12 months prior to
verified. PD certificates must
designation have 12 months after date of hire to
be submitted to STARS
complete annual clock hours.
Manager when received.
 Fire and Water Safety do not count toward the

Annual training hours will be
determined by the date of the
required annual clock hours.
DESIGNATION visit. Please
 Pediatric First Aid does not count toward the
consider this date when
required annual clock hours.
reviewing the documentation
during the predesignation.
 Self-learning modules require 6-8 weeks to

Acceptable professional
process and receive certificates.
development includes college
 For designation purposes, a copy of the
transcripts of coursework
(Gen. Ed. Courses are
completed module and returned mail receipt will
acceptable as long as the
be acceptable. However, a copy of the
major declared is in a “Related
Professional development certificate must be
Field.”
submitted to the Regional Key when received.

Student’s name and name of
college must be on the
 SACC: The content of staff professional
transcript.
development needs to be appropriate for the
age groups served.
Pennsylvania Core Knowledge Competencies for Early Childhood and School Age Professionals (CKC) replaced Core Body of Knowledge
Pennsylvania Big Ideas Framework(Big Ideas) and
Individual Professional Development Plan for Early Childhood and School-Age Professionals (IPDP) transition from Professional Development Record (PDR)
July 1,2014 to July 1,2015 at which time it will be required for Keystone STARS providers. Copies of the PDR will no longer be available for ordering or downloading.
* Please see the Clarifications section beginning on page 52 of this worksheet.
CLARIFICATION WORKSHEET – SACC – 7/9/14
STAFF QUALIFICATIONS & PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT
STARS Performance Standard & Documentation
4. All staff must have two hours of health and
safety professional development annually.
(STAR 2)
 Documentation of STARS approved professional
development that indicates completion of two annual
hours of health and safety in child care
[List the professional development dates on the Staff
Records Grid. See column Q.]
Pre-Designation Notes
Designation Notes
Notes:
Documentation:

Training Certificates and/or PD
 “Step Up to Supervision” or “Managing Illness in
history.
Child Care” (an ECELS workshop) are

PD certificates must include
recommended as the initial course to meet this
signature of instructor (or
STARS performance standard.
reprinted), date and hours.

Knowledge Area 7 (K7) and
 If you have already taken these courses, other
(K2) represents health and
examples of course topics include asthma, food
safety professional
allergies, childhood obesity, nutrition, physical
development.
activity, medication administration,

Training Certificates MUST be
immunization, child wellness, managing child
present. NO credit is given for
pd mailed to BKC or ECELS
health records, drug and alcohol prevention,
unless proof of the completed
and peer pressure.
modules and return postage
 For a list of health and safety courses in your
receipt or cancelled check is
verified. PD certificates must
area, login to the PA Keys to Professional
be submitted to STARS
Development website and view the calendar at
Manager when received.
www.pakeys.org.

Annual training hours will be
 Please contact your Regional Key if you want to
determined by the date of the
DESIGNATION visit. Please
know if a particular topic is appropriate to meet
consider this date when
this standard.
reviewing the documentation
 Self-learning modules require 6-8 weeks to
during the predesignation.
process and receive certificates.

College coursework may be
acceptable if a written
 For designation purposes, a copy of the
description of the class or a
completed module and returned mail receipt will
syllabus is provided as proof
be acceptable. However, a copy of the
that this required information
Professional development certificate must be
has been covered.

Student’s name and name of
submitted to the Regional Key when received.

1
2
3
college must be on the
transcript.
Child Abuse Mandated
Reporter pd may be included
as meeting this standard for all
staff EXCEPT the director
unless the standard has been
met and this is used as a
refresher.
Pennsylvania Core Knowledge Competencies for Early Childhood and School Age Professionals (CKC) replaced Core Body of Knowledge
Pennsylvania Big Ideas Framework(Big Ideas) and
Individual Professional Development Plan for Early Childhood and School-Age Professionals (IPDP) transition from Professional Development Record (PDR)
July 1,2014 to July 1,2015 at which time it will be required for Keystone STARS providers. Copies of the PDR will no longer be available for ordering or downloading.
* Please see the Clarifications section beginning on page 52 of this worksheet.
CLARIFICATION WORKSHEET – SACC – 7/9/14
STAFF QUALIFICATIONS & PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT
STARS Performance Standard & Documentation
5. All staff must attend at least two hours of
professional development annually on child
observation, inclusive practices and/or ERS.
(STAR 2)
(A professional development course must be taken in at
least one of the topic areas.)
 Documentation of STARS approved professional
development including information such as course title,
hours, instructor signature and date.
– OR  Transcripts from an accredited college indicating
completion of a course that includes at least one of
these topic areas. A course description should be
attached to verify course content.
[List professional development dates on the Staff
Records Grid. See columns R-T.]
Pre-Designation Notes
Designation Notes
Note:
Documentation:

Training Certificates and/or PD
 The professional development should be based
history.
on IPDP if it is determined that a staff member

PD certificates must include
requires knowledge in one or more of these
signature of instructor (or
topic areas. If none of the topic areas are
reprinted), date and hours.
determined as a need on the IPDP, the director

Knowledge Area 4 (K4) meets
the requirement for child
should assign the topic area that is best suited
observation.
to meet site-specific professional development

Knowledge Area 1 (K1) Topic
plans or goals.
Code 5, K2 Topic Codes 11 or
 The ERS requirement refers to professional
22, and K3 Topic Code 34 meet
the requirement for inclusive
development related to appropriate learning
practices.
environments for children. Staff who work in

Training Certificates MUST be
both Early Childhood and School Age classrooms
present. NO credit is given for
must meet the standard for the age group of
pd mailed to BKC or ECELS
primary focus (ECERS, SACERS, etc.)
unless proof of the completed
modules and return postage
 The Inclusive Practices requirement refers to
receipt or cancelled check is
professional development related to serving
verified. PD certificates must
children with special needs or disabilities and/or
be submitted to STARS
Manager when received.
supporting diverse children/families.




1
2
3
Annual training hours will be
determined by the date of the
DESIGNATION visit. Please
consider this date when
reviewing the documentation
during the predesignation.
College coursework may be
acceptable if a written
description of the class or a
syllabus is provided as proof
that this required information
has been covered.
Student’s name and name of
college must be on the
transcript.
Director may not count ERS
Core Trainings unless this has
been taken as a refresher.
Pennsylvania Core Knowledge Competencies for Early Childhood and School Age Professionals (CKC) replaced Core Body of Knowledge
Pennsylvania Big Ideas Framework(Big Ideas) and
Individual Professional Development Plan for Early Childhood and School-Age Professionals (IPDP) transition from Professional Development Record (PDR)
July 1,2014 to July 1,2015 at which time it will be required for Keystone STARS providers. Copies of the PDR will no longer be available for ordering or downloading.
* Please see the Clarifications section beginning on page 52 of this worksheet.
CLARIFICATION WORKSHEET – SACC – 7/9/14
STAFF QUALIFICATIONS & PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT
STARS Performance Standard & Documentation
6. Teachers/Assistant Teachers must attend at
least two hours of professional development
annually on curriculum, program or child
assessment, the age-appropriate Learning
Standards and/or ERS. (STAR 3)
(A professional development course must be taken in at
least one of the topic areas.)
 Documentation of STARS approved professional
development including information such as course title,
hours, instructor signature and date.
– OR  Transcripts from an accredited college indicating
completion of a course that includes at least one of
these topic areas. A course description should be
attached to verify course content.
[List professional development dates on the Staff
Records Grid. See columns U-W.]
Pre-Designation Notes
Designation Notes
Notes:
Documentation:
 The professional development attended should be

Training Certificates and/or PD
history.
based on IPDP if it is determined that a staff member

PD certificates must include
requires knowledge in one or more of these topic
signature of instructor (or
areas. If none of the topic areas are determined as
reprinted), date and hours.
a need on the IPDP, the Director should assign the

Knowledge Area 2 (K2) meets
topic area that is best suited to meet site-specific
the requirement for
professional development plans or goals.
curriculum.
 Course work, including CDA classes, can be counted

Knowledge Area 4 (K4) and D8
if the course breakdown, letter from instructor or
meet the requirement for
program/child assessment.
syllabus indicates that these topics are covered.
 SACC: It is recommended that School Age directors

Knowledge Area 2 (K2) offers
a 6 hour pd entitled
complete Links to Learning to meet the Learning
“Integrating the Early
Standards professional development. Links to
Childhood Standards into
Learning Foundations is approved Core Series
Curriculum and Assessment”
professional development. It is six hours in length
which meets the requirement
and includes the following modules:
for Learning Standards.
o Theoretical Framework

Training Certificates MUST be
present. NO credit is given for
o Curriculum Planning Basics
pd mailed to BKC or ECELS
o Linking to Learning Standards
unless proof of the completed
o Theme and Project-based Learning
modules and return postage
 SACC: It is recommended that School Age
receipt or cancelled check is
practitioners complete “Using Portfolios to Bring Out
verified. PD certificates must
be submitted to STARS
the Best in School Age Children” to meet the Child
Manager when received.
Assessment professional development.

Annual training hours will go
 The approved “Using Portfolios…” professional
by the date of the
development is 6 hours in length.


1
2
3
DESIGNATION visit. Please
consider this date when
reviewing the documentation
during the predesignation.
College coursework may be
acceptable if a written
description of the class or a
syllabus is provided as proof
that this required information
has been covered.
Student’s name and name of
college must be on the
transcript.
Pennsylvania Core Knowledge Competencies for Early Childhood and School Age Professionals (CKC) replaced Core Body of Knowledge
Pennsylvania Big Ideas Framework(Big Ideas) and
Individual Professional Development Plan for Early Childhood and School-Age Professionals (IPDP) transition from Professional Development Record (PDR)
July 1,2014 to July 1,2015 at which time it will be required for Keystone STARS providers. Copies of the PDR will no longer be available for ordering or downloading.
* Please see the Clarifications section beginning on page 52 of this worksheet.
CLARIFICATION WORKSHEET – SACC – 7/9/14
STAFF QUALIFICATIONS & PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT
STARS Performance Standard & Documentation
7. Annually, all staff involved in two professional
growth and development activities.*
 Membership card, certificate, meeting minutes,
certificate of attendance, or other documentation of at
least two professional growth activities for each staff
member
 STARS staff may interview the director during the
designation visit to discuss participation in professional
growth activities
[List the number of activities on the Staff Records Grid.
See column X.]
1
2
3
Pre-Designation Notes
Note: Staff hired within the 12 months prior to
designation have 12 months after date of hire to
complete.
Designation Notes
Documentation:

See “Clarifications” listed at
the end of the worksheet.

