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).
Did You Know...ARPA Stabilization Grant

Did you know how pre-K enrollments can impact an ARPA grant application? Pre-K, PHL Pre-K or Head Start enrollments should not be counted for the portion of the day these programs support them. However, if the child receives wrap-around child care on the date of application, they should be included. For example, if a child is enrolled in a PA Pre-K Counts program at a provider, and also receives wrap-around child care (either through Child Care Works (CCW) or private pay) with the provider, the child should be counted as one enrollment. The child represents one enrollment for the purposes of reporting current enrollments in the grant application. If a child is enrolled in PA Pre-K Counts but does not receive wrap around care, they should not be included in the current enrollment count for the grant application. Get more info about the ARPA application in the FAQ document and apply by the Jan. 31, 2022 deadline.
The Use of Manual Airway Clearance Devices in Child Care Settings

The Office of Child Development and Early Learning (OCDEL) received questions on the use of manual Airway Clearance Devices (ACD). OCDEL’s current regulation is that all child care staff employed in a child care facility are required to have training in pediatric first-aid and pediatric cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR). OCDEL recommends child care providers continued use of approved pediatric first-aid and CPR training.

Child care providers may wish to consult with their own legal counsel and insurance company before deciding whether to use an ACD in their facility. It is best practice for the child care provider to have policies and procedures in place to address parental consent.

Per the child care regulations, signed written parental consent is required prior to administration of minor first-aid procedures by facility staff and must be kept current. (55 Pa. Code §3270.181(b), §3270.182(5), §3280.181(b), §3280.182(5), §3290.181(b), §3290.182(5)).

If an ACD is used on a child, but the parent/guardian consent is absent from the child’s file, this will result in violation of the regulations at 55 Pa. Code §3270.181(b), §3270.182(5), §3280.181(b), §3280.182(5), §3290.181(b), §3290.182(5).

Parent/guardian are not required to provide consent if they don’t want this device used on their child while in care at the facility.

Early childhood education professionals should direct all questions and comments to their OCDEL Certification Regional Office.
The Let’s Talk Quality Series
 
If you missed the Let’s Talk Quality November webinar from the PQA team, you can watch the recording here. The blog article relating to the topic is here. There's still time to register for the November Spotlight session, a live, virtual opportunity to talk to members of the PQA team on Nov. 23 at 1PM and 6PM. Join this 1-hour Spotlight session where members of the PQA team will answer your questions and be available for discussion about the November topic (Understanding Common Behavioral Challenges) and other PQA related topics.
 
Click below to register to join Nov. 23, 1PM or 6PM for the 1-hour Spotlight session:
PD Registry Tip Sheet: Using the Document Vault

An updated Tip Sheet for Using the Document Vault within the PD Registry has been developed which includes additional information on Vault functionality, naming documents, and instructions for uploading documents. As a reminder, programs can begin uploading documentation related to Keystone STARS to their Document Vault immediately. The Document Vault can be seen as a centralized storage location where important documentation and evidence can be stored for use in future Keystone STARS Designation activities. The Tip Sheet can be found here.
Reminder: Regulatory Suspension Update

Pursuant to Act 73 of 2021 (HB 1861), the suspension of various regulatory provisions under the state disaster emergency declaration that were set to expire on Sept. 30, 2021, were extended until further notice.  
 
OCDEL strongly advises licensed child care providers implement plans and strategies to meet the currently suspended regulations while OCDEL works through the process to reinstate some of its regulations to comply with federal funding requirements.  
Upcoming Deadlines