Mid-State Regional Key
A Leader In Community Services
Greetings!

Welcome to the Mid-State Regional Key STARS Newsletter!!
Check out our MSRK Contact List & Facebook Page !!
Program Observation Instrument Overview

The Program Quality Assessment team has created one page flyers that provide some more information on each of the individual tools, in addition to the two page overview of all of the tools. View the POI Resources Flyer for training resources, and visit the Program Observation Tool page of the PA Keys website to learn more about each tool.
Rising STARS Grant Applications due October 5th!

All active Keystone STAR 1 child care certified early care providers who are actively working on a Continuous Quality Improvement (CQI) plan that includes moving up to a STAR 2 in a reasonable amount of time. Also eligible are active STAR 2 providers who received the Rising STARS Support Grant and successfully moved from STAR 1 to STAR 2 as well as STAR 2 providers who have received the maximum amount of Merit Awards (three) but who now are positioned to move to a STAR 3 or 4. Finally, SACC only certified providers WILL also be included as an eligible program. To be eligible, providers may not receive more than two previous support grants (including the previous Rising STARS Support Grants) unless they successfully moved from STAR 1 to STAR 2 using the Rising STARS Support Grant. Eligibility exclusions include STARS Head Start, PA Pre-K Counts, Private Academic Schools (PDE licensed preschool) and School District Pre-K.

Family child care programs may apply for up to $2,000 and centers & group child care programs may apply for up to $5,000. 

WHEN IS MY APPLICATION DUE?  All Rising STARS Support Grant Applications must be postmarked or received via email no later than  Thursday, October 5, 2017  for eligibility and consideration.



Family Conferences & Behavior - Kim Alloway

In addition to annual or semi-annual reviews and family/teacher conferences, we sometimes need to meet with families and teachers to discuss challenges that may be occurring. Please check out this resource – “ Talking With Families about Problem Behaviors” and think about using it as a blueprint when having your meetings. 
Time to Shine! - Rhea Simmons

This year’s Lights on After-school Celebration is October 26, 2017.  Lights on After-school is an annual initiative where after-school programs across the country take the time to celebrate the great things after-school programs do to support children, communities and families. Many after-school programs in our area host Lights On After-school events as a way to raise awareness of the vital role after-school programs play in the development of children, to develop partnerships with schools and community organizations, and to advocate for support of after school, school, summer and out of school time programs.
If you haven’t started planning your Lights On After-school event, it is not too late. Planning your event does not need to be difficult or time consuming. To register your event, and for successful strategies used by other programs, go to the After-school Alliance. You can also get planning tips and other information by viewing the Lights On After-school Training webinar, hosted by PSAYDN. 
21-Day Reading Challenge!

Join the Read Aloud 15 Minutes campaign for their 21-day challenge. Beginning on October 2, 2017, and continuing throughout the month, this campaign challenges parents and caregivers to include 15 minutes of reading aloud in their daily routine for 21 days straight. Families can keep track of their progress on the 21-Day Tracker and use the tips from the 21-Day Content Calendar . Both of these are available in English and Spanish.  

Other resources available at the Read Aloud website include a Parent Handout, Bookmark and posters. Information for posting on social media is included in the Parent Handout and can be used by your staff as well. Visit the site today and help spread the word to promote reading aloud every day!
Integrity, Confidentiality & Code of Conduct - Shared Source PA

Employees that act professionally, maintain confidentiality, and adhere to strong ethical standards are key to the integrity of your program. Set these expectations clearly for new and seasoned, current staff. Use the tools and guidance on SharedSourcePA to start this important conversation:

  • Confidentiality Video
  • NAEYC Ethical Code of Conduct
  • Head Start Code of Conduct
  • Professionalism and the Use of Technology
  • Social Media Policy
Join us for a STARS Networking Meeting!        Email to RSVP  

Family & Group Provider Workgroup    September 28th from 6:30-8:30 pm at Panera in State College -   with Elizabeth

ERS Workgroup  September 28th from 6:30-8:00 at Mexitaly, 2440 East Market Street in York  - with Jen

Program Observation Instrument Overview October 4th from 9:30-11:30 at United Way York - with Carrie & Kitty

Moving up in STARS October 11th from 9-11 at Messiah Daycare in Elliotsburg - with Michaelle

Other Community Meetings & Events  

ECE Coalition Meeting October 11th at 1:00 at BLAST IU in Canton. RSVP here

Kindergarten Transition Conference  October 26th   in Harrisburg Register Here

PennSACCA Conference November 10th & 11th in Harrisburg Register Here

Family Engagement Conference November 14th in Harrisburg Register Here
Professional Development Updates   

Professional Development Highlights

Credentials & Higher Education
Thank you for all you do for children, families, and your community by being part of the STARS program!
Sincerely,
Mid-State Regional Key/Child Care Consultants
(717) 854-2273 or (800) 864-4925    info@childcareconsultants.org