Child Care Quality Improvement Programs in Philadelphia and Southeastern PA
Our Early Education Quality Improvement Program provides tailored strength-based coaching to center- and home-based child care providers to improve the quality of their programs. Through collaborative coaching and professional learning, programs build on their existing practices to move toward higher levels of quality recognized by the Keystone STARS system, progressing from STAR 2 to STAR 3 and 4
Aspire to Inspire
An initiative of the Kimble Group, Aspire to Inspire is designed to walk alongside Keystone STAR 1 programs as they grow toward achieving STAR 2. Intentionally aligned to ensure that programs can seamlessly continue their journey through E.Q.U.I.P, The program creates a clear and supportive pathway for ongoing quality enhancement.
Nurture Through Nature, funded by PNC Foundation, supports early childhood program in Southwest Philadelphia in weaving nature-based learning into everyday experiences. By fostering joyful, developmentally appropriate connections with the natural world, the program helps children cultivate curiosity, resilience, and a sense of belonging in their environment. Educators are supported with coaching and training that honors the unique strengths of their programs and communities, ensuring nature-based practices are both culturally responsive and sustainable.
News
Frequently Asked Questions About Child Care Quality Improvement
What Are Child Care Quality Improvement Programs?
Child care quality improvement programs help early childhood providers strengthen classroom practices, leadership, learning environments, program administration, and other areas that contribute to high-quality early learning. First Up provides tailored support for center-based and home-based child care programs throughout Philadelphia and Southeastern Pennsylvania.
How Does First Up Help Programs Improve Their Keystone STARS Rating?
First Up works with eligible programs through coaching, professional learning, and individualized support designed to help providers strengthen program quality and progress within Pennsylvania’s Keystone STARS system. Depending on the program, support may focus on movement from STAR 1 to STAR 2 or from STAR 2 toward STAR 3 or STAR 4.
What Is EQUIP?
EQUIP, the Early Education Quality Improvement Program, is a no-cost initiative that supports Philadelphia early childhood education programs at STAR 2 as they work toward STAR 3 or STAR 4 designation. The program includes strength-based coaching, professional learning, quality improvement funds, classroom observation opportunities, mentoring, and professional learning communities.
Programs interested in this pathway can learn more about EQUIP.
Does First Up Support STAR 1 Child Care Programs?
Yes. Aspire to Inspire is designed to support Keystone STAR 1 programs as they work toward STAR 2. The initiative creates a pathway for continued quality improvement and can help prepare programs to continue into EQUIP as they advance through the Keystone STARS system.
Does First Up Provide Coaching as Part of Quality Improvement?
Yes. Coaching is a central part of First Up’s quality improvement work. Coaches work collaboratively with educators and program leaders to build on existing strengths, identify goals, and apply new strategies over time.
Programs looking for broader individualized support can also explore First Up’s Coaching services.
Are Quality Improvement Programs Available for Home-Based Child Care Providers?
Some First Up quality improvement services support both center-based and home-based child care providers. Home-based educators who need additional professional, operational, or business support can also explore First Up’s Home-Based Child Care Services.
Does First Up Offer Quality Improvement Support Beyond Keystone STARS?
Yes. Quality improvement can also involve strengthening educator practice, leadership capacity, learning environments, family engagement, and specialized approaches to early learning. For example, Nurture Through Nature helps early childhood programs in Southwest Philadelphia integrate nature-based learning through training and personalized coaching.
Where Does First Up Provide Child Care Quality Improvement Support?
First Up supports early childhood programs in Philadelphia and throughout Southeastern Pennsylvania. Individual quality improvement initiatives may have more specific geographic or Keystone STARS eligibility requirements.