A new Pennsylvania law creates a compliance requirement for child care facilities in the Keystone STARS program—and most owners haven't heard about it yet.
Most Pennsylvania child care owners don't realize that HB1600, which passed in 2024, includes a specific requirement that affects how Keystone STARS participants communicate their accreditation status to families and the public. The provision is straightforward but represents a real administrative touchpoint that operators need to understand and plan for.
Under Section 3 of HB1600 (codified as Section 1019(a)(3)), child care facilities that participate in Pennsylvania's Keystone STARS Program are now permitted to obtain and display a department-issued placard showing their STAR rating. The placard must be displayed in a public-facing location—typically near an entrance or in a reception area where families and visitors can see it.
The law goes further by mandating that the Department of Human Services issue these placards with specific required information fields. This means the state will produce standardized placards, and facilities will need to request them, receive them, and maintain them according to departmental specifications.
This requirement applies specifically to child care facilities enrolled in the Keystone STARS Program. If your facility participates in STARS—whether you're pursuing a rating or already hold one—you should be aware of this new compliance element. Facilities not in the program are not affected.
For STARS participants, the placard requirement creates a new administrative step. You'll need to request the placard from the Department of Human Services, understand the specifications for display, and ensure it remains visible and in good condition. While this isn't a major operational burden, it's a compliance touchpoint that requires attention.
The provision becomes effective 180 days after the bill's enactment (as specified in Section 5, Page 6 of HB1600). This means facilities have a defined window to understand the requirement and prepare for implementation. The Department of Human Services will issue guidance on how to request placards and the exact specifications for display.
From a practical standpoint, the placard serves as a visible credential for families evaluating your facility. It's a tangible representation of your STARS participation and rating level. For operators, it's a compliance requirement—you'll need to obtain the placard when eligible and display it as required.
The standardized nature of the state-issued placard means consistency across all participating facilities, which supports the integrity of the STARS program itself. It also means you won't have discretion over the placard's design or content—the state will dictate those elements.
If you participate in Keystone STARS, monitor communications from the Department of Human Services for guidance on placard requests and display requirements. The 180-day implementation window gives you time to prepare, but it's worth staying informed as the effective date approaches. Confirm your facility's STARS status and eligibility, and plan for the administrative step of obtaining and displaying the placard once the department issues guidance.
For a detailed, business-focused summary of HB1600's child care provisions, contact your local child care trade association or the Department of Human Services Office of Child Development and Early Learning.