ALL professional activities
must have proof of
documentation.
Pennsylvania Core Knowledge Competencies for Early Childhood and School Age Professionals (CKC) replaced Core Body of Knowledge
Pennsylvania Big Ideas Framework(Big Ideas) and
Individual Professional Development Plan for Early Childhood and School-Age Professionals (IPDP) transition from Professional Development Record (PDR)
July 1,2014 to July 1,2015 at which time it will be required for Keystone STARS providers. Copies of the PDR will no longer be available for ordering or downloading.
* Please see the Clarifications section beginning on page 52 of this worksheet.
CLARIFICATION WORKSHEET – SACC – 7/9/14
LEARNING PROGRAM
STARS Performance Standard & Documentation
Pre-Designation Notes
Child Observation / Curriculum / Assessment
1. Site obtains and maintains
Notes:
copies of the appropriate
 Copies of the Learning Standards for Kindergarten, 1st Grade, and 2nd Grade
Learning Standards for all age
may be viewed, downloaded, or ordered online at
groups in the program. (STAR 1)
http://www.education.state.pa.us/portal/server.pt/community/state_acade
mic_standards/19721.
 Current Learning Standards are
 Copies of the Academic Standards for 3rd Grade and above may be viewed
available to teachers and accessible
online at http://www.pdesas.org/Standard/Views
for all staff members to review
 If you need further assistance in obtaining a copy of the any of the Learning
Standards mentioned above, please contact your Regional Key.
 SACC programs obtain and maintain Learning Standards, as appropriate for
the age groups in their program. Having internet access to standards for 3rd
grade and higher is sufficient.
Designation Notes
Documentation:

Designator will look
for copies of
Learning Standards.
This may be in the
form of a paper copy,
desktop icon, CD, or
part of the
“favorites” on the
worldwide web.

ALL age groups
serviced must be
represented with
Learning Standards.



1
2
3
For sites which
service school age
children:
K and Grades 1 and 2
Learning Standards
may be viewed,
downloaded, or
ordered online at
http://www.pde.stat
e.pa.us/earlychildho
od/site/default.asp.
3rd Grade and above
Learning Standards
may be viewed and
downloaded at
http://www.pde.stat
e.pa.us/k12/site/def
ault.asp?g=0
Pennsylvania Core Knowledge Competencies for Early Childhood and School Age Professionals (CKC) replaced Core Body of Knowledge
Pennsylvania Big Ideas Framework(Big Ideas) and
Individual Professional Development Plan for Early Childhood and School-Age Professionals (IPDP) transition from Professional Development Record (PDR)
July 1,2014 to July 1,2015 at which time it will be required for Keystone STARS providers. Copies of the PDR will no longer be available for ordering or downloading.
* Please see the Clarifications section beginning on page 52 of this worksheet.
CLARIFICATION WORKSHEET – SACC – 7/9/14
LEARNING PROGRAM
STARS Performance Standard & Documentation
2. Learning Standards are used
as a resource for staff in
classroom planning and
documentation of children’s
learning. (STAR 2)
 STARS staff may interview site
staff during the designation visit
regarding the use of the Learning
Standards during staff planning
 Planned classroom activities reflect
the Key Learning Areas of the
appropriate Learning or Academic
Standards
Optional Tool Available:
Linking Standards to Classroom
Planning
3. Provider selects an OCDEL
approved assessment tool.
 Provider has requested general
information from a vendor.
 For a complete list of OCDEL
approved assessment tools, please
reference the PA Key website:
www.pakeys.org.
Pre-Designation Notes
Notes:
 It is recommended that lesson plans should address each key learning area
daily.
 It is recommended that lesson planning should contain a statement of the
goal of the lesson.
 SACC: Child-chosen activities are labeled and lesson plans reflect Key
Learning Areas of the appropriate Learning or Academic Standards.
Notes:
 This is in preparation for the STAR 3 standard.
Designation Notes
Documentation:

Designator will
review classroom
plans to verify the
incorporation of
Learning Standards.

Designator will
interview staff for an
explanation of this
process.
Documentation:


o
o
o
o
o
o
1
2
3
Designator will look
for collected
information from
various vendors.
Acceptable vendors
are:
High Scope
Ounce
Work Sampling
Teaching Strategies
GOLD
Galileo
Brigance
Pennsylvania Core Knowledge Competencies for Early Childhood and School Age Professionals (CKC) replaced Core Body of Knowledge
Pennsylvania Big Ideas Framework(Big Ideas) and
Individual Professional Development Plan for Early Childhood and School-Age Professionals (IPDP) transition from Professional Development Record (PDR)
July 1,2014 to July 1,2015 at which time it will be required for Keystone STARS providers. Copies of the PDR will no longer be available for ordering or downloading.
* Please see the Clarifications section beginning on page 52 of this worksheet.
CLARIFICATION WORKSHEET – SACC – 7/9/14
LEARNING PROGRAM
STARS Performance Standard & Documentation
4. A developmentally appropriate
screening of the child is
completed and shared with
families within 45 days of
program entry. (STAR 2)
 STARS Staff will review child
records and/or ELN Compliance
Reports to confirm that authentic
assessments are complete based on
required reporting timeframes. A
copy of the written information
provided to families must also be in
the child record.”
 Statement indicating procedure for
completing observation and sharing
with family.
Optional Tool Available:
Observation/Assessment/Conference
Tracking Sheet
For SACC, first two sections of
Desired Development Profile is
recommended:
http://www.cde.ca.gov/sp/cd/ci/doc
uments/drdpsa2009instr.pdf
1
2
3
Pre-Designation Notes
Designation Notes
Notes:
Documentation:

A completed tracking
 SACC: An observation of school age children must be completed within 90
form must be
days of program entry.
implemented. This
 It is recommended that the same observation tool be used for all children in
could be the optional
tool offered through
a particular age group.
the PaKeys or it
 Observations may be done using techniques such as anecdotal records (e.g.
could be a site
detailed logs, running records on individual children) and/or homegrown
created form.
checklist such as individual child development checklist such as those found

A 90 day
(consecutive, not
in “Creating Portfolios with School-Age Kids in Out of school Time
days attended)
Programs.
screening must be
 For SACC, first two sections of Desired Development Profile is
completed. This
includes new
recommended:
enrollment or
http://www.cde.ca.gov/sp/cd/ci/documents/drdpsa2009instr.pdf
transition to new
classroom.
 Observations should be recorded using a format established in advance and

A statement of
used for all observations. This may include a facility designed or
procedure for
commercially published form that is appropriate for the observation
completing
technique(s) used.
developmental
screenings will be
 Family signature or documentation of an attempt for family signature is
verified.
available.

School Age children
 Staff performing the observation must have taken approved child
must have a 90 day
observation professional development.
observation
completed.
 One method of sharing observations with families is to attach the
observations to the DPW service report.
Pennsylvania Core Knowledge Competencies for Early Childhood and School Age Professionals (CKC) replaced Core Body of Knowledge
Pennsylvania Big Ideas Framework(Big Ideas) and
Individual Professional Development Plan for Early Childhood and School-Age Professionals (IPDP) transition from Professional Development Record (PDR)
July 1,2014 to July 1,2015 at which time it will be required for Keystone STARS providers. Copies of the PDR will no longer be available for ordering or downloading.
* Please see the Clarifications section beginning on page 52 of this worksheet.
CLARIFICATION WORKSHEET – SACC – 7/9/14
LEARNING PROGRAM
STARS Performance Standard & Documentation
5. Implement a learning
curriculum that incorporates
Learning Standards, including a
written curriculum statement.
(STAR 3)
 Program has a written curriculum
statement
 Facility’s curriculum statement and
curriculum planning form that
connects activities to the Learning
Standards domains
 Policy and procedure for staff
regarding curriculum is located in
policy and procedures manual
Optional Tools Available:
Using Curriculum and Assessment to
Strengthen Classroom Practice
SCHOOL-AGE: Curriculum Statement
Tool
SCHOOL-AGE: Lesson Plan Template
SCHOOL-AGE: Activity Schedule
Week-at-a-Glance by Key Learning
Area
SCHOOL-AGE: Aligning Curriculum
with 1st Grade Standards
SCHOOL-AGE: Aligning Curriculum
with 2st Grade Standards
Aligning Curriculum with
Kindergarten Standards
Observation/Assessment/Conference
Tracking Sheet
Curricula Crosswalk Aid (Kindergarten
Learning Standards)
1
2
3
Pre-Designation Notes
Notes:
 Curriculum is identified as a body of material that defines the content to be
taught and the methods to be used. A written curriculum includes a
separate curriculum statement written by the program that encompasses
the following:
1. Goals for children’s development and learning
2. Experiences that achieve stated goals
3. Materials needed to accomplish goals (including the purchased or
homegrown content resources)
4. Staff and family roles in child’s achievement of stated goal
 Some published curricula may already be crosswalked to the Learning
Standards. To view crosswalk, visit
http://www.pakeys.org/pages/get.aspx?page=Career_Standards.
 It is recommended that the provider have a copy of crosswalk
 It is recommended that the curriculum statement should be included in the
Policy and Procedure Manual and Family handbook
 Optional Tools are available at the PA Keys website www.pakeys.org.
Follow the Keystone STARS documents link.
Designation Notes
Documentation:

Curriculum
statement that
includes goals and
roles for staff and
parents.

Classroom planning
form connecting
classroom activities
and the broad areas
of the Learning
Standards.

