Growing with Grace Christian Preschool has received a STAR 2 quality rating from Pennsylvania’s Keystone STARS program.

The preschool is a ministry of the Grace Lutheran Church at 79 Mechanic St.

“Our designation as a Keystone STAR 2 program tells parents that their children are in a safe and supportive environment where they can learn new things every day and be prepared to start school ready to learn,” said Leeanne Cuddy, director.

To achieve a STAR 2 rating, the preschool had 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.

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 additional resources through support grants and merit awards to support continued quality improvements. 

Cuddy said the preschool offers “developmentally appropriate curriculum” spanning from infants six weeks of age through preschool 3-year-olds and Pre-K 4- and 5-year-olds. The “High Scope” curriculum, which has been used in many preschools for more than 40 years, is a research-based program. It is considered an “active participatory learning curriculum” where both the child and teacher take part in learning through play and direct experiences, she said.