Welcome to the ECE Recap where you can find the
most recent and important information from the
Pennsylvania Office of Child Development and Early Learning (OCDEL).
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Update of Suspension of Various Regulatory Provisions
Per Act 21 of 2021, the suspension of various regulatory provisions under the state disaster emergency declaration will expire on Sept. 30, 2021. A list of the regulations suspended in whole or in part and their current status is available on the Department of Human Services (DHS) website here. Please continue to watch the DHS webpage for additional updates as we get closer to Sept. 30, 2021.
In addition to these regulations, some regulations have been reinstated. Those regulations are also designated in the list on the DHS website.
Please note the Sept. 30, 2021, expiration date only affects state regulations suspended under the state disaster emergency declaration. Federal flexibilities provided under the federal public health emergency will remain in place as long as the federal public health emergency remains in effect. On July 19, 2021, the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) extended the federal public health emergency to Oct. 17, 2021 (90 days). Please visit www.phe.gov/emergency regularly for updates on the federal public health emergency. Additionally, in a letter to state governors dated Jan. 22, 2021, the HHS Secretary indicated the department will provide states with 60-days’ notice before terminating the federal declaration.
As we move closer to Sept. 30, 2021, if there are special instructions on the reimplementation of any of the suspended regulations, additional guidance will be provided. Additionally, specific questions may be submitted to your Regional Certification Office. Your patience through this process is appreciated. Thank you for your work and continued service to Pennsylvania throughout the pandemic.
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Two Opportunities Remain for ELRC Listening Sessions
Two dates remain to participate in an Early Learning Resource Center (ELRC) Listening Session. The 90-minute session provides opportunities for early childhood education providers to share feedback on what is working with ELRC model and any gaps in the current system of ELRCs.
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Rental and Utility Assistance Available Now
The Emergency Rental Assistance Program (ERAP) is available for renters of residential properties who are at risk of eviction or utility shutoffs due to hardship caused by the COVID-19 pandemic. Landlords can apply for assistance on behalf of tenants and receive assistance directly if the tenant is eligible. ERAP is an unprecedented investment in the health and well-being of entire communities, but it cannot help if you do not apply. If you are in need of assistance, don’t wait. Apply today. Read more.
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Time Remains to Participate with the ARTIC Survey
Early childhood education (ECE) Administrators or Supervisors, working with or supporting children ages 0 through 8 and their families, can participate in the Attitudes Towards Trauma-Informed Care (ARTIC) Survey to help guide statewide decision making around workforce development and early childhood mental health resources on trauma-informed care. Join the Zoom call on Aug. 18, 2021, for more info, or sign up to participate. Make an impact.
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Video Demo of Keystone STARS Designation System
On Oct. 1, 2021, the new process for Keystone STARS pre-designation and designation applications launches in Pennsylvania's Professional Development (PD) Registry. Watch the video to help prepare for this transition. Get more info about the streamlined Keystone STARS Designation System, including what you should do now to prepare.
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Vaccine Recommendations While Pregnant and Breastfeeding
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recommends the COVID-19 vaccination for all people aged 12 years and older, including people who are pregnant, breastfeeding, trying to get pregnant now, or might become pregnant in the future. Pregnant and recently pregnant people are more likely to get severely ill with COVID-19 compared with non-pregnant people. Getting a COVID-19 vaccine can protect from severe illness from COVID-19. Please share this info with your staff and the families you serve and visit the CDC website for more info.
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Infant Early Childhood Mental Health Consultation (IECMHC) Virtual Office Hours
If you're an early childhood education professional who needs support with a child who is struggling with behavior, attachment, peer relationships or emotion regulation, or need help with self-care, stress, and coping for teachers and families, consider Infant Early Childhood Mental Health Consultation (IECMHC) Virtual Office Hours. Get more info.
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