Written within the
Policy and Procedure
Manual defining the
process staff need to
take to implement
their curriculum.
Pennsylvania Core Knowledge Competencies for Early Childhood and School Age Professionals (CKC) replaced Core Body of Knowledge
Pennsylvania Big Ideas Framework(Big Ideas) and
Individual Professional Development Plan for Early Childhood and School-Age Professionals (IPDP) transition from Professional Development Record (PDR)
July 1,2014 to July 1,2015 at which time it will be required for Keystone STARS providers. Copies of the PDR will no longer be available for ordering or downloading.
* Please see the Clarifications section beginning on page 52 of this worksheet.
CLARIFICATION WORKSHEET – SACC – 7/9/14
LEARNING PROGRAM
STARS Performance Standard & Documentation
6. Based on ongoing child
observations, developmentally
appropriate authentic
assessments of the child are
completed and reported
electronically into an OCDEL
approved assessment tool
following the tool’s specified
timeframes. (STAR 3)
 Authentic assessments of the child
are based on child observations.
 STARS Staff will review child
records and/or ELN Compliance
Reports to confirm that authentic
assessments are complete based on
required reporting timeframes. A
copy of the written information
provided to families must also be in
the child record.
 Statement indicating procedure for
completing authentic assessments
and sharing with families.
Optional Tool Available:
Observation/Assessment/Conference
Tracking Sheet
Desired Results Developmental Profile:
Notes:
http://www.cde.ca.gov/sp/cd/ci/documen
ts/drdpsa2009instr.pdf

 Assessments should be based on observations recorded using a format established
in advance, such as anecdotal records (e.g. detailed logs, running records on
individual children) and/or homegrown checklist such as individual child
development checklist. This may include a facility designed or commercially
published form that is appropriate for the observation technique(s) used.
 It is recommended that the same observation format should be used for all children
in a particular age group.
 Staff performing the observation must have taken approved child observation
professional development.
 Assessment is composed of the following three essential, interrelated components:
1. Documentation of Observations (data collection)
2. Evaluation (comparison) based on child's (comparative) progress in the
program
3. Communication with family (sharing both progress and performance)
 For an overview of Pennsylvania’s recommendations for best practice, please access
“Early Childhood Assessment for Children from Birth to Age 8” at www.pakeys.org.
 Family signature or documentation of an attempt for family signature is available.
 One method of sharing assessments with families is to attach to the DPW service
report.
 SACC: Assessment of school age children should be completed and shared with
families at least once per year.
 SACC: It is recommended that school age practitioners use the method of
assessment from “Using Portfolios to Bring Out the Best in School Age Children”.
 SACC: Desired Results Developmental Profile:
http://www.cde.ca.gov/sp/cd/ci/documents/drdpsa2009instr.pdf


1
2
3
Pre-Designation Notes
GBB: SAC Observation occurs two times a year. ELN is not required for SAC children,
portfolios are recommended.
Child assessments must be completed on all children at the stated data collection points. If
the functionality of the vendor assessment tool does not allow for online entry of the
assessment, information should be collected and child assessments should be completed on
paper until the program is able to enter the information online. Attempted compliance
should be documented via a record of call logs and copies of emails. Upon resolution of the
issue, the provider will be responsible for entering all data into the online vendor
assessment tool.
Designation Notes
Documentation:

A completed tracking
form must be
implemented. This
could be the optional
tool offered through
the PaKeys or it
could be a site
created form.

Designator will
review a sampling of
new and existing
children with a
minimum of 2 per
classroom. These
will be the same
children whose 45
day screening was
reviewed.

A statement of
procedure for
completing
observations will be
verified.

This includes school
age children if they
are enrolled at the
site. Assessments for
school age children
do not need to be
reported to ELN but
they must be
completed and
shared with parents
a minimum of once
per year.
A child assessment must be completed on school-age children. However, Child Care
providers are not required to report authentic assessments of school-age children. Only Full
Day Private Kindergartens are required to report authentic assessments of school-age
children
Pennsylvania Core Knowledge Competencies for Early Childhood and School Age Professionals (CKC) replaced Core Body of Knowledge
Pennsylvania Big Ideas Framework(Big Ideas) and
Individual Professional Development Plan for Early Childhood and School-Age Professionals (IPDP) transition from Professional Development Record (PDR)
July 1,2014 to July 1,2015 at which time it will be required for Keystone STARS providers. Copies of the PDR will no longer be available for ordering or downloading.
* Please see the Clarifications section beginning on page 52 of this worksheet.
CLARIFICATION WORKSHEET – SACC – 7/9/14
LEARNING PROGRAM
STARS Performance Standard & Documentation
7. Results from authentic assessments are used
for curriculum, individual child planning, and
referral to community resources. (STAR 3)
 Program has a written curriculum
 Provide examples of classroom planning that was
developed or adapted using the information gained
through individual and group developmental authentic
assessments
 Documentation of referral process
 STARS staff will interview site staff during the
designation visit regarding the use of authentic
assessments during staff planning
Optional Tools Available:
Using Curriculum and Assessment to Strengthen
Classroom Practice
SCHOOL-AGE: Curriculum Statement Tool
SCHOOL-AGE: Lesson Plan Template
SCHOOL-AGE: Activity Schedule Week-at-a-Glance by
Key Learning Area
SCHOOL-AGE: Aligning Curriculum with 1st Grade
Standards
SCHOOL-AGE: Aligning Curriculum with 2st Grade
Standards
Aligning Curriculum with Kindergarten Standards
Observation/Assessment/Conference Tracking Sheet
Curricula Crosswalk Aid (Kindergarten Learning
Standards)
1
2
3
Pre-Designation Notes
Designation Notes
Note: Optional Tools are available at the PA Keys website
www.pakeys.org. Follow the Keystone STARS documents
link.
Documentation:

A verifiable paper
path from classroom
observation of child
or group of children
to lesson plan that
leads to further
observations or
referral.

Designator will look
to see how children’s
individual needs are
being met through
individualized
planning. This could
be children’s initials
noted on lesson
plans, observation
notes that reflect
Learning Standards,
etc.

Designator will
interview staff for an
explanation of this
process.
Please indicate where the information is located
 Child Record
 Lesson Plan
 Classroom/Child Observation
 Other:______________
Pennsylvania Core Knowledge Competencies for Early Childhood and School Age Professionals (CKC) replaced Core Body of Knowledge
Pennsylvania Big Ideas Framework(Big Ideas) and
Individual Professional Development Plan for Early Childhood and School-Age Professionals (IPDP) transition from Professional Development Record (PDR)
July 1,2014 to July 1,2015 at which time it will be required for Keystone STARS providers. Copies of the PDR will no longer be available for ordering or downloading.
* Please see the Clarifications section beginning on page 52 of this worksheet.
CLARIFICATION WORKSHEET – SACC – 7/9/14
LEARNING PROGRAM
STARS Performance Standard & Documentation
8. Program utilizes a curriculum that has been
aligned to the Learning Standards for Early
Childhood. If the program’s curriculum has not
been aligned, the provider must crosswalk the
curriculum to the Learning Standards.
 Facility’s curriculum and assessment tools are
crosswalked to the key learning areas of the standards.
 List pre-crosswalked curricula in use:
_________________________________________
_________________________________________
Optional Tool Available:
What is Curriculum?
Curricula Crosswalk Aid (Kindergarten Learning
Standards)
SCHOOL-AGE: Aligning Curriculum with 1st Grade
Standards
SCHOOL-AGE: Aligning Curriculum with 2nd Grade
Standards
Aligning Curriculum with Kindergarten Standards
Observation/Assessment/Conference Tracking Sheet
Curricula Crosswalk Aid (Kindergarten Learning
Standards)
Environment Rating
1. ERS self-assessment of every classroom/age
group must be completed annually by the director
or a staff member who has completed approved
ERS professional development. (STAR 2)
 Score sheet of completed ERS self-assessment
 Written explanation for each score below 3.0
1
2
3
Pre-Designation Notes
Designation Notes
Notes:
Documentation:
st

Verification of
 Copies of the Learning Standards for Kindergarten, 1
curriculum used.
nd
Grade, and 2 Grade may be viewed, downloaded, or

If homegrown
ordered online at
curriculum is used,
http://www.education.state.pa.us/portal/server.pt/comm
the curriculum must
be crosswalked to
unity/state_academic_standards/19721.
 Copies of the Academic Standards for 3rd Grade and
above may be viewed online at
http://www.pdesas.org/Standard/Views.
 If you need further assistance in obtaining a copy of the
any of the Learning Standards mentioned above, please
contact your Regional Key.
 A list of aligned tools can be found on the SAS page
(http://websites.pdesas.org/ocdel/default.aspx).
Notes:
 All sections of the document are complete
 Must have ERS training to complete self-assessment
 Please visit
http://www.pakeys.org/pages/get.aspx?page=Programs
STARS_ERS for the PA Position Statement regarding the
Environment Rating Scale.
 For additional clarifications by authors, please
visit www.fpg.unc.edu.
the Learning
Standards.
Documentation:

Self-assessments
must be completed
for each classroom.

Person completing
the self-assessments
must have the
required pd.

Foundations does not
meet this Standard.

Any score below 3
must have a written
explanation.
Pennsylvania Core Knowledge Competencies for Early Childhood and School Age Professionals (CKC) replaced Core Body of Knowledge
Pennsylvania Big Ideas Framework(Big Ideas) and
Individual Professional Development Plan for Early Childhood and School-Age Professionals (IPDP) transition from Professional Development Record (PDR)
July 1,2014 to July 1,2015 at which time it will be required for Keystone STARS providers. Copies of the PDR will no longer be available for ordering or downloading.
* Please see the Clarifications section beginning on page 52 of this worksheet.
CLARIFICATION WORKSHEET – SACC – 7/9/14
LEARNING PROGRAM
STARS Performance Standard & Documentation
Pre-Designation Notes
Designation Notes
2. The average facility score of all sampled
classrooms/age groups assessed by a STARS ERS
assessor must be a 5.25.
 Summary report from Keystone STARS ERS Assessor
indicates an average facility score for all sampled
classrooms is at least a 5.25
3. Each individual sampled classroom/age group
must have an ERS score no less than 4.25.
 Summary report from Keystone STARS ERS Assessor
indicates ERS score for all sampled classrooms is at
least a 4.25
Note: This is not required to request designation. An ERS
assessment will be scheduled once your Regional Key
designates all other STARS performance standards.
Documentation:

This will be received
after the ERS
Assessor has visited
the site.
Note: This is not required to request designation. An ERS
assessment will be scheduled once your Regional Key
designates all other STARS performance standards.
Documentation:

This will be received
after the ERS
Assessor has visited
the site.
4. A written Improvement Plan is developed to
address any ERS subscale score below a 4.25.
 Written Improvement Plan addressing any subscale
scores below 4.25 in the Keystone STARS ERS
assessment
Note: This is not required to request designation. An ERS Documentation:

This is completed
assessment will be scheduled once your Regional Key
after the ERS scores
designates all other STARS performance standards.




