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Early Childhood Education in Pennsylvania
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Thank You for Participating in the 2022 Pennsylvania Child Care Market Rate Survey
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The Pennsylvania Office of Child Development and Early Learning (OCDEL), The Pennsylvania Key, and the Institute of State and Regional Affairs at Penn State Harrisburg extend a thank you to the nearly 69% of child care facilities who participated in the 2022 Pennsylvania Child Care Market Rate Survey. The results will allow OCDEL to evaluate future child care related programming and policy decisions, including Child Care Works rate setting. Completion of the survey by Pennsylvania child care providers was a crucial component in this process.
Recently, OCDEL raised the child care base rates to the 60th percentile, as a result of the 2019 Market Rate Survey. This brings Pennsylvania closer towards the benchmark of the 75th percentile of rates recommended per the federal Office of Child Care, and sets child care subsidy payment rates at levels that provide the same access to child care services as families who purchase child care services without child care assistance or any other federal, state, or tribal programs.
The responses represented nearly 69% of child care facilities: 70% of Child care centers provided responses, with 65% of Group Child Care Homes, and nearly 64% of Family Child Care Homes providing responses.
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Pennsylvania Recipient of Success for PA Early Learners (SPEL) Grant
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Pennsylvania has been awarded an Office of Special Education Programs (OSEP) funded State Professional Development Grant. The grant, Success for PA Early Learners (SPEL), will bring $8.264 million over five years to help programs with the impact the COVID-19 pandemic has had on the most vulnerable early learners at-risk for or identified with a developmental disability. SPEL will leverage the Early Intervention Technical Assistance (EITA) and Pennsylvania Training and Technical Assistance Network (PaTTAN) systems through a joint partnership between the Office of Child Development and Early Learning's (OCDEL) Bureau of Early Intervention Services and Family Supports (BEISFS) and Pennsylvania's Department of Education's (PDE) Bureau of Special Education (BSE) to ensure the success of every child.
The overarching goal of SPEL is to create a comprehensive system of personnel development to provide training and coaching supports that will result in improved family, staff, and provider skills in routine based embedded instruction, family and school engagement, literacy, and transition. Implementation of these skills will result in improved outcomes for economically disadvantaged early learners at-risk for or identified with a developmental delay or disability.
SPEL will implement the following evidence-based practices:
- Family Guide Routines Based Intervention (school-age intervention linked to embedded instruction)
- Check & Connect (linked to school engagement)
- Enhanced Core Reading Instruction (ECRI) (school-age intervention linked to early literacy)
- PD and Coaching on Family Engagement and Transition Strategies (linked to family engagement and transition)
- Routine based intervention and embedded instruction (Early Intervention evidence-based interventions)
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Work Force Support Grant 2.0 - Applications Available Now
Application deadline Dec. 6, 2022
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The Work Force Support Grant (WFSG) 2.0 is open and intended to provide funding to eligible DHS certified child care providers for staff retention and staff recruitment purposes. WFSG is an initiative from the Office of Child Development and Early Learning (OCDEL) and was made possible through the enactment of Act 54 of 2022 and the availability of additional American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) funds.
The WFSG Application is due no later than December 6, 2022.
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Applications should be sent to the ELRC by email (preferred) or other identified methods found on the Work Force Support Grant 2.0 Application Submission document.
- Applications received at the ELRC with a postmark date after December 6, 2022, will not be eligible to apply.
- Questions about the WFSG Application should be directed to the ELRC.
- WFSG 2.0 is like the previous Work Force Support Grant released earlier this year, with significant changes to provider and staff eligibility requirements, funding categories and the availability of grant funds.
- Funding is limited and funds will be made available on a first come – first served basis to providers who complete accurate applications.
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Opportunity to Learn about Pennsylvania Pre-K Counts Prior to Full Rebid in 2023
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The Pennsylvania Department of Education (PDE), Office of Child Development and Early Learning (OCDEL) is announcing opportunities to participate in informational webinars and regional meetings to learn about the Pennsylvania Pre-K Counts (PA PKC) program.
FY 2022-2023 is the last program year for the current five-year grant cycle of the PA PKC program. In the Spring of 2023, PDE will announce a full, competitive rebid. During the rebid, all eligible providers interested in receiving a grant must apply. It is important during the application process that eligible applicants fully understand the program regulations and expectations so that informed decisions can be made regarding whether to apply.
