As an advocate for child care, I have witnessed a significant increase in high-quality child care programs over the past several years throughout Reading and Berks County. One of the primary ways quality is measured in Pennsylvania is through achieving a STAR 4 designation in Pennsylvania’s Keystone STARS Quality Rating and Improvement System.
To earn a STAR 4, a participating child care center, group family child care home, or family child care home must meet multiple standards established by the Office of Child Development and Early Learning (OCDEL) and verified through the Early Learning Resource Center (ELRC). In addition to maintaining a safe and healthy environment, providers must meet rigorous criteria related to:
- Staff qualifications and ongoing professional development
- Early childhood education programming
- Partnerships with families and communities
- Leadership and sound business management practices
Examples of these standards include maintaining an appropriate number of qualified staff educated in early care and education; selecting and implementing approved infant, toddler, and preschool curricula; investing in high-quality learning materials; following effective business practices; and actively involving parents and caregivers in their children’s growth and development.
These research-based standards are proven to benefit children and provide families with confidence when selecting care. The ELRC supports providers by offering quality coaching and technical assistance to help them achieve and maintain STAR 4 status. One important benefit of achieving STAR 4 is an additional financial supplement for providers serving children who receive subsidized care. This funding helps offset the higher costs associated with delivering high-quality programming.
As part of my advocacy role as a Start Strong PA Regional Ambassador, working in partnership with the Pennsylvania Child Care Association (PACCA), I help celebrate the achievements of centers and family child care homes that reach STAR 4 status. Over the past several years, state senators, representatives, and mayors throughout Reading and Berks County have presented commendations at recognition events honoring these accomplishments.
In recent years, many of the highest-ranked child care providers in Berks County have been Latino female- or family-owned facilities. Programs that have celebrated their STAR 4 success include:
- The White House Day Care LLC and 2 Inc
- Hadassah Children Center
- Reading Day Care Corp
- Early Beginnings
- Little Hands Curious Mind Child Care LLC
- Todayz Kidz
In February 2026, PACCA and the Start Strong PA campaign added two more Latino-owned programs to this distinguished list. Daisy Day Care LLC celebrated STAR 4 achievements at two of its locations, and Kings and Queens Early Learning Center worked diligently to attain STAR 4 status. Like several other centers, these programs made impressive progress—advancing from STAR 2 directly to STAR 4 in a relatively short period of time.
With assistance from community partners such as United Way of Berks County, leaders including Mildred Torres of Daisy Day Care LLC and Sor Angel Ferraras of Kings and Queens Early Learning Center, along with others, received coaching, modeling services, and financial support. These resources enabled staff members to meet the educational requirements necessary to achieve STAR 4 designation.
Any licensed child care provider can participate in Keystone STARS. However, achieving STAR 4 requires teamwork, dedication, and strong collaboration. Providers interested in participating can contact the Early Learning Resource Center (ELRC) for guidance and support.
Parents and caregivers can also contact ELRC or visit findchildcare.pa.gov/ to locate high-quality child care programs. The Early Learning Resource Center is located at 1138 Rockland Street in Reading and can be reached at 484-651-8000. Additional information is available at www.elrc-csc.org.
High-quality child care benefits children, families, and the entire community.
Submitted by:
Michelle Wunder, M.Ed.
Regional Ambassador
With contributions from:
Barbara Starkey, Regional Director
Community Services for Children
Early Learning Resource Center, Berks and Schuylkill Counties
Tammy White
President
United Way of Berks County