1
2
3
have been received
by the site.
An improvement plan
is necessary for
those subscales
identified by the ERS
Assessor.
The plan should
indicate how the site
will improve that
area, as well as, the
person responsible
and the date it will
be completed.
The plan should
reflect objectivity.
STAR 2 – any
subscale score below
3.0 must have a
written Improvement
Plan.
Pennsylvania Core Knowledge Competencies for Early Childhood and School Age Professionals (CKC) replaced Core Body of Knowledge
Pennsylvania Big Ideas Framework(Big Ideas) and
Individual Professional Development Plan for Early Childhood and School-Age Professionals (IPDP) transition from Professional Development Record (PDR)
July 1,2014 to July 1,2015 at which time it will be required for Keystone STARS providers. Copies of the PDR will no longer be available for ordering or downloading.
* Please see the Clarifications section beginning on page 52 of this worksheet.
CLARIFICATION WORKSHEET – SACC – 7/9/14
PARTNERSHIPS WITH FAMILY AND COMMUNITY
STARS Performance Standard & Documentation
Community Resources / Family Involvement
1. At enrollment, families are provided with
information regarding public, social and
community services. (STAR 1)
 Copy of the information given to family
Pre-Designation Notes
Notes:
 Providers may contact their local Early
Intervention (EI), Children & Youth Services
(CYS), Mental Health/Mental Retardation
Services (MH/MR), County Assistance Office
(CAO), Child Care Information Services (CCIS),
United Way, Head Start, Community Action
Program (CAP) office, or other community
agencies regarding available directories of
community resources to use as a reference for
information on public, social, and community
resources.
 It is recommended that providers include
information about Pennsylvania’s Promise for
Children (http://papromiseforchildren.com).
 It is recommended that providers explain to
families that Keystone STARS is a state program
that receives public funding. Please contact
your Regional Key for more details.
Designation Notes
Documentation:

Services the designator will
look for:
o
EITC
o
EI
o
CCIS
o
CHIP
o
Plus any other
Community Resources
This should be organized into a
“sample packet” which the director
would present to a prospective
family.
 It is recommended that providers offer the above
materials in the family’s primary language, if
their knowledge of English is limited.
1
2
3
Pennsylvania Core Knowledge Competencies for Early Childhood and School Age Professionals (CKC) replaced Core Body of Knowledge
Pennsylvania Big Ideas Framework(Big Ideas) and
Individual Professional Development Plan for Early Childhood and School-Age Professionals (IPDP) transition from Professional Development Record (PDR)
July 1,2014 to July 1,2015 at which time it will be required for Keystone STARS providers. Copies of the PDR will no longer be available for ordering or downloading.
* Please see the Clarifications section beginning on page 52 of this worksheet.
CLARIFICATION WORKSHEET – SACC – 7/9/14
PARTNERSHIPS WITH FAMILY AND COMMUNITY
STARS Performance Standard & Documentation
2. The program collects child-centered information
at enrollment to facilitate responsive care that is
mindful of the needs of individual children and
families. A family meeting is offered within 45
days of enrollment to encourage program-family
partnerships and share initial observations and
goals for the child. (STAR 1)
 Copy of a meeting notice to parent offering the
meeting dated within 45 days of enrollment is part of
the child’s record
 Notes from the meeting are a part of the child’s record
Optional Tool Available:
Enrollment and “Getting to Know You” Meeting Guide
3. At a minimum of once per year, written
information on topics including health and human
services, wellness, nutrition and fitness, and/or
child development is given and explained to
families and staff. (STAR 2)
 Sample of dated health and human services,
wellness, nutrition and fitness, and/or child
development information
1
2
3
Pre-Designation Notes
Designation Notes
Notes:
Documentation:

Completed “Getting to Know
 This standard was previously referred to as the
You” forms in children’s files.
“Getting to Know You” meeting.

Documentation that “Getting
 The indication of staff’s availability for one-onto Know You” meetings are
one meetings may be expressed in many ways,
offered through note in
parent handbook, parent
including information on enrollment forms and in
notice, etc.
family handbooks.

“Getting to Know You” forms
 It is recommended that providers offer the family
must be dated.
meeting in the family’s primary language, if their

These forms will be reviewed
from the children’s files
knowledge of English is limited.
previously reviewed for 45
day screenings and
observations.
Note: It is recommended that providers offer the
written information in the family’s primary
language, if their knowledge of English is limited.
Documentation:

Dated information, possibly
attached to monthly
newsletter that has been
shared with parents.

Written documentation of
how this was explained to
staff (perhaps through staff
meeting, routing form, etc.).
Pennsylvania Core Knowledge Competencies for Early Childhood and School Age Professionals (CKC) replaced Core Body of Knowledge
Pennsylvania Big Ideas Framework(Big Ideas) and
Individual Professional Development Plan for Early Childhood and School-Age Professionals (IPDP) transition from Professional Development Record (PDR)
July 1,2014 to July 1,2015 at which time it will be required for Keystone STARS providers. Copies of the PDR will no longer be available for ordering or downloading.
* Please see the Clarifications section beginning on page 52 of this worksheet.
CLARIFICATION WORKSHEET – SACC – 7/9/14
PARTNERSHIPS WITH FAMILY AND COMMUNITY
STARS Performance Standard & Documentation
Pre-Designation Notes
4. If applicable to the child, provider requests
from families copies of child’s IEP or IFSP, written
plans, and/or special needs assessments
completed by professionals to inform classroom
practice. (STAR 2)
 Family sign-off sheet requesting the IEP
-OR Page in Family Handbook in which a copy of the IEP is
requested
-OR Written enrollment practices require that the IEP is
requested at enrollment.
Optional Tool Available:
IEP/IFSP Information Sheet
Designation Notes
Documentation:

Parent sign off sheet.
OR

Request for IEP/IFSP in
parent handbook.
OR

Verification of request for
IEP/IFSP given at time of
enrollment.

One of the above listed
choices must be available
regardless of whether or not
the site has any children with
special needs.
**If parent sign off sheet is used –
completed forms should be in each
child’s file.
5. Individual child information is shared in written
form with families on a daily basis for infants &
toddlers, and there is a format and procedure for
use on an as needed basis for other age groups.
(STAR 2)
 Procedure to share written individual child information
with families
 Sample of written format for school age
Note: It is recommended that providers offer the
individual child information in the child’s/ family’s
primary language, if their knowledge of English is
limited.
Documentation:

Verification of procedure to
share written information
noted in Policy and Procedure
Manual.

Older age groups must be
offered some form of
communication. This may be
completed on an as needed
basis.
6. Specific group or classroom information is
shared with families daily using a visual
communication format. (STAR 2)
 Communication format is either visible in the
classroom or a sample is provided.
Note: It is recommended that providers offer the
communication in the family’s primary language,
if their knowledge of English is limited.
Documentation:

Wipe-off board/poster

Blackboard

Parent Board
** For all classrooms
** For an A.M. visit, the site should
have information posted from the day
before. This ensures the designator
the ability to verify the visual
communication and offers parents the
opportunity to view.
1
2
3
Pennsylvania Core Knowledge Competencies for Early Childhood and School Age Professionals (CKC) replaced Core Body of Knowledge
Pennsylvania Big Ideas Framework(Big Ideas) and
Individual Professional Development Plan for Early Childhood and School-Age Professionals (IPDP) transition from Professional Development Record (PDR)
July 1,2014 to July 1,2015 at which time it will be required for Keystone STARS providers. Copies of the PDR will no longer be available for ordering or downloading.
* Please see the Clarifications section beginning on page 52 of this worksheet.
CLARIFICATION WORKSHEET – SACC – 7/9/14
PARTNERSHIPS WITH FAMILY AND COMMUNITY
STARS Performance Standard & Documentation
7. A plan is written and implemented describing
procedures to refer families to appropriate social,
mental health, educational, wellness, and medical
services. (STAR 3)
 Written procedure to refer families to appropriate
community services.
 Written procedures are part of the Policy and
Procedure Manual
8. Coordinate a minimum of one annual group
activity to involve families in meeting program
learning goals. (STAR 3)
 Dated documentation (newsletters, bulletins, flyers,
invitations, etc.) showing that at least one activity was
offered and available in the past 12 months
 A written list of learning goals
 A staff member conducted the activity.
 List the activity: _____________________________
9. A minimum of two family conferences are
offered per year to discuss the child’s progress
and behavioral, social and physical needs.
Authentic Assessments of the child are shared
with the family a minimum of two times per year.
(STAR 3)
 Dated copies of at least two family conference notices
within the last 12 months are part of the child’s records
 Acknowledgement signed by family indicating receipt
of child’s written report of progress.
1
2
3
Pre-Designation Notes
Note: Procedures should include discussion at
family conference, if applicable.
Designation Notes
Documentation:

Procedure will be verified
through a review of the Policy
and Procedure Manual.
Notes:
 Suggested activity topics include family literacy,
health information, open house, children’s
program, and family celebrations.
 The staff member who conducted the activity
may be noted in meeting notes, an invitation to
the event, or in other documentation.
 SACC: Self-care may also be an appropriate
topic.
Documentation:

Date of activity.

Person(s) responsible.

Title of activity.

Written list of learning goals.
Notes:
 If the family does not attend the offered
conference, a written procedure must be
followed to give the family a copy of the written
report.
 It is recommended that providers offer the
conference and written report in the family’s
primary language, if their knowledge of English
is limited.
Documentation:

Specific dates conferences
were offered.

Parent signatures regardless
of whether or not they
attended the conference.

Verification of a written
report of the child’s progress
is provided during these
conferences.

Conferences must include
school age children.
Pennsylvania Core Knowledge Competencies for Early Childhood and School Age Professionals (CKC) replaced Core Body of Knowledge
Pennsylvania Big Ideas Framework(Big Ideas) and
Individual Professional Development Plan for Early Childhood and School-Age Professionals (IPDP) transition from Professional Development Record (PDR)
July 1,2014 to July 1,2015 at which time it will be required for Keystone STARS providers. Copies of the PDR will no longer be available for ordering or downloading.
* Please see the Clarifications section beginning on page 52 of this worksheet.
CLARIFICATION WORKSHEET – SACC – 7/9/14
PARTNERSHIPS WITH FAMILY AND COMMUNITY
STARS Performance Standard & Documentation
10. If applicable to the child, provider, in
conjunction with families and service providers
from public, social, and community service
organizations, implements activities appropriate
to meet IEP or IFSP goals and/or special needs
plans and objectives.
 For children with an IEP, implemented activities are
noted in each child’s individual record
11. Program has policies that demonstrate
engagement and partnership with families in
program planning and decision-making.
 Family engagement and partnership policies are
included in the Policy and Procedure Manual.
 Family engagement and partnership policies are
included in the family handbook
Pre-Designation Notes
Designation Notes
Documentation:

Copy of the lesson plan
and/or goals will be part of
the child’s file.
Notes:
 Suggested policies include a Family Advisory
Board, a system of family and child surveys, and
a suggestion gathering (such as a suggestion
box) and follow-up procedure, and a method for
ensuring sensitivity to the cultures and diversity
of the children and families.
 SACC: “Links to Learning – Family Engagement”
module will provide strategies for engaging
families on multiple levels, steps to creating the
partnership and a form and process for creating
a Family Engagement Plan.
Documentation:

Policy will be verified through
review of the Policy and
Procedure Manual.

