FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

October 28, 2013

Kidz Paradise advances to a STAR 2

in Keystone STARS quality rating program

West Lawn, PA – Kidz Paradise Childcare and Learning Center boosted its rating in Pennsylvania’s Keystone STARS program and has been recognized with a STAR 2 designation. Kidz Paradise provides child care services for approximately 50 children ages 6 weeks to 12 years old.

“Our center opened in May of 2012, enrolled in the Keystone Stars program in June of 2013 and already moved up to a STAR 2 designation!  This says a lot about our program and the motivation our staff has.”  Jennifer Knee, Center Director.

To achieve a STAR 2 rating, Kidz Paradise has to meet research-based standards for program quality. For example, at least half of lead teachers in STAR 2 centers and group child care homes must have an Associate’s degree in early childhood education and an observation of each child’s development must be completed and shared with families within 45 days of enrollment.

“As a center, we worked hard to reach a STAR 2 rating so that we can enhance the quality of care for all the children we educate. It is our goal to attain a STAR 3 rating in the next 12 months.  At Kidz Paradise, we believe that a quality education in a loving atmosphere embraced with creative, fun caring teachers will provide your child with the kind of care that they would get from their own family.  We surround them with a nurturing environment in which they can grow and learn surrounded by people that care about their safety and well-being.”

Keystone STARS is a rating system that offers families a way to evaluate the quality of child care programs, so that they can make an informed decision that best suits their needs, as well as the needs of their children. As STAR levels increase from a STAR 1 through a STAR 4, so do the requirements for meeting higher standards of quality. Keystone STARS also provides training to advance staff education, technical assistance to help programs meet STAR level requirements, and targeted financial supports for continued quality improvements.

Keystone STARS quality standards build upon health and safety requirements already regulated by the Department of Public Welfare. Nearly 4,500 Keystone STARS providers are serving approximately 170,000 children from birth to age 12 in 2012-2013.

Kidz Paradise is located near the intersection of West Wyomissing Blvd and Rt. 724 in West Lawn.  “We strive to provide each and every child in our care with all the skills they will need to succeed in life.”  Kidz Paradise provides infants through school-age care.  There are certified teachers in Preschool and Pre-Kindergarten to help prepare your children for kindergarten.  For more information contact us at (610)985-0313 or check out our Facebook Page Kidz Paradise Childcare and Learning Center or our website kidzparadise.org.