The Pennsylvania Office of Child Development and Early Learning (OCDEL), Bureau of Early Learning Policy and Professional Development has released Announcement ELRC 21-11 Increase to Child Care Works Base Payment Rates. This Announcement shares information regarding an increase to base rates paid by DHS to certified child care providers participating in Child Care Works (CCW).
Effective Jan. 1, 2022, OCDEL will implement another increase to CCW subsidy base rates. The initiative includes both an increase to the 60th percentile for subsidy base rates paid to DHS certified child care providers and an increase of $1 per day for Relative Providers. This change brings Pennsylvania closer to the federal government’s recommendation of reimbursing child care providers at the 75th percentile.
Family, Group and School Age Providers Needed for ELC Subcommittee for Child Care Certification Regulation Rewrites
Because of the critical role family child care (FCC), group child care (GCC) and school age only (SAC) providers play in Pennsylvania's child care system, OCDEL is seeking additional applications for the ELC Subcommittee for Child Care Certification Regulation Rewrites from these providers. FCC, GCC and SAC providers ONLY can apply here.
Starting in early 2022 through the spring, Subcommittee members will provide direct feedback to OCDEL on a series of draft regulations. Out of respect for participants schedules and safety, meetings will be held virtually with materials shared ahead of time via email. Interested FCC, GCC and SAC providers can apply now through Wednesday, Dec. 15, 2021. Please contact Karen Grimm-Thomas (c-kgrimmth@pa.gov) with any questions.
Less than Two Months Remain to Apply for the ARPA Stabilization Grant
With the Jan. 31, 2022, application deadline fast approaching to apply to the ARPA Stabilization Grant, child care programs should apply now to ensure their applications are complete and received prior to the deadline. Available are various supports as programs prepare to submit their application.
Child Care Providers: Enrollment is Happening NOW for Pennie
The 2022 Open Enrollment Period for Pennie is happening now! Pennie is PA’s official health & dental insurance marketplace and the only link to financial assistance to help reduce the cost of coverage and care. Pennie’s Open Enrollment Period for 2022 Coverage Runs until Jan. 15, 2022. Visit pennie.com to shop and compare health coverage plans. Pennie’s plan comparison tool allows you to answer questions about your health status, preferred providers, and even prescription drug needs. The tool will then display coverage options for you to see your total costs for care, including premium, deductible, and total out-of-pocket costs. Print and share the information flyer in English or Spanish and share with your staff and families.
Lifeguard Trainings
It's never too early to think about Summer 2022. The American Red Cross offers an online search feature to locate life guard certification. If your program is one that likes to offer swimming opportunities to children during summer months, you may want to think about getting staff enrolled now to comply with 55 PA Codes 3270.115, 3280.115, or 3290.115. Visit Lifeguard Training & Certification | Red Cross for local information.
Family Friendly Newsletters for December
The December editions of family-friendly early learning newsletters have info and resources for families and early childhood education partners.
An inside look at Pennsylvania's early childhood education system with important information for those invested in early childhood education is now available in theDecember edition of the PA Early Ed News. Clickhere to subscribe.
