Some good news! Baring House Crisis Nursery has achieved Keystone STAR Level 1 which assures quality is foremost in its programming and planning. With the support of colleagues and mentors in the West Philadelphia Action For Early Learning (AFEL), Baring House achieved this milestone and is on its way to achieve STAR 2.
AFEL promotes early childhood education which includes strengthening the capacity of child care centers in preparing children for kindergarten and for reading by third grade. The West Philadelphia Action for Early Learning Initiative (AFEL) is a collaboration of social service agencies, education institutions and community stakeholders working together to create an education support system for students and families in the West Philadelphia Promise Zone.
AFEL’s Alliance of Childcare Providers were given a presentation on the new STARS standards by South East Regional Keys (SERK) Coordinator Betsy Vassallo, along with Quality Coaches Jasmine Auguste and Kamiesha Vann. The Alliance of Childcare Providers included community leaders such as Youth Service, Inc.’s Crisis Nursery Manager, Leslie Rinehart (pictured second from the left). This presentation highlighted the ongoing partnership with SERK, including DVAEYC colleagues Sherilynn Kimble and Kendra Thomas.