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).
2019 Market Rate Survey
Dec. 17, 2020: The Pennsylvania Office of Child Development and Early Learning (OCDEL) has released the 2019 Child Care Market Rate Survey (MRS) Report, a collection and analysis of prices charged by child care providers in an open market, where the parent/guardian and provider do not have a relationship that could affect the price charged. The MRS will guide state agencies, such as OCDEL, in setting payment rates within the context of market conditions so the rates are sufficient to provide equal access. Read more.
DHS CARES Act-Round 3 Final Reporting Update
Dec. 17, 2020: Child care providers have reported delays in accessing login and password assistance or have not received an email notifying them of the need to login and complete the CARES Act Round 3 reporting survey. The Early Learning Resource Centers (ELRC), OCDEL staff and Department of Human Services IT specialists have been working to respond to those concerns and will continue to assist providers with any issues they may experience with completion of the report. Read more.
Reminder: Obtain New or Renewed FBI Clearances Before Dec. 31 Deadline
Dec. 17, 2020: The Department of Human Services (DHS) issued a final reminder to people needing Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) criminal history background checks as a condition of employment to obtain this clearance ahead of the December 31 deadline. All individuals required to obtain additional clearances, including the Pennsylvania State Police Criminal Record Check and the Pennsylvania Child Abuse History Clearance, must still obtain these clearances prior to employment. Both of these clearances can be obtained online. Read more.
Public Comment Period on Proposed Amendments to Chapter 49 (Regulation #6-346) 
Dec. 18, 2020: The State Board of Education’s proposed rulemaking #6-346, containing proposed amendments to Chapter 49 (Certification of Professional Personnel), was published in the Pennsylvania Bulletin on Dec. 19, 2020. The Board will accept written comments on the proposed rulemaking for a 30-day period beginning on the date of publication in the Pennsylvania Bulletin. Comments should be submitted to [email protected] or State Board of Education, 333 Market Street, 1st Floor, Harrisburg, PA 17050. Access the Dec. 19, 2020, edition of the Pennsylvania Bulletin.
Public Comment Period Now Open for FY 2022-2024 CCDF State Plan
The Office of Child Care (OCC) has announced the opening of the second public comment period for the FY 2022-2024 CCDF State Plan. Available is the revised Plan Preprint, as well as a copy of the Federal Register announcement. This second Public Comment Period provides an opportunity for you to submit comments directly to the Office of Management and Budget (OMB). Read more.