Keystone STARS Legislation Advances in Senate

June 9, 2026

HARRISBURG – Legislation seeking to update Pennsylvania’s existing Keystone STARS system for families utilizing childcare services passed the Senate Aging and Youth Committee today, according to the measure’s sponsors, Reps. Tom Mehaffie (R-Dauphin) and Jared Solomon (D-Philadelphia).

Mehaffie and Solomon have long championed the program that assigns early learning programs a rating of STAR1 to STAR4 based on assessments of the learning environment, staff education, management and community partnerships.

To further their work with Keystone STARS, the representatives wrote House Bill 1600 to encourage centers to place the rating on their doors and websites as well as help individual providers be recognized for years of on-the-job experience during their assessments. The bill passed the House in July 2025.

“I’m thankful our colleagues on the Senate committee recognized the value in this initiative. Families want to be assured their young children are in safe, supportive environments,” Mehaffie said.

House Bill 1600 now goes to the full Senate for its consideration.

“We need quality childcare centers and childcares need quality workers. There are folks like teachers who have worked with kids for years. Let’s count their work experience toward the quality of our childcare and improve outcomes for kids,” Solomon said.

Representative Thomas L. Mehaffie III
106th Legislative District
Pennsylvania House of Representatives
Media Contact: Jennifer Fitch
717-260-6563
jfitch@pahousegop.com
RepMehaffie.com / Facebook.com/RepMehaffie