PDE recognizes the need to provide opportunities to learn about the program and to allow time for community needs assessments and regional collaboration, therefore informational webinar sessions will be offered November 2022, through January 2023, and regional opportunities will occur in February 2023 before the official Request for Applications (RFA) is released. Learn more.
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Call for Presenters: 2023 PA Pre-K Counts and Head Start Supplemental Grantee Meeting
Application submission deadline Nov. 18, 2022
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The Pennsylvania Key, in support of Pennsylvania’s Office of Child Development and Early Learning (OCDEL), has announced the Call for Presenters for the annual Pennsylvania Pre-K Counts and Head Start Supplemental Grantee Meeting, to be held on March 8 - 9, 2023, at the Kalahari Resorts and Conventions in Poconos, PA. Presentations proposals are open that align with the theme for this year’s event, Building Bridges that Support Growth, Development and Connections. Attendees will be able to earn professional development credits including Act 48 and PA ECE Registry hours. If interested in presenting at the event, please complete and submit the online application for consideration. Deadline for application submission is by no later than Friday, Nov. 18, 2022. Presenters will be notified of acceptance by no later than Friday, Dec. 16, 2022. Get more info.
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Fingerprint Results Available via Email for DHS Applicants
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Effective October 31, 2022, Pennsylvania Department of Human Services (DHS) applicants who register under Identogo for fingerprints will now have the opportunity to receive their results electronically via email.
This opportunity only applies to results with no record. During the registration process applicants will be asked for an email address and will be asked to create a security question and a security answer. It is very important that once the user creates the security question and answer, they retain this information. Three unsuccessful logins will prevent the applicant from retrieving their results electronically. In order to prevent any unauthorized release of information their security information cannot be reset.
Shortly after their fingerprints have been taken and a result can be provided, they will receive an email. They will be advised to click on the link within the email and enter the security question and answer. If they lock themselves out of the security question and answer, the result will be transmitted by US Mail. Current mailing timelines take 7-10 business days to reach the intended destination.
When the applicant does access the results, it is important they download it, save it and print it for future needs. There will be no second access to the electronic result.
Additionally, if they registered for fingerprints on August 30, 2022, or after, and used the purpose type of employee 14 years of age or older and having contact with children, they will receive their result via email notification. An email notification will only be received after September 21, 2022, if they provided an email address and created a security question and answer.
If any result has a record associated with it, those results will not be electronically available and can only be transmitted by US Mail. Current mailing timelines take at least 7-10 business days to reach the intended destination.
All results will still be transmitted by US Mail to all applicants.
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Now Open: 2022-23 Low-Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP) Season
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The Department of Human Services (DHS) has announced the start of the annual Low-Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP) application process for the 2022-23 season. LIHEAP is a federally-funded program administered by DHS that provides assistance for home heating bills so those Pennsylvanians meeting eligibility and income guidelines can stay warm and safe during the winter months. Assistance is available for renters and homeowners.
The LIHEAP application period for both cash and crisis grants opened on November 1, 2022, and will remain open until April 28, 2023. Pennsylvanians can apply for LIHEAP and other public assistance programs online at www.compass.state.pa.us or by phone at 1-866-550-4355. On-site County Assistance Office (CAO) services are available if clients cannot access online services or need assistance that cannot be accessed through the COMPASS website, the myCOMPASS PA mobile app, or by calling the Customer Service Centers at 215-560-7226 for Philadelphia clients or 1-877-395-8930 for clients in all other counties.
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Family Leader Application for the Interstate Family Engagement Leadership Collaborative
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Please share with families this exciting opportunity to serve on the Collaborative Action for Family Engagement (CAFE). CAFE is currently recruiting family leaders for the Interstate Family Engagement Leadership Collaborative. This NEW initiative at CAFE ensures that family leaders will help shape the direction of the advisory councils in each state. As a critical partner in the field, families are invited to serve in a leadership capacity on CAFE’s Advisory Board to share their expertise to implement high-impact school, family, and community engagement strategies in Maryland and Pennsylvania.
