Middle Bucks Institute of Technology’s on-site Childcare Center l, Lil’ Bucks Partners in Learning, has earned a 4 STAR rating from Pennsylvania’s Keystone STARS rating system, the highest rating possible. Keystone STARS gives families a tool to gauge the quality of early learning programs and informs parents that their children are in a safe, respectful environment. Childcare and Head Start programs earn a STAR 1 to STAR 4 level. At each level, programs must meet certain quality standards in four key areas: staff education, learning environment, leadership/management, and family/community partnerships. The higher the STAR level, the higher the quality standards.
Since the inception of the Keystone STARS program in 2002, the Performance Standards have been the bedrock of the program. The standards are guided by the principle that quality early learning programs are the foundation for children’s success, and investment in the early care and education of Pennsylvania’s children is an investment in the future. The Keystone STARS Performance Standards reflect research-based practices to improve outcomes for children. The standards are organized into four STAR levels that build upon each other in order to support continuous quality improvement. When a program meets the Performance Standards for a STAR level, they receive the mark of quality, a STAR designation.
The Performance Standards for Keystone STARS quality-rated providers are guided by the principle that quality early learning programs are the foundation for children’s success. Additionally, an investment in the early care and education of Pennsylvania’s children is an investment in the future. A vital part of Pennsylvania’s early learning system, Keystone STARS works with programs, such as Head Start, school-aged programs, and programs certified by the Department of Human Services.
Lil’ Bucks origin began in 1990 with the opening of Middle Bucks Preschool in collaboration with the start of a new program called Occupational Child Development for high school students interested in careers in education. In 2005, the preschool became its own separate business known as “Li’l Bucks Partners in Learning” and expanded to offer full-time childcare services. Li’l Buck also became accredited as a Keystone STAR 3.
In 2015, Li’l Bucks celebrated 10-years of providing quality childcare services to families such as on-site physical and speech therapy, head start services, and tuition assistance for low income families. Li’l Bucks’ ongoing mission is to incorporate age appropriate curriculum, which is adapted for the developmental needs of children between eighteen months and five years old. Children are engaged in a variety of play and learning experiences to enhance their intellectual, social, emotional, moral, and physical growth.
High quality early learning programs offer children a stimulating, nurturing environment which should help prepare children for school and to reach their full potential. Quality environments provide a stimulating, loving atmosphere in which children thrive. MBIT’s Li’l Bucks childcare center is striving to provide exceptional care to the young minds of our community!