State Rep. Jared Solomon co-authored H.B. 1742, which would help families identify quality child care across Pennsylvania.
State Rep. Jared Solomon last week visited the Bustleton Learning Center, 6600 Bustleton Ave., to promote quality child care centers.
Solomon (D-202nd dist.) said that, in the last decade, the number of child care centers in the 202nd Legislative District has increased from 25 to 76.
Yet, he said, there are only five so-called “four-star” providers, as determined by the state Department of Education.
Bustleton Learning Center opened in November 2017 in a building that once housed the David G. Neuman Senior Center, which closed in 2004, and, later, two schools.
Solomon is glad to see the learning center open at Bustleton and Magee avenues, which he sees as a neighborhood anchor intersection.
Solomon co-authored H.B. 1742, which would help families identify quality child care across Pennsylvania.
The bill would require all state-licensed child care centers to post their Keystone STARS (Standards, Training/Professional Development, Assistance, Resources) rating in a prominent location on their websites, in the entrance to their facility and in informational enrollment materials given to parents.
Executive director Aliya Johnson-Roberts also owns Pratt Street Learning Center, 899 Pratt St. in Oxford Circle. That center has a four-star rating, while the Bustleton Avenue site awaits its rating.
Johnson-Roberts said the Bustleton Learning Center features experienced and passionate teachers, a full-size and recently renovated gym, a good-sized grassy yard playspace and food for the children prepared on site.
There is an active parent committee that has, among other things, voted to implement a uniform policy. The children also have an opportunity to, accompanied by staff, walk across the street to Max Myers Playground.
Johnson-Roberts welcomes the community to use the site as meeting space.
She also invites the public to attend an open house at the learning center on Thursday, Nov. 15, from 5:30 to 7:30 p.m. ••
