Pennsylvania Office of Child Development and Early Learning (OCDEL).
Special Initiative for Janssen, Johnson & Johnson COVID-19 Vaccine
Governor Tom Wolf and the Legislative COVID-19 Vaccine Task Force recently announced a special initiative to prioritize vaccinating Pennsylvania’s education professionals, including early childhood educators and child care providers. OCDEL is asking all ECE program directors to complete the OCDEL Survey for Immunization Needs no later than March 12, 2021. This information is critical for OCDEL to appropriately plan and fully implement this Special Initiative for ECE and child care professionals. Read more.
Pennsylvania Code for Regulations Now Displays Updated Language
Pennsylvania child care facility regulations were updated for child care centers, group child care homes and family child care homes effective on Dec. 19, 2020, and are now present in the Pennsylvania Code. View the updated Regulations.
Wolf Administration Announces Plans for $303 million to Support Child Care Providers Across Pennsylvania
On March 2, 2021, Governor Tom Wolf announced allocation plans for more than $303 million in federal funds received to support child care providers. The funds come from the Coronavirus Response and Relief Supplemental Appropriations Act of 2021 (CRRSAA), signed into law in December and continue support for an industry that is both a cornerstone of Pennsylvania’s economy and a critical introduction to early education for children across Pennsylvania. Read more.
March 9 Deadline for Exclusive Access to PPP Supports for Family- and Center-Based Child Care Businesses With Fewer Than 20 Employees
To reach small businesses, such as family- and center-based child care providers, President Biden announced an exclusive Paycheck Protection Program (PPP) application period for loans to businesses with fewer than 20 employees and to sole proprietors. Tuesday, March 9, 2021, at 5:00 p.m. (Eastern Standard Time [EST]), is the deadline for the small business-only applications. The deadline for all PPP applications is March 31, 2021. PPP is a U.S. Small Business Administration forgivable loan program to help very small businesses, such as child care programs, with much-needed financial support during these unprecedented times. Read more.
Farm to School Grant Program Now Open
The Pennsylvania Farm to School Grant Program provides funding for schools to improve access to healthy, local foods and increase agriculture education opportunities for pre-kindergarten through fifth grade. Any school district, charter school, or private school with pre-kindergarten classes, kindergarten, or elementary through fifth grade, located and operated in Pennsylvania is eligible to apply for up to $15,000. Preschool programs operated by schools and childcare centers are encouraged to apply, but family and group child care homes are not eligible at this time. For more information, see the flyer and read the instructions for application.
March Edition of PA Early Ed News
An inside look at Pennsylvania's early childhood education system with important information for those invested in Early Childhood Education. Click to read.
Ventilation in Schools and Childcare Programs
Ventilation is one component of maintaining healthy environments, and is an important COVID-19 prevention strategy for schools and child care programs. To improve ventilation in schools or child care programs:
Bring in as much outdoor air as possible.
Ensure Heating, Ventilation, and Air Conditioning (HVAC) settings are maximizing ventilation.
Filter and/or clean the air in your school or child care program.
