Dec. 15 is Next PA Pre-K Counts Application Informational Webinar

Dec. 15, 2022, is the next webinar in PA Pre-K Counts Application Information webinar series. This webinar will focus on Classroom Instructional Support. The no-cost webinar series is an opportunity to learn about the Pennsylvania Pre-K Counts (PA PKC) program for those who anticipate submitting an application in the Spring of 2023.

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. Learn more about upcoming webinars or access recordings.

December Release of PA Early Ed News

The December 2022 release of the PA Early Ed News is now available. Read the monthly e-newsletter to discover the latest developments in early childhood education and care in Pennsylvania.

Past editions are also available.

Start Planning Now for the 2023 PA Farm Show

Now's the time to start planning for the 2023 PA Farm Show. Visiting or viewing from afar, PA's Promise for Children has many opportunities for early learning, like early learning activities that align with the PA Early Learning Standards, printable activity guides, and book recommendations. Share the information with families, and incorporate them into an early learning classroom. All resources can be used at the Farm Show, in preparation for a Farm Show visit, or in a classroom or home.

Affordable Connectivity Program

The Affordable Connectivity Program is a Federal Communications Commission (FCC) program that helps connect families and households struggling to afford internet service. In general, a household is eligible if the household income is at or below 200% Federal Poverty Income Guidelines, or if a member of the household is enrolled in a assistance program. See the flyer for eligibility specifics and steps on how to enroll.

Pennsylvania's Department of Community and Economic Development is hosting a public overview session on Dec. 15, 2022, from 11-11:30. The session will go over eligibility and there’s also outreach grant opportunities. Organizations can apply for grant funding to help enroll households. Register at Affordable Connectivity Program (ACP) Overview.

Pennsylvania’s Early Childhood Credentials: Your Voice is Needed!

The Early Childhood Credential Project Team invites providers to participate in a survey to discover how they access opportunities or, if this is a challenge, what may work better for their busy lives.

The voluntary survey will be sent via email to all licensed Pennsylvania child care facilities (center, group, and family child care). OCDEL encourages all providers to complete the survey. Those who respond to this survey will be entered in a drawing for a chance to win a $250 Amazon Gift Card.

The survey can be completed by a program director or lead teacher by January 10, 2023. In addition to the email announcing the survey, which will come from First Start Partnerships, this link can also be used to complete the survey.

Reminders

Announcement ELRC 22-06, Required Professional Development Training for DHS Certified Child Care Providers Participating in Child Care Works (CCW)  

• All Director/Owner/Operator and all staff who have a role in processing CCW payments have taken the professional development training titled, CCW Program Integrity and Accountability Training for DHS Certified Providers by November 30, 2022, or within 90 days of hire, if hired after November 30, 2022. 
• Owner/operator must complete the “Appendix I - Attestation of Professional Development” and return it to the ELRC by December 30, 2022.
• If the attestation is not signed and returned to the ELRC by December 30, 2022, the Provider Agreement will be terminated effective January 1, 2023.

Announcement C-22-06 Updated Health and Safety Pre-Service and One-Hour Training

• The New pre-service trainings are:
• Get Started with Center-Based Care-Revised 2022; or
• Versión en español: Comience con Cuidado Infantil Basado en Un Centro - Revisión 2022; or
• Get Started with Home-Based Care-Revised 2022; or
• Versión en español: Comience Con Cuidado Infantil Basado En Un Hogar - Revisión 2022
• All new child care staff hired after October 4, 2022, will need to complete the updated versions within 90 days of hire.
• Additionally, OCDEL and BKC created a new one-hour course to provide updated information on required health and safety topics for current staff: “Pennsylvania Health and Safety Update 2022 or Versión en español: Actualización de Salud y Seguridad de Pennsylvania 2022”
• All staff hired before October 4, 2022, are required to complete this updated health and safety training by December 30, 2022