Parent sign up forms

Surveys

PTO meeting notes

Suggestion box
Transition
Notes:
1. Program provides general information to
Documentation:

Transitional information that
families regarding transitioning children to another  It is recommended that providers offer the
informs parents of milestones
classroom or educational setting. (STAR 1)
transitioning information in the family’s primary
that they can anticipate for
 Copy of information provided to families regarding
language, if their knowledge of English is limited.
their child during an
transitioning children to another classroom
upcoming age/stage.
 SACC: Information must include age

Information as to how the
 Copy of information provided to families regarding
appropriate tips for transitioning to self-care
child will transition to the
transitioning children to another educational setting
and/or other community/school
next step in their life.
programs/activities that serve school age
 STARS staff may interview the staff during the

Documentation must be
children. Information is also included on
designation visit to discuss general information provided
provided for every age group
the site services.
transition between school day and SACC
to families

Information must be available
program.
for children moving to self
care and/or another
educational facility.
1
2
3
Pennsylvania Core Knowledge Competencies for Early Childhood and School Age Professionals (CKC) replaced Core Body of Knowledge
Pennsylvania Big Ideas Framework(Big Ideas) and
Individual Professional Development Plan for Early Childhood and School-Age Professionals (IPDP) transition from Professional Development Record (PDR)
July 1,2014 to July 1,2015 at which time it will be required for Keystone STARS providers. Copies of the PDR will no longer be available for ordering or downloading.
* Please see the Clarifications section beginning on page 52 of this worksheet.
CLARIFICATION WORKSHEET – SACC – 7/9/14
PARTNERSHIPS WITH FAMILY AND COMMUNITY
STARS Performance Standard & Documentation
Pre-Designation Notes
Designation Notes
2. Program transfers child records, at the request
of the family, when the child transitions to
another educational setting. (STAR 2)
 Policy addressing the mechanism to transfer
appropriate information is part of the Policy and
Procedure Manual
 Page in the family handbook that indicates that
families are aware of the policy
Documentation:

This policy must be reflected
in two places:
* Parent Handbook
*Policy and Procedure Manual

Verification of the procedure
in place to transfer the child’s
records.

Request form for transfer of
child records or a parent’s
written request may be the
mechanism used.
3. Program includes age-appropriate activities for
children to prepare for transition. (STAR 2)
 Sample activities or lesson plans
SACC: Information must include age appropriate
Documentation:

A lesson plan or sample
tips for transitioning to self-care and/or other
activities that the
community/school programs for school age
teacher/site does with the
children. Information is also included on transition
child(ren) in order to prepare
between school day and SACC program.
them for transition.


1
2
3
Activities must be available
for all children the site
services.
Activities must be geared
toward children moving to
self care and/or another
educational facility.
Pennsylvania Core Knowledge Competencies for Early Childhood and School Age Professionals (CKC) replaced Core Body of Knowledge
Pennsylvania Big Ideas Framework(Big Ideas) and
Individual Professional Development Plan for Early Childhood and School-Age Professionals (IPDP) transition from Professional Development Record (PDR)
July 1,2014 to July 1,2015 at which time it will be required for Keystone STARS providers. Copies of the PDR will no longer be available for ordering or downloading.
* Please see the Clarifications section beginning on page 52 of this worksheet.
CLARIFICATION WORKSHEET – SACC – 7/9/14
PARTNERSHIPS WITH FAMILY AND COMMUNITY
STARS Performance Standard & Documentation
Pre-Designation Notes
Designation Notes
4. Program participates in community/school
transition activities as available. (STAR 3)
 List of activities attended by facility staff.
 STARS staff will interview site staff during the
designation visit regarding involvement in
community/school transition activities.
Notes:
 It is recommended that the provider access the
LEARN partners or other local early childhood
support groups for information regarding the
community/school transition. Please refer to
your Regional Key for more information.
 SACC: This may include - Program incorporates
programming that complements school-day
activities. School-linkages may include aligned
visions, complementary activities, scheduling,
etc.
 SACC: Community Linkages – Program may
engage in community collaborations to enhance
program activities. This may include educating
youth about the community; encouraging youth
to give back to their community through service
projects builds links with businesses, municipal
government, and local education institutions for
funding, volunteering, programming, and/or
advocacy.
 SACC: Links to Learning resources “Connecting
School and Afterschool 15 Ways to Improve
Partnerships”
http://supportunitedway.org/files/SchoolTipCard
s.pdf.
5. Program offers families an individual meeting
to share specific information regarding the child’s
transition to another classroom or educational
setting and to give families written information
about the child’s developmental progress.
 Copy of the dated meeting notice offering the family
an individual meeting regarding their child’s transition is
a part of the child’s record
 Copy of the information provided to family is part of
the child’s record
Notes:
Documentation:

Invitation
 It is recommended that providers offer the

Sample of information and
individual meeting in the family’s primary
recommendations given to
language, if their knowledge of English is limited.
parent at this meeting
 SACC: Information must include age
regarding the individual child.
appropriate tips for transitioning to self-care
and/or other community programs for school age
children. Information is also included on
transition between the school day and the SACC
program
1
2
3
Documentation:

Verification of activities
attended by both Pre-K staff
and staff from the next
educational facility in the
child’s life.

Staff will be interviewed to
verify the types of transition
activities available.
Pennsylvania Core Knowledge Competencies for Early Childhood and School Age Professionals (CKC) replaced Core Body of Knowledge
Pennsylvania Big Ideas Framework(Big Ideas) and
Individual Professional Development Plan for Early Childhood and School-Age Professionals (IPDP) transition from Professional Development Record (PDR)
July 1,2014 to July 1,2015 at which time it will be required for Keystone STARS providers. Copies of the PDR will no longer be available for ordering or downloading.
* Please see the Clarifications section beginning on page 52 of this worksheet.
CLARIFICATION WORKSHEET – SACC – 7/9/14
PARTNERSHIPS WITH FAMILY AND COMMUNITY
STARS Performance Standard & Documentation
Pre-Designation Notes
Designation Notes
6. Program develops and shares a written plan for
child transition with families and
community/school stakeholders.
 Copy of the plan
 List of stakeholders with a description of how families
were involved in the process
 Dated copy of letter of introduction to appropriate
stakeholders outlining goal to partner in child
transitioning efforts
Optional Tool Available:
What is a Stakeholder?
Notes:
 The stakeholders include your local Head Start,
LEARN partners, families and schools, in addition
to other resources in your community.
 The documentation for this standard may be
comprised of information regarding the ongoing
transition work of the center.
 It is recommended that providers contact local
LEARN Coordinator
 SACC: This standard applies to the program’s
relationship with the school and the transition
between SACC and other community programs
for school age children.
Documentation:

The stakeholder list will
reflect the needs of specific
families within the site’s care.
The list may look different
each year depending upon the
needs of the children.

Verification of written
procedure as to how parents
are able to add input.

Verification of the dated copy
of letter sent to stakeholders
and/or ongoing
communication.

Plan in place for transition to
next educational facility.
LEADERSHIP AND MANAGEMENT
STARS Performance Standard & Documentation
Business Practices
1. Program develops and distributes a Family
Handbook. (STAR 1)
 Family Handbook
Optional Tool Available:
Family Handbook Topic Areas
1
2
3
Pre-Designation Notes
Designation Notes
Note: It is recommended that providers offer the
Family Handbook in the family’s primary
language, if their knowledge of English is limited.
Documentation:

STAR 4 Parent Handbooks will
look different from ones seen
at a STAR 2, 3 or even a redesignation.

Each family will receive a copy
vs. a copy in the foyer for all.
Pennsylvania Core Knowledge Competencies for Early Childhood and School Age Professionals (CKC) replaced Core Body of Knowledge
Pennsylvania Big Ideas Framework(Big Ideas) and
Individual Professional Development Plan for Early Childhood and School-Age Professionals (IPDP) transition from Professional Development Record (PDR)
July 1,2014 to July 1,2015 at which time it will be required for Keystone STARS providers. Copies of the PDR will no longer be available for ordering or downloading.
* Please see the Clarifications section beginning on page 52 of this worksheet.
CLARIFICATION WORKSHEET – SACC – 7/9/14
LEADERSHIP AND MANAGEMENT
STARS Performance Standard & Documentation
2. Program creates a projected one-year operating
budget, including a statement of income and
expenditures. (STAR 2)
 Program budget
 Budget addresses the period of the designation visit
3. Organizational structure and job descriptions
are included in a personnel policy manual that is
shared with staff. (STAR 2)
 Program-specific organizational charts as relating to
the organizational needs at a program level
 Job descriptions for staff employed (have
responsibilities at the site) in the SACC program
 Organizational charts and job descriptions are
documented and available to staff
Optional Tools Available:
Organizational Chart Samples
Job Descriptions Guide
Pre-Designation Notes
Designation Notes
Notes:
Documentation:

Budget must be current as of
 For a multi-site program, a projected one-year
designation visit.
operating budget need not be site-specific as

Budget may be based on
long as it reflects the competency of the
calendar year or fiscal year.
corporate entity.
 Courses are available to assist your facility in
developing a budget, such as those offered in
the PA Director’s Credential. Contact your
Regional Key for further information.
 For additional information regarding budgets,
you may access the Small Business
Administration web site at http://sba.gov/ or
the PA Small Business Development Centers
web site at http://www.pasbdc.org/.
Note: A written description of the duties,
Documentation:

The organizational structure,
qualifications, and responsibilities of each staff
job descriptions, Staff Records
position and the lines of authority and
Grid, and Career Lattice will all
responsibility within the center should accompany
agree. For example, an
an organizational chart.
Assistant Teacher listed on the


1
2
3
org chart will be listed as well
on the Staff Records Grid as an
Assistant Teacher. A job
description should then be
available listing the
responsibilities of an Asst.
Teacher.
There should be a job
description for ALL positions
(staff who are in direct contact
with the children) listed on the
organizational structure.
Organizational structure must
be in organizational chart
format.
Pennsylvania Core Knowledge Competencies for Early Childhood and School Age Professionals (CKC) replaced Core Body of Knowledge
Pennsylvania Big Ideas Framework(Big Ideas) and
Individual Professional Development Plan for Early Childhood and School-Age Professionals (IPDP) transition from Professional Development Record (PDR)
July 1,2014 to July 1,2015 at which time it will be required for Keystone STARS providers. Copies of the PDR will no longer be available for ordering or downloading.
* Please see the Clarifications section beginning on page 52 of this worksheet.
CLARIFICATION WORKSHEET – SACC – 7/9/14
LEADERSHIP AND MANAGEMENT
STARS Performance Standard & Documentation
Pre-Designation Notes
Designation Notes
4. A policy and procedure manual is developed and
made available to the staff at all times. (STAR 3)
 Policy and Procedure Manual
Please list any other Business Practice tools used:
____________________________________________
 STARS staff will interview site staff during the
designation visit to verify availability of a policy and
procedure manual
Notes:
 Manual is to include personnel policies and
written health policies covering topics found in
Caring for Our Children 3rd ed., a published
Model Child Care Health Policy booklet
(ECELS/NAEYC/AAP), and/or other appropriate
Business Practices tools.
 For additional information regarding Policy &
Procedure Manuals, you may access the Small
Business Administration web site at
http://sba.gov/ or the PA Small Business
Development Centers web site at
http://www.pasbdc.org/.
Note: For a multi-site program, a financial
system with quarterly comparisons need not be
site-specific as long as it reflects the competency
of the corporate entity.
Documentation:

This will be a broader and
more thorough document at
STAR 4.

