STARS 

KEYSTONE STARS EARLY LEARNING

What Is STARS

Keystone STARS is an accreditation system that recognizes and supports early learning programs committed to continuous quality improvement. It is grounded in a whole-child approach, strong and responsive educators, and meaningful partnerships between families, schools, and communities to support every child’s growth and development.

How It Works

FCE provides comprehensive, ongoing support to schools throughout the licensing process and beyond, guiding them through documentation requirements, inspections, staffing clearances, and facility preparation with clarity and confidence.

Why It Matters

Keystone STARS certification builds family trust by demonstrating a program’s commitment to high standards in safety, teaching, and child development, while also strengthening enrollment by making programs more competitive and accessible to subsidy eligible families. It ensures that Catholic early education is not only faith-centered, but also grounded in proven, high-quality practices that support the whole child.

    For More Information

    Please contact Katherine Stansbury

      Program Benefits

      • Provide families with a way to choose a high quality ECE program
      • Eligible to accept ELRC funding for qualified families
      • Program Grants and Awards

      Testimonials

      “I had heard a lot of misinformation about the process of becoming a Keystone STARS program, so I was especially grateful for the guidance we received from Katherine Stansbury at the Foundation for Catholic Education. Katherine was pivotal in helping us understand the requirements and navigate each step, from the initial application to preparing for the inspection.  Thanks to her support, we approached the process with much more confidence and were awarded our first STAR this year!  Earning our first Keystone STAR was meaningful affirmation of the quality care and early learning environment we provide for our youngest students and for those students who use our before school or after school programming. We’re so grateful for the support of Katherine and The Foundation for Catholic Education!”

      ~Jennifer Durkin, Principal St. Joseph/St. Robert School

      “Under the directive of the Foundation of Catholic Education, Assumption BVM School began the Keystone STARS process about two years ago.  While the process of obtaining DHS Certification -Star 1 was tedious, the Foundation of Catholic Education provided a strong support system for Assumption BVM School.  Katherine Stansbury, the Keystone Coordinator for the Foundation of Catholic Education, provided ongoing communication and in-person walk-throughs.  Katherine made sure to answer any questions or concerns in a timely manner and provide resources when more clarification was needed.  Holding monthly Early Learning meetings with other schools going through the same process within the Archdiocese of Philadelphia allowed Assumption BVM to build partnerships.  We learned creative ways to implement, not only the Keystone Stars Standards, but also how to effectively implement the DHS Regulations. 

      Implementing both the DHS Regulations and Keystone Stars Standards has formalized Assumption BVM School’s Preschool Program.  We also benefited from access to information from a strong network with other Preschools in the community and the Archdiocese of Philadelphia.  Assumption BVM School continues to create a strong faith-filled learning environment with the dedication and support of the Foundation of Catholic Education and Keystone Stars Coordinator, Katherine Stansbury.”

      ~ Megan Hardy, DHS Coordinator, Assumption BVM

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      What Does A Child Need To Thrive?

      Every day in Catholic schools across the Archdiocese of Philadelphia, children discover who they are becoming. They learn kindness, courage, curiosity, and a sense of purpose. They encounter teachers who know them, believe in them, and nurture their gifts.

      Our Mission

      We promote and support the growth, vitality, and sustainability of Catholic elementary schools in the Archdiocese of Philadelphia so every child can access an education that forms both hearts and minds.

       

      Foundation for Catholic Education

      1373 Enterprise Drive
      West Chester, PA 19380
      484-790-8042