Key Takeaways: COVID-19 Guidance for Operating Early Care and Education/Child Care Programs
As COVID-19 continues to impact the nation, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) continue to assess data and, as appropriate, update their guidance. New guidance was recently issued and we encourage everyone to take a moment to review the Key Takeaways - COVID-19 Guidance for Operating Early Care and Education/Child Care Programs (cdc.gov).
2021-22 Enacted Budget Overview, Office of Child Development and Early Learning
The enacted 2021-22 budget continues to demonstrate Governor Tom Wolf’s commitment to supporting early childhood care and education in the commonwealth. Get the details regarding OCDEL’s program budgets for 2021-22. Available is also a summary level detail regarding the amounts and uses of all federal stimulus dollars received related to the COVID-19 pandemic for each program.
Early Childhood Educators: Register Now to Participate in ELRC Listening Sessions
Now is the time for early childhood educators to register to participate in an Early Learning Resource Centers (ELRCs) Listening Session. The Pennsylvania Office of Child Development and Early Learning (OCDEL) is seeking stakeholder input related to the ELRC model. What is working with ELRCs? Are there gaps in the current system of ELRCs? Early childhood education professionals are invited to share their perspectives about Pennsylvania’s ELRCs during listening sessions throughout July and August. Stakeholders are welcome to participate in the session that best fits their schedule, however special sessions for family child care, group child care and school age child care programs are available.Register now to participate in a listening session.
Announcement 21 #05, Keystone STARS During the Novel Coronavirus (COVID-19)
July 7, 2021: The Pennsylvania Office of Child Development and Early Learning, Bureau of Early Learning Policy and Professional Development has released the Announcement 21 #05, Keystone STARS During the Novel Coronavirus (COVID-19). The Announcement provides updated information to all licensed child care facilities and other early childhood education (ECE) programs participating in Keystone STARS, as described in ELRC Announcement 20 #14 and ELRC Announcement 20 #18. For details, see the Announcement 21 #05.
Pennsylvania Early Ed News
July 7, 2021: An inside look at Pennsylvania's early childhood education system with important information for those invested in early childhood education is now available in the July edition of the PA Early Ed News.
Announcement C-21-05, Obsolete Certification Announcements for Certified Child Care Providers
July 12, 2021: Pennsylvania Office of Child Development and Early Learning, Bureau of Early Learning Policy and Professional Development and Bureau of Certification have released the Announcement C-21-05, Obsolete Certification Announcements for Certified Child Care Providers. This Announcement provides updated information to certified child care providers who are impacted by announcements issued as a result of Governor Tom Wolf’s Proclamation of Disaster Emergency. For details, see the Announcement C-21-05.
July 13, 2021, Webinar: Extra Nutrition Help for Young Kids this Summer
This summer, extra nutrition benefits are available for young children (ages 0-5 years). Register to join a free webinar on July 13, 2021, at 1:00 pm from the Coalition Against Hunger and Just Harvest to learn more about Summer P-EBT and Enhanced WIC benefits that will help eligible families with young children. Click to share the flyer.