Over the past two years, CAFE has facilitated a State Advisory Council composed of up to 40 members including early childhood, middle, and high school students, school-, local-, and state-level organizations. Families/family members make up at least 51% of its members. Family Leaders will commit to an estimated two hours a month for meetings, and compensation/reimbursement is provided for a stipend and mileage. Learn more and access the application.
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Applications Open for Youth Garden Grant
Application deadline December 2, 2022
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Since 1982, the Youth Garden Grant has supported school and youth educational garden projects that enhance the quality of life for youth and their communities. In early 2023, fifty organizations will be awarded $500 in funding and a collection of gardening supplies for their youth garden program. Any organization in the United States or US Territories planning a new or improving an existing garden program that serves at least 15 youth between the ages of 0 and 18 is eligible to apply. Application available in English and Spanish. Deadline to apply is Dec. 2, 2022.
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November 8, 2022, is the General Election
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Your vote counts, so make sure you cast your vote on Nov. 8, 2022. Polls are open on election day from 7 A.M. - 8 P.M. Nov. 8, 2022, is also the last day for County Boards of Elections to receive voted mail-in and civilian absentee ballots (must be received by 8:00 P.M.) Learn about General Elections.
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Infographic: COVID 19's Impact in Philadelphia - Shelter and Early Care and Education Programs
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During the pandemic, caregivers were less likely to discuss early childhood programs with shelter staff, and less likely to be enrolled in an early childhood program, especially high-quality ones. The findings document rates from the 12 months immediately before and 12 recent months (April 2021 through March 2022) during the COVID-19 pandemic.
BELL is a program that aims to promote resilience of young children in emergency and transitional housing by improving the developmental appropriateness of shelter while also connecting young children to early childhood programs. BELL works with shelter and early care and education systems across Philadelphia to build connections and support families. A longer report will be published soon.
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More Than 200,000 Child Care Programs in the United States Have Received ARP Stabilization Support
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The ARP Child Care Stabilization program provided a nationwide lifeline to stabilize the child care sector, supporting working parents and helping spur the economy. Child care programs operate on razor-thin margins, and the pandemic devastated the sector because of increased service costs, unstable enrollment, and a workforce shortage. The ARP Child Care Stabilization program averted a crisis of even bigger proportions by delivering financial awards to more than 200,000 child care providers with the capacity to serve 9.5 million children. Providers are using awards to help with operational costs like wages and benefits, rent and utilities, program materials and supplies, and cleaning and sanitation.
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Price of Care: 2021 Child Care Affordability
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Child Care Aware of America’s newly released report, Price of Care: 2021 Child Care Affordability, second in the series Catalyzing Growth: Using Data to Change Child Care, outlines the continuing increases in the price of child care across the United States and highlights the ongoing struggle many families face. Notable points within the report include:
- The national average price of child care was around $10,600 annually, which comprises 10% of a married-couple's average annual income and 35% of a single parent’s average annual income.
- In every state and the District of Columbia, child care prices for two children in center-based care exceeded annual rent payments.
The report shares in Pennsylvania, the average price of child care is $8,960 per year for an infant in family child care ($12,152 per year in center-based child care), and $8,499 per year for a toddler in family child care ($11.557 per year in center-based child care). In addition, in Pennsylvania:
- The median income for a married couple is $107,671, which means center-based child care for an infant would use 11% of family income.
- The median income for a single parent family is $30,439, which means center-based child care for an infant would use 40% of family income
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Overlooked but Essential: Language Access in Early Childhood Programs
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Prevalence of Chronic Diseases, Depression, and Stress Among US Child Care Professionals During the COVID-19 Pandemic
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Early care and education (ECE) professionals 2-3 months into the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic were found to have elevated rates of depression, stress, and moderate to severe asthma, according to researchers at the Yale Children and Adults Research In Early Education Study Team. The report, Prevalence of Chronic Diseases, Depression, and Stress Among US Childcare Professionals During the COVID-19 Pandemic, shares that among 81,682 ECE professionals who responded to a survey in May-June of 2020, 46% had potentially diagnosable levels of depression, 67% had moderate to high stress. There was a 20% higher asthma rate among these ECE professionals than among the general public. The reported rates of stress amongst ECE professionals were higher than estimates before the pandemic and more elevated than rates of other U.S. adults during the pandemic.