Personnel policies and health
policies should be included.

Staff will be interviewed as to
the location of the manual,
policies, and procedures which
might would be found within.
5. A financial system with quarterly comparisons
of expenses to revenue is implemented. (STAR 3)
 Documentation of financial system includes
comparison of expenses and revenue and is operational
during the current period of the designation visit
6. The program creates a mission statement.
(STAR 3)
 Mission statement has been created and is available
to staff and families
Optional Tool Available:
Mission Statement Article
1
2
3
Documentation

This could be either
handwritten documentation or
a computer program.

Income and expenses must be
clearly noted.
Documentation:

This should be 2 or 3
sentences in length and will
align curriculum with values.

This must be available to staff
and parents.
Pennsylvania Core Knowledge Competencies for Early Childhood and School Age Professionals (CKC) replaced Core Body of Knowledge
Pennsylvania Big Ideas Framework(Big Ideas) and
Individual Professional Development Plan for Early Childhood and School-Age Professionals (IPDP) transition from Professional Development Record (PDR)
July 1,2014 to July 1,2015 at which time it will be required for Keystone STARS providers. Copies of the PDR will no longer be available for ordering or downloading.
* Please see the Clarifications section beginning on page 52 of this worksheet.
CLARIFICATION WORKSHEET – SACC – 7/9/14
LEADERSHIP AND MANAGEMENT
STARS Performance Standard & Documentation
7. Annual operational business plan to address
organizational stability and to implement
quarterly reconciliation.
Business plan that:
 is updated annually.
 addresses quarterly reconciliation.
 plans for organizational stability.
8. Program establishes a written code for
professional conduct of staff.
 Written code for staff professional conduct
 STARS staff will interview site staff during designation
visit to verify that they were informed of written code
9. Annual independent financial review by a CPA is
conducted.
 Documentation of independent financial review by a
Certified Public Accountant (CPA)
Dates of review ____________________________
1
2
3
Pre-Designation Notes
Designation Notes
Notes:
 A Business Plan is a document that guides your
business-related decisions. It includes a
description of your business and its operating
procedures, as well as fiscal and personnel
information.
 For additional information regarding Business
Plans, you may access the Small Business
Administration web site at http://sba.gov/ or
the PA Small Business Development Centers
web site at http://www.pasbdc.org/.
 For a multi-site program, a business plan need
not be site-specific as long as it reflects the
competency of the corporate entity.
Note: Your facility may adopt other official codes
of conduct from organizations such as NAEYC’s
Code of Ethical Conduct.
Documentation:

A plan that clarifies how the
owner/director intends to
maintain fiscal stability with 3
– 5 year goal setting.

Verification of an annual
review date.

This may include their
Strategic Plan.
Note: This review may be a part of an
independent audit.
Documentation:

This will be a review of
different financial schedules,
statements of retained
earnings, general operational
expenses, income statements,
and balance sheets that a
Certified Public Accountant has
signed, verifying their
accuracy.

This must be completed
annually.
 For acceptable forms of review by a CPA, see
Good, Better, Best: PA’s CQI Guide to Best
Practices Document (Appendix A). Also, as a
reminder, when a provider signs the Keystone
STARS Grant Agreement, the provider is also
agreeing to follow the PA Department of Public
Welfare’s Sub-recipient/Vendor Audits –
Sections I through VI and Audit Clauses A
through E, which may apply at lower STAR
levels based on awards amount received.
Documentation:

Code of Professional Conduct
must be provided to all staff.

Staff will be interviewed to
verify they are aware of this
written code.
Pennsylvania Core Knowledge Competencies for Early Childhood and School Age Professionals (CKC) replaced Core Body of Knowledge
Pennsylvania Big Ideas Framework(Big Ideas) and
Individual Professional Development Plan for Early Childhood and School-Age Professionals (IPDP) transition from Professional Development Record (PDR)
July 1,2014 to July 1,2015 at which time it will be required for Keystone STARS providers. Copies of the PDR will no longer be available for ordering or downloading.
* Please see the Clarifications section beginning on page 52 of this worksheet.
CLARIFICATION WORKSHEET – SACC – 7/9/14
LEADERSHIP AND MANAGEMENT
STARS Performance Standard & Documentation
10. Risk management plan is written and
developed that identifies potential operational
risks and specifies ways to reduce or eliminate
risks.
 Risk Management Plan and dates of review
Optional Tool Available:
Risk Management Plan Guide
Continuous Quality Improvement
1. Program uses documents for tracking illnesses
and injuries, including plans of action to prevent
further occurrences. (STAR 1)
 Documents for injury and illness tracking of children
 Plans of action to prevent further occurrences
Optional Tool Available:
Injury and Illness Tracking Guide
2. System of site safety review including
strategies for supervising children and
corresponding plan of action are instituted.
(STAR 2)
 Documentation of system of site safety review
 Plan of action to address issues
1
2
3
Pre-Designation Notes
Designation Notes
Notes:
 A risk management plan is reviewed at least
annually and is updated as deemed necessary.
 A risk management plan is much broader than
the emergency preparedness plan required by
DPW regulations. Please refer to the optional
tool for assistance.
 The program may engage a consultant to assist
in the development of this plan.
Documentation:

Plan should be comprehensive
of the potential risks to the
business and their plan (along
with persons responsible) to
minimize the identified risks.
Some examples of potential
risks might be child abuse
committed by a staff person,
another Early Learning site
moving in down the block, a
large company from where a
majority of the children’s
parents work is closing, etc.
Documentation:

Actual tracking forms from the
past 3 – 6 months.

Written procedure for
addressing areas of concern.
Notes:
 The “Health and Safety Checklist” found in
Model Child Care Health Policies and Healthy
Young Children are recommended; however,
other tools may be appropriate for your facility.
Documentation:

Completed and dated site
safety reviews.

A written plan of action to
address identified issues EVEN
if there were none to address.

A written procedure to address
responsibility and identified
weaknesses.
 With any pre-existing tool for site safety review,
it is recommended that you follow the
timeframes suggested in the tool for performing
the review.
** Best Practice – reviewed monthly.
 It is recommended that indoor and outdoor site
reviews are completed at least
quarterly/seasonally, if not otherwise specified
by the tool.
Pennsylvania Core Knowledge Competencies for Early Childhood and School Age Professionals (CKC) replaced Core Body of Knowledge
Pennsylvania Big Ideas Framework(Big Ideas) and
Individual Professional Development Plan for Early Childhood and School-Age Professionals (IPDP) transition from Professional Development Record (PDR)
July 1,2014 to July 1,2015 at which time it will be required for Keystone STARS providers. Copies of the PDR will no longer be available for ordering or downloading.
* Please see the Clarifications section beginning on page 52 of this worksheet.
CLARIFICATION WORKSHEET – SACC – 7/9/14
LEADERSHIP AND MANAGEMENT
STARS Performance Standard & Documentation
Pre-Designation Notes
3. Provider develops and implements a Continuous
Quality Improvement Plan using multiple sources.
(STAR 3)
 Continuous Quality Improvement Plan with a list of at
least 3 sources of information
Optional Tool:
STARS Continuous Quality Improvement Plan
Instructions & Appendices
STARS Resource Planning Guide
Change of Directorship
Notes:
 Sources of information for an annual
evaluation/review of program may include
surveys of families, staff, and/or school-aged
children, ERS, LIS, audits, etc.
 It is recommended that the Continuous Quality
Improvement Plan be reviewed and updated
annually.
Documentation:

Verification of a minimum of 3
sources used.

Acceptable sources:
o
Surveys (parents, staff,
and/or school age children)
o
ERS
o
LIS
o
Audits
o
FPD
o
STARS Standards
o
Written plan of improvement along
with time lines and persons
responsible.

Plan will be matched to the
sources.
4. A Strategic Plan is aligned with the program’s
mission statement and put in place.
 Strategic plan is developed, implemented and
reviewed annually
Note: For additional information regarding
Strategic Planning, you may access the Small
Business Administration web site at
http://sba.gov/ or the PA Small Business
Development Centers web site at
http://www.pasbdc.org/.
Documentation:

Mission

Vision

Core Values

Strengths, Weaknesses,
Opportunities and Threats

Major Goals

Key Strategies

This may be part of their
business plan.
1
2
3
Designation Notes
Pennsylvania Core Knowledge Competencies for Early Childhood and School Age Professionals (CKC) replaced Core Body of Knowledge
Pennsylvania Big Ideas Framework(Big Ideas) and
Individual Professional Development Plan for Early Childhood and School-Age Professionals (IPDP) transition from Professional Development Record (PDR)
July 1,2014 to July 1,2015 at which time it will be required for Keystone STARS providers. Copies of the PDR will no longer be available for ordering or downloading.
* Please see the Clarifications section beginning on page 52 of this worksheet.
CLARIFICATION WORKSHEET – SACC – 7/9/14
LEADERSHIP AND MANAGEMENT
STARS Performance Standard & Documentation
Staff Communication and Support
1. Director* develops and annually implements a
plan for sharing information about Keystone
STARS, continuous quality improvement,
strategies for supervising children and
professional development with staff members.
(STAR 1)
Plan for sharing information regarding
 Keystone STARS
 Continuous quality improvement
 Strategies for supervising children
 Professional development
Optional Tool Available:
Talking Points for Directors
2 Each staff person must participate in a staff
meeting at least once per month. Staff meeting
must include discussions of quality and its impact
on the Learning Program. (STAR 2)
 Agenda, minutes, sign-in sheets showing that staff
members have opportunity to participate in a meeting
at least once per month to discuss the learning program
 STARS staff will interview site staff during the
designation visit regarding the basic agenda for staff
meetings
Pre-Designation Notes
Designation Notes
Documentation:

A written plan is implemented
to share STARS, CQI,
supervision and professional
development.

