Philosophy: At Teddy Bear College, Inc. we are guided by the principle of developmentally appropriate practice. Our staff embraces the view that each child is a unique person with an individual pattern and timing of social, emotional, physical, and intellectual development. Our center offers a “hands on” approach to learning. This style of early childhood education is designed to foster creativity and expanded self-expression. Teddy Bear College, Inc. teachers manifest their respect for children by encouraging them to think for themselves, make decisions, work toward their own solutions, and express their own ideas and feelings. We are grounded in traditional and well-established early childhood educational philosophies. Learning occurs in an inquiring, cooperative, nurturing atmosphere. Students increase their own knowledge through self- and teacher-initiated experiences.

 

 

PA Keystone STARS Program: Keystone STARS is an initiative of the Office of Child Development and Early Learning (OCDEL) to improve, support, and recognize the continuous quality improvement efforts of early learning programs in Pennsylvania.

The Keystone STARS Performance Standards provide the foundation for the program.  The Performance Standards are grouped into four levels:

STAR 1, STAR 2, STAR 3, and STAR 4.

Each level builds on the previous level and utilizes research-based best practices to promote quality early learning environments and positive child outcomes. The standards address staff qualifications and professional development, the early learning program, partnerships with family and community, and leadership and management.

Keystone STARS is managed through a partnership of the Office of Child Development and Early Learning (OCDEL) and the Pennsylvania and Regional Keys.

National Association of the Education of Young Children (NAEYC): The National Association for the Education of Young Children (NAEYC) is a professional membership organization that works to promote high-quality early learning for all young children, birth through age 8, by connecting early childhood practice, policy, and research. We advance a diverse, dynamic early childhood profession and support all who care for, educate, and work on behalf of young children.

 

 

Child Care Works: 

The subsidized child care program helps low-income families pay their child care fees. The state and federal governments fund this program, which is managed by the Early Learning Resource Center (ELRC) office located in your county.

If you meet the guidelines:

  • The ELRC will pay a part of your child care cost. This is called a subsidy payment.
  • You will pay a part of the cost. This is called the family co-pay.
  • The subsidy payment and the family co-pay go directly to the child care program.

NOTE: If your child care subsidy does not pay the full amount that your child care program charges, the provider may ask you to pay the difference between the subsidy payment and their private charges.