Through Pennsylvania's quality rating improvement system, Keystone STARS, the Bureau of Policy and Professional Development develops and implements standards for early learning programs and professionals.
The goal is to improve the quality of early learning for young children, and provide financial supports and technical assistance for programs and professionals. The Bureau is also responsible for establishing and maintaining the rules, regulations, and procedures for the subsidized child care program, Child Care Works. Both programs are managed at the regional level through grantees known as the Early Learning Resource Centers (ELRCs).