If the plan states these topics
will be discussed at staff
meetings, staff meeting
minutes should reflect this.
Notes:
 The Learning Program includes all aspects of
your educational program, including
curriculum and a discussion of continuous
quality improvement (CQI) planning.
 SACC: Staff persons must meet at least bimonthly.
 It is recommended that meetings also include
discussion of strategies for supervising
children.
Documentation:

Date

Agenda – should include
curriculum, supervision, and
CQI.

Minutes – should include
curriculum, supervision, and
CQI.

Signature of those present.
Staff MUST sign their own
names.

Designator will view the past 6
months.
NOTE: Staff meetings are required
every other month.
1
2
3
Pennsylvania Core Knowledge Competencies for Early Childhood and School Age Professionals (CKC) replaced Core Body of Knowledge
Pennsylvania Big Ideas Framework(Big Ideas) and
Individual Professional Development Plan for Early Childhood and School-Age Professionals (IPDP) transition from Professional Development Record (PDR)
July 1,2014 to July 1,2015 at which time it will be required for Keystone STARS providers. Copies of the PDR will no longer be available for ordering or downloading.
* Please see the Clarifications section beginning on page 52 of this worksheet.
CLARIFICATION WORKSHEET – SACC – 7/9/14
LEADERSHIP AND MANAGEMENT
STARS Performance Standard & Documentation
3. Director* meets with each staff member using
the plan developed in STAR 1. For new staff, this
meeting is held within 90 days of start of
employment. (STAR 2)
 STARS staff will interview site staff during the
designation visit to verify that the director shared
information regarding STARS, continuous quality
improvement, and professional development
 STARS staff will interview new site staff to verify that
this discussion occurred within 90 calendar days of
employment
Optional Tool Available:
Talking Points for Directors
4. Annually, at least two classroom observations
are conducted and feedback regarding job
performance is provided to the staff member.
(STAR 3)
 Documentation of at least 2 classroom observations
per staff member
 Documentation of at least 1 observation completed by
the staff member’s direct supervisor
 STARS staff will interview site staff during designation
visit to verify that staff received feedback regarding job
performance
Optional Tool Available:
Staff Classroom Observation Guide
1
2
3
Pre-Designation Notes
Designation Notes
Documentation:

A written plan or orientation
checklist signed by new staff.

New staff from Staff Records
Grid will be verified.

Staff will be interviewed as to
when this required discussion
took place.
Notes:
 It is recommended that the classroom
observations occur at least three months apart.
 Professional development is available to assist
you in observing staff in the classroom. Please
refer to your Regional Keys and /or the
Professional Development Calendar at
www.pakeys.org.
Documentation:

TWO observations for every
staff person employed over
one year as listed on the Staff
Records Grid.

Minimum of 1 observation
completed by direct
supervisor.

Signature of staff person
verifying that feedback was
provided either verbally or in
written form.

Staff will be interviewed to
verify this standard.
Pennsylvania Core Knowledge Competencies for Early Childhood and School Age Professionals (CKC) replaced Core Body of Knowledge
Pennsylvania Big Ideas Framework(Big Ideas) and
Individual Professional Development Plan for Early Childhood and School-Age Professionals (IPDP) transition from Professional Development Record (PDR)
July 1,2014 to July 1,2015 at which time it will be required for Keystone STARS providers. Copies of the PDR will no longer be available for ordering or downloading.
* Please see the Clarifications section beginning on page 52 of this worksheet.
CLARIFICATION WORKSHEET – SACC – 7/9/14
LEADERSHIP AND MANAGEMENT
STARS Performance Standard & Documentation
Pre-Designation Notes
Designation Notes
5. Annual performance evaluation provided in
written format to employee. (STAR 3)
 Documentation of annual performance evaluations
included in staff record
 Documentation of classroom observations by direct
supervisor
 Documentation of the criteria established for
performance evaluation (for example a job description)
 Documentation of employee self-assessment
Note: Performance evaluation is based on
classroom observations by the direct supervisor,
criteria established in advance (i.e. job
description), and an employee self-assessment.
Documentation:

One written performance
evaluation for each staff
person employed over one
year, as noted on the Staff
Records Grid.

One self-evaluation completed
by each employee employed
over 1 year. This evaluation is
based on their personal,
professional performance – not
an evaluation of the site.

Signature of staff person
verifying that feedback was
provided either verbally or in
written form.
6. Teachers and Assistant Teachers are provided
at least four hours per month of paid curriculum
and lesson planning/preparation time away from
children.
 Policy on curriculum and lesson planning/preparation
time assures that two hours per month is available away
from the responsibility of caring for children
 Monthly schedules reflect two hours of paid prep time
 STARS staff will interview site staff to verify that two
hours per month of paid planning/preparation time is
provided away from the children
SACC: School Age Only providers are required to
provide a minimum of 2 hours per month of paid
curriculum and lesson planning/preparation time
away from children.
Documentation:

This policy may be included
with their curriculum
statement.

This policy should be noted in
the Policy and Procedure
manual.

Schedule which reflects
planning time away from
classroom responsibilities.

Staff will be interviewed to
verify this standard.
NOTE: 2 hours per month is required
for this Standard.
1
2
3
Pennsylvania Core Knowledge Competencies for Early Childhood and School Age Professionals (CKC) replaced Core Body of Knowledge
Pennsylvania Big Ideas Framework(Big Ideas) and
Individual Professional Development Plan for Early Childhood and School-Age Professionals (IPDP) transition from Professional Development Record (PDR)
July 1,2014 to July 1,2015 at which time it will be required for Keystone STARS providers. Copies of the PDR will no longer be available for ordering or downloading.
* Please see the Clarifications section beginning on page 52 of this worksheet.
CLARIFICATION WORKSHEET – SACC – 7/9/14
LEADERSHIP AND MANAGEMENT
STARS Performance Standard & Documentation
Pre-Designation Notes
Designation Notes
7. Staff members are offered a minimum of 15
minutes with no program responsibilities for each
4 hour period worked.
 Policy on staff schedules and breaks assures staff are
offered at least 15 minutes without any program
responsibilities for every 4 hours worked
 Staff schedules reflect break times
 STARS staff will interview site staff to verify that they
are offered at least 15 minutes away from program
responsibilities for 4 hour period worked
Notes:
 One 15-minute period must be offered for each
4 hours worked.
 There are PA Department of Labor & Industry
regulations that affect breaks. Please visit the
FAQ section of http://www.dli.state.pa.us for
more information.
 Collective Bargaining Agreements (CBA) may
supersede this Performance Standard.
Documentation:

Policy written in Policy and
Procedure Manual.

Schedule which reflects breaks
and coverage.

Staff will be interviewed to
verify this standard is being
met.
Note: It is recommended that positions/titles
and salary ranges are shared with all staff.
Documentation:

Salary maximums and
minimums for positions NOT
INDIVIDUAL STAFF.

Minimums should reflect the
$7.25 minimum wage in PA

Salary scale must be available
to all staff.
Employee Compensation
1. List of all staff by positions, salary, and tenure.
(STAR 2)
 Documentation of staff positions and tenure
[List on the Staff Records Grid. See column A-D.]
 Salary in personnel policies (listed as maximum –
minimum for each position)
** Individual staff salaries should not
be listed.
2. A salary scale based on level of education/
training, and years of ECE experience is
documented. (STAR 3)
 Site-based salary scale based on level of education,
professional development, and years of experience
documented in personnel policies
1
2
3
Documentation:

Scale reflects the positions on
the org chart and Staff Records
Grid.

Scale is based on varying
levels of education and
experience.
Pennsylvania Core Knowledge Competencies for Early Childhood and School Age Professionals (CKC) replaced Core Body of Knowledge
Pennsylvania Big Ideas Framework(Big Ideas) and
Individual Professional Development Plan for Early Childhood and School-Age Professionals (IPDP) transition from Professional Development Record (PDR)
July 1,2014 to July 1,2015 at which time it will be required for Keystone STARS providers. Copies of the PDR will no longer be available for ordering or downloading.
* Please see the Clarifications section beginning on page 52 of this worksheet.
CLARIFICATION WORKSHEET – SACC – 7/9/14
LEADERSHIP AND MANAGEMENT
STARS Performance Standard & Documentation
Pre-Designation Notes
Designation Notes
3. At least 4 employee benefits* given to staff and
explained in the Policy and Procedure Manual.
 Benefits in Policy & Procedure Manual
 STARS staff will interview staff during the designation
visit to verify that they receive 4 benefits
Note: Benefits for part-time staff may be
prorated to be commensurate with the number of
hours they work. For more information on
prorating, please contact your Regional Key.
Documentation:

Employee benefits MUST
include full time and part time
staff.

Part time staff may be
prorated.

Benefits must be explained in
the Policy and Procedure
Manual.

Acceptable benefits:
o
Paid family leave
o
Annual incremental raises
o
At least 5 days of paid vacation
o
At least 5 paid holidays
o
At least 5 days of paid sick leave
o
Percentage of medical insurance
paid by employer
o
Child Care benefits
o
Tuition reimbursement
o
Financial retirement plan
1
2
3
Pennsylvania Core Knowledge Competencies for Early Childhood and School Age Professionals (CKC) replaced Core Body of Knowledge
Pennsylvania Big Ideas Framework(Big Ideas) and
Individual Professional Development Plan for Early Childhood and School-Age Professionals (IPDP) transition from Professional Development Record (PDR)
July 1,2014 to July 1,2015 at which time it will be required for Keystone STARS providers. Copies of the PDR will no longer be available for ordering or downloading.
* Please see the Clarifications section beginning on page 52 of this worksheet.
CLARIFICATION WORKSHEET – SACC – 7/9/14
CLARIFICATIONS

The Director is the person certified as “director” by DPW Certification.

Related Fields are as defined on the Pennsylvania Keys to Quality Early Learning Career Lattice. They include Human Development,
Psychology, Sociology, Social Work, Education, Nursing, Home Economics/Family & Consumer Science, Recreation, Child and Family
Studies, and Business.

