At the December 8^th Provider Committee meeting 24 childcare practitioners convened at the Childspace West Daycare Center to discuss issues and questions regarding the Keystone STARS program. The meeting featured Southeastern Regional Key (SERK) Director Jennifer Friedman who provided attendees with information and answers for questions and concerns. Among the chief concerns raised by providers in attendance were a center’s eligibility for, and their use of, Keystone STARS grants. Friedman warned those at the meeting that SERK is enforcing existing rules that were not strictly enforced in the past.  One example is the Key is not allowing Keystone STARS grants to be used for any existing staff benefits such as health insurance but only new benefits. She stated that grants are not intended to cover a center’s operating costs, but only to supplement any quality-improving measures. Another issue raised was eligibility for Keystone STARS, at which point Friedman stated that facilities that owe money to the state in taxes or have a lien against their business due to federal tax liability are not eligible for grants or participation in the Keystone STARS program.  She encouraged the practitioners to contact Amanda Atkinson at the Key with any questions about their grants (aatkinson@phmc.org or 267.773.4403).  Friedman was clear that the Key did not have any authority over state policy, but could only share concerns.  Office of Child Development and Early Learning (OCDEL) has the authority to change policies.

The meeting concluded with some discussion about the federal and state budgets’ effects on the childcare community and committees volunteering to do follow up work.  For more information about this, or other provider committee meetings, contact the Childspace office at (215) 842-3050.