Stay and Play provides many choices each day that are developmentally appropriate and meet the needs of the school age children we serve. We strongly believe that through play, children can learn the life skills needed to succeed. Our learning activities follow the PA Early Learning Standards and PA Academic Standards. In this child-centric environment, children can grow emotionally, intellectually, physically and socially. Our activities are in the areas of Science, Math, Physical Fitness, Literacy, Social and Emotional Development, Creativity and Social Outreach. Daily activity schedules are posted outside of each classroom.
Class Ratio
Class ratio can vary depending on enrollment. The ratio for school age children with mixed ages is 12 students to 1 teacher, per PA DHS regulations.
Keystone STARS Child Care Quality Initiative
Keystone STARS is a voluntary program where participating child care centers work to achieve a star rating, ranging from one to four stars, based on meeting certain quality criteria. Each star-rated center uses qualified teachers, age appropriate curriculum and learning environments, and forms partnerships with both the family and the community to earn their star rating. The STARS program benefit the state’s youngest learners, serving about 170,000 children across Pennsylvania in nearly 4,500 child care centers. Parents also benefits from Keystone STARS. When children have access to quality, reliable early care and education, parents can continue to work and build job skills, and as a result, experience up to a 30 percent long-term earnings increase throughout their careers.
There are 4 STAR levels, each with increasing requirements. Stay and Play is currently a STAR Level 3 program. Click here to learn more about the Keystone STARS program.
Count the STARS! As programs move up the STARS ladder, they meet higher quality standards. For example:
- Teacher requirements increase: At STAR 2, half of lead teachers have an Associate’s degree in early childhood education. At STAR 3, all lead teachers have at least an Associate’s degree. At STAR 4, half of lead teachers have a Bachelor’s degree; the rest have an Associate’s degree.
- Classroom quality increases: At STAR 1, programs have the PA Early Learning Standards on hand. At STAR 2, programs also use a standardized tool (Environment Rating Scale – ERS) to evaluate and improve their classroom and learning activities. At STAR 3 and 4, programs also receive an independent evaluation using the ERS tool.
- Family communication increases: At STAR 1, families meet with the teacher when the child enrolls. At STAR 2, teachers also provide daily updates on the child’s activities and hold one teacher conference each year. At STAR 3 & 4, teachers also hold a second teacher conference each year.
To learn more, visit http://www.papromiseforchildren.com.