Professional Growth and Development Activities, as defined by Keystone STARS, include:
For use in conjunction with Director and Staff Development
1. Active member of a professional organization (local, state or national) related to the field of early childhood or school age programs.
2. Member of a committee or board of an organization committed to child advocacy, OCDEL LEARN partners for early childhood
education, or child development.
3. Attend, as a participant, a national, nationally affiliated, or statewide early learning conference.
4. Presenter, trainer, or instructor in child development/child care subjects in a class, training, workshop, or conference setting for
staff, families, or community.
5. Author of published material on child development/child care subjects.
6. Serve as a Child Development Associate or School Age Credential Advisor or Assessor.
7. Mentor or provide consultation to another early childhood or school age program.
8. State/national accreditation observer, assessor, verifier, or endorser.
9. Supervisor of student teachers.
10. Coordinate and/or serve on a committee to coordinate an early learning conference.
11. Presenter, trainer or instructor in communications/community education subjects, such as media relations or becoming an
ambassador for early education in your community, in a class, training, workshop or conference setting for staff, families or
community.
12. Organizer or panelist/testifier in a leadership forum for community/school/business/or legislative leaders on early education in the
community.
13. Organize a site visit of your facility for community/school/business leadership or public officials, including legislators.
14. Participate in research studies or survey opportunities.
For use in conjunction with assistant level staff and aides only
1. Staff member is an aide who is enrolled in a CDA/CCP program.
2. Responsible for having written a response to a professional article (may be an internally submitted response).

Approved Professional Development
For each of the following types of professional development, the coursework must relate to the early childhood field, as outlined in the PA
Core Knowledge Competencies (CKC), in order to meet the requirements for professional development under the Keystone STARS
Performance Standards.
o College credit coursework offered by approved institution of higher education
o Act 45/48 professional development (credit or non-credit)
o Continuing Education Units (CEU)
o Professional development by a Pennsylvania Quality Assurance System (PQAS) approved instructor
o Approved organization professional development
WS4-02 – SACC
Page 45 of 55
7/1/14
CLARIFICATION WORKSHEET – SACC – 7/9/14

A provider can schedule Pediatric First Aid in one of the following ways:
o Call your Regional Key and request information on where to enroll in Pediatric First Aid.
o Call ECELS and request Pediatric First Aid. Information on Pediatric First Aid is included in each Health Link publication as well.
o If the provider uses a non-Red Cross instructor, the provider must ensure that the instructor is PQAS approved for Pediatric First
Aid. See www.pakeys.org for more information.

New Staff Orientation For SACC-only sites, the new staff orientation may be provided using the DPW-approved SACC New Staff
Orientation workbook and video or 15 hours of documented topics outlined by Caring for Our Children 3rd ed, Section 1.4.2. The SACC
New Staff Orientation can be ordered through the PA Key. Please call the PA Key at 1-800-284-6031. For staff working in both early
childhood and school age classrooms, please complete the New Employee Orientation for the age group of primary focus.

Staff includes the facility director, all teachers, and all care-giving staff employed at that site, which includes staff working less than 500
hours per year and working directly with the children. Staff also includes volunteers and substitutes working more than 500 hours per year.

To be considered as enrolled in a CDA, provide enrollment documentation from a college or community-based CDA program, a CDA selfstudy distance education program, or individual professional development certificate that addresses the competency areas identified by the
Council for Professional Recognition.

In order for an Associate’s, Bachelor's, and/or Master's degree to be considered acceptable or approved for the Keystone STARS program,
the issuing institution of higher education must be accredited by a regional accrediting organization such as Middle States. Please
refer to the United States Department of Education accreditation database at www.ope.ed.gov/accreditation. If you have a degree from
outside the United States, please contact your Regional Key for assistance.

School-Age Child Care (SACC) Program:
o If there are both SACC and younger age groups in the facility, they must meet their respective STARS performance standards in order
to achieve a STAR designation.
o Any staff persons who work between both SACC and younger age groups in the facility must meet the standard for the age group of
primary focus.
o If a SACC program is only open during the school year, the school year is considered its calendar/fiscal year.
o For staff persons with primary focus in the School Age classroom, the School-Age Professional Credential (SAPC) is equivalent to a CDA.

The
o
o
o

Employee Benefits accepted by the Keystone STARS program include the following:
o Annual incremental raises
o Child care benefit
o At least 5 days of paid sick leave
o Paid family leave
o At least 5 days of paid vacation
o Percentage of medical insurance paid by employer
o At least 5 paid holidays
o Financial retirement plan
o Tuition reimbursement
Provider should maintain the following information in each Child’s Record:
Child’s full name
Child’s Date of Birth
Date Child enrolled in the program
Other staff incentives may be acceptable benefits. Please contact your Regional Keys for assistance.
WS4-02 – SACC
7/1/14
Page 46 of 55
CLARIFICATION WORKSHEET – SACC – 7/9/14
NEXT STEPS
If you have any questions as you work toward completing the requirements for STAR 4, contact the STARS staff listed on the first page of this
packet.
When you believe that you meet the STAR 4 performance standards, make sure that you have done the following:
 Completed each of the items in the documentation column
 Completed the Staff Records Grid
 Completed the STARS Enrollment Calculation Tool
 Completed the Request for STARS Designation
 Attached your current DPW Certificate of Compliance to the Request for STARS Designation
Send the above documents to your Regional Key at the address listed on the first page of this packet.
WS4-02 – SACC
7/1/14
Page 47 of 55
CLARIFICATION WORKSHEET – SACC – 7/9/14
CAREER LATTICE CALCULATION SHEET
Reminder: Please keep in mind the following Certification regulations:
§ 3270.33 (b): At least 50% of the staff persons in a facility shall be individuals qualified and functioning as directors, group supervisors and
assistant group supervisors. No more than 50% of the staff persons may be of aide qualification level.
§ 3270.34 (d): In a facility in which 45 or fewer children are enrolled, a Director may also function as the Group Supervisor.
§ 3270.35 (e): In a facility in which more than 45 children are enrolled, a group supervisor is required for the first group of 45 enrolled
children and for each group or partial group of 45 additional enrolled children.
TEACHER / GROUP SUPERVISOR (GS)
ASSISTANT TEACHER / ASSISTANT GROUP
SUPERVISOR (AGS)
AIDE
Total # at Facility __________ (A)
Total # at Facility __________ (A)
Total # at Facility __________ (A)
Total # at Career Lattice Level V+ _____ (B)
Total # at Career Lattice Level VI+ _____ (C)
Total
Total
Total
Total
Total # at Career Lattice Level I+ _____ (B)
Total # at Career Lattice Level II+ _____ (C)
B ÷ A = ______ X 100 = ________ % (D)
C ÷ A = ______ X 100 = ________ % (E)
 STAR 2 - D equals at least 50%
 STAR 3 - D equals 100%
 STAR 4 - E equals at least 50%
#
#
#
#
at
at
at
at
Career
Career
Career
Career
Lattice
Lattice
Lattice
Lattice
Level
Level
Level
Level
II+ _____ (B)
III+ _____ (C)
IV+ _____ (D)
V+ _____ (E)
B ÷ A = ______ X 100 = _______ % (F)
C ÷ A = ______ X 100 = _______ % (G)
D ÷ A = ______ X 100 = _______ % (H)
E ÷ A = ______ X 100 = _______ % (I)





STAR
STAR
STAR
STAR
STAR
2
3
3
4
4
-
B ÷ A = _____ X 100 = _________ % (D)
C ÷ A = _____ X 100 = _________ % (E)
 STAR 2 - D equals 100%
 STAR 3 - E equals at least 25%
 STAR 4 - E equals at least 50%
F equals at least 50%
G equals at least 75%
H equals at least 25%
H equals at least 50%
I equals at least 25%
Director’s Signature: ______________________________________________________________ Date: ___________________
Career Lattice Calculation Sheet
7/1/14
CLARIFICATION WORKSHEET – SACC – 7/9/14
STAFF RECORDS GRID – STAR 4
Instructions: This form will assist you in completing the STARS Worksheet – STAR 4. You will notice that there is a letter at the top of each
column. These letters appear throughout the STARS Worksheet – STAR 4. Use this grid to track the professional development (PD) needs of
your staff. Where the staff has completed an item on the grid, please indicate the item is complete by filling in the appropriate information in
the box. Make copies of this form for additional staff.
A
Employee Name
Example: Jane Doe
B
Date of
Hire
1/1/04
C
Position
Title*
T
D
Part or
Full
Time
FT
E
F
G
H
I
J
Current Education Level
Enrolled In (Enrd) or Attained (Attd)
CDA/CCP
AA
BA/BS
Enrd Attd Enrd Attd Enrd Attd


1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
9
10
DES-03 – Staff Records Grid
7/1/14
Page 1 of 2
K
Career
Lattice
Level
L
M
N
O
P
List
Expiration
Date
List Number of Annual Clock
Hours Completed
Needs Annual
New
in PDR Prof Dev
Staff
Plan
Orienta- Pediatric
Yes
Or
tion
First Aid
Expiration
No
VI



6/30/12
Director
27
Annual
Hours
Teacher/
Asst
Teacher
24 Annual
Hours
26
Aide
15
Annual
Hours
CLARIFICATION WORKSHEET – SACC – 7/9/14
* Position Titles: D = Director; T = Teacher/Group Supervisor; AT = Assistant Teacher/Assistant Group Supervisor; A = Aide.
DES-03 – Staff Records Grid
7/1/14
Page 2 of 2
CLARIFICATION WORKSHEET – SACC – 7/9/14
STAFF RECORDS GRID – STAR 4 (continued)
Instructions: This is the second page of the Staff Records Grid – STAR 4. Place the same employee in line #1 as you placed on the first page
of this form. Where the staff has completed an item on the grid, please indicate the item is complete by filling in the appropriate information
in the box. Make copies of this form for additional staff.
A
Employee Name
Example: Jane Doe
Q
List Date of
Professional
Development
R
S
T
List Date of Professional Development**
U
2 Annual Hours of
Health & Safety
Child
Observation
Inclusive
Practices
ERS
Curriculum
2/15/12
6/25/12
3/1/12
2/5/12
4/25/12
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
9
10
** A professional development course must be taken annually in at least one of the topic areas.
DES-03 – Staff Records Grid
7/1/14
Page 3 of 2
V
W
(Teacher/Asst Teacher)
List Date of Professional Development**
Program or Child
Assessment
Learning
Standards
5/15/12
X
# of Professional
Growth Activities
2