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Treating Trauma: Children’s Mental Health Report
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Traumatic experiences can upend kids’ lives. But what exactly is trauma? How does it affect children and teenagers in particular? And what can we do to lessen the impact of trauma on their mental health? The 2022 Child Mind Institute Children’s Mental Health Report shows that promising interventions can foster kids’ resilience and give them and their families the support they need to thrive.
The 2022 Children’s Mental Health Report, looks at the effects of psychological trauma on kids and reviews the evidence for treatments aimed at helping them recover. In a special supplement, find the results of a new national survey of 3,200 parents that provides deeper insight into the ways that trauma affects American families. The report and the supplement on parent perspectives are available in English and Spanish.
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One in Seven Latino Children Live with their Grandparents
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A new data snapshot from The National Research Center on Hispanic Children & Families highlights the supportive role that co-residing grandparents often play in Latino families. Data shows that one in seven Latino children—or 2.7 million—lived with a grandparent in 2019. Most Latino children who lived with a grandparent also lived with their parents. This snapshot explains that the likelihood of a child’s co-residence with a grandparent generally increases when they live with one or no parent. Among other benefits, grandparent co-residence can serve as a vital source of care and emotional support to grandchildren.
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Monthly Book Recommendations and Early Learning Activities
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Local Purchasing for Family Child Care Homes
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Farm to early care and education enriches the connection communities have with fresh, healthy food and local food producers by enhancing food purchasing and education practices in early care and education settings like family child care homes. Learn how to purchase from farmers' markets, grocery stores, food co-ops, CSAs and more with this resource from the National Farm to School Network.
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Small Bites Adventure Club teamed up with Georgia Grown to produce 12 videos featuring crop farmers. This new video series features farmers growing fruits and vegetables, STEAM and agriculture education themes. Although the videos are from Georgia, the information within is helpful for other states. The free videos and resources were created for third graders, but children of all ages will love them.
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Read Aloud 15 Fall Challenge
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Investigate the fall season with Detective Readatron-15! Read Aloud 15 has developed resources, filled with various ways children can investigate the fall season with Detective Readatron-15. These resources encourage children to explore the world around them while increasing their vocabulary and language skills. Find matching games, sensory hunts, and more printable resources using these links:
If you’re looking for new books to share with or explore with children of various ages, check out the book selections webpage. Use these resources and share them with others to help promote reading aloud every day!
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Best Day Ever! After School and School Holiday Lesson Plans
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Ever run short on time for lesson planning for your school-age students? If so, take a look at the FREE lessons designed by teachers for teachers through December 2022. These easy-to-use, standards-aligned plans are available at NO COST and offer a turnkey solution for school-age programs for after school hours and days when children are off from school. Six full-day Kids’ Day Out plans are built around high-interest themes. They include a daily schedule and lots of hands-on activities using many items teachers already have in their supply closets. Ten free after school lesson plans are also available.
To access the free plans, register here. Each themed unit features high-interest topics, engaging hands-on activities, and opportunities for children to practice concepts in science, technology, engineering, art, and math (STEAM). All lessons are aligned with PA Learning Standards and can be adapted to meet the needs and interests of individuals students.
Development of Best Day Ever! was funded in part by Community Foundation for the Alleghenies and in partnership with the Early Childhood Education (ECE) Professional Development Organization (PDO) at the Pennsylvania State System of Higher Education (PASSHE). In exchange for free access to Best Day Ever!, The Learning Lamp invites organizations to offer feedback through a survey for each lesson they use. When a survey is completed, the user will be automatically be entered into a drawing for two $100 Amazon gift cards, which will take place in January 2023.
For more information about The Learning Lamp and its Best Day Ever! Fall 2022 Free Trial, call Christy at 814-262-0732 ext. 227 or click here.
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Resources from Camille Catlett
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The October resources from Camille Catlett are now available. The October release of Natural Resources contains information on Celebrating Children’s Identities to Advance Equity and Inclusion, Using Stories to Nurture Identity, and more. The October release of Baby Talk contains information on How to Support Your Child’s Social-Emotional Health: 8 Tips for Families, What Babies Hear When You Sing to Them . . . And What Parents Gain, and more.
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