Dear Reader,

Below is an article about how investments in United Way are making a difference in the lives of individuals in our area. We are proud to share

with you this week an article about United Way's commitment to providing resources for those who need the mostsupport in our community.

Mt. Pleasant Childcare Provider Works Hard for Her STARS

Shirley Hough, member of United Way of Westmoreland County's School Readiness transition team, is taking her Mt. Pleasant Family

Childcare to a new level and new center.  Shirley has been established as a childcare provider for the past 21 years along with support from

United Way's quality improvement School Readiness grants.

Family-based childcare providers work in-home, providing childcare for up to 15 students.  Her center-based childcare can welcome more

students and offer a wider range of programs.  Both types qualify for Keystone STARS, Pennsylvania's quality improvement program that

promotes a higher quality of services and education of staff.

Shirley's family-based childcare is currently at STAR level 2 and is steadily working for STAR 3 of the 4 STAR level program.  "We'll start

over on STARS in the new building," Shirley says.  She opens the center in early December, but the STAR level Shirley has built up does not

automatically transfer to her new facility. She has to earn her STAR level again as she expands to a new category of service provider.

Shirley Hough sits in "Our Buddy's Place," named in memory of two

grandchildren, Austin Hough and Baby Bates, who passed away.  A special place

in the new center will include "Mr. Jack" Wagner, who was adopted four years

ago.

To create a smooth transition to a larger facility, Shirley is working to inform

and prepare her children and their families. "We're going to take them over to the

new building and let them see what it's going to be like," Shirley said, adding,

"It's going to be difficult for them, they are used to being in a home, not divided

in different rooms [like the center]." Throughout the process, the shift to center-

based childcare has been fully supported by the parents of Shirley's students.”

The new center will provide childcare for children ranging in ages from birth to

12 years, just like Shirley's current family-based care.  An advantage of center-

based care is the ability to divide students by age to suit different curricula; an

advantage that is possible with additional space and staffing.  During the transition,

Shirley has hired four new staff members who are being oriented to the standards

established by Keystone STARS.

Through a partnership between United Way of Westmoreland County and Penn

State Cooperative Extension-Westmoreland County, Shirley has been able to take

advantage of United Way’s School Readiness support and programs. With her new

center just weeks away from opening its doors, Shirley is going to continue her

work with United Way School Readiness, "I want United Way involved in any

way I can," Shirley says.

Your investment ensures children and families get the best childcare possible in our area. This is one success in United Way's effort in Helping

Children and Youth Succeed.

Sincerely,

Skip Glenn

United Way of Westmoreland County