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).
COVID-19 Vaccine Authorized for Ages 5-11

On Oct. 29, 2021, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) authorized the emergency use of the Pfizer-BioNTech COVID-19 Vaccine for the prevention of COVID-19 to include children 5 through 11 years of age. 

On Nov. 2, 2021, the CDC’s Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices (ACIP) recommended the use of the COVID-19 vaccine for children in this same age group. Together, their support authorizes widespread administration of the vaccine.

Pennsylvania vaccine providers, including pediatricians, primary care physicians, family doctors, pharmacies, large retailers, federally qualified health centers and grocery stores, will be able to schedule appointments and administer the vaccine as soon as possible according to CDC guidance. Many vaccine pre-orders have already been delivered with more expected in the coming days and weeks. 

For additional facts about the COVID-19 vaccine for children 5 to 11 years of age, visit the CDC website. Those with questions or concerns should contact their healthcare professional.
United Way of PA: Grants Available to Help Vaccinate Children, and First, Second Doses and Boosters

The United Way of Pennsylvania is administering a grant program to help nonprofit and faith-based organizations connect hard-to reach populations statewide with COVID-19 vaccinations, including boosters and vaccines for children. The Local Innovations in Vaccine Equity in Pennsylvania project (LIVE PA) is a partnership with the Pennsylvania Department of Health reduce vaccine hesitancy and ensuring an equitable vaccine distribution throughout the commonwealth. A total of $4.63 million is available, including $630,000 for faith-based organizations. 

With a reimbursement rate of $10 per shot achieved, including boosters, the grants are designed initially to range from $400 to $40,000 per vaccination event. Organizations will also be funded $10 per direct person to person outreach leading up to a vaccination or booster event targeting hard to reach communities. Read more.
Two Weeks Remain to Apply to be on the Regulation Rewrite Subcommittee

Those interested in becoming a part of the Child Care Certification Regulation Rewrite Project have two weeks remaining to apply before the Nov. 19 deadline. Serving on the Early Learning Council (ELC) Subcommittee is an opportunity to provide feedback to internal workgroups charged with rewriting Pennsylvania's child care regulations. Work will be conducted virtually during the winter and spring of 2022. Visit the Certification Rewrite Page on the Pennsylvania Key’s website to learn more about the project, or view an informational session from the Virtual ECE Summit. Questions? Contact Karen Grimm-Thomas at c-kgrimmth@pa.gov.
Did You Know...ARPA Stabilization Grant

An eligible provider’s American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) Stabilization Grant amount takes into consideration their Keystone STAR Designation. For STAR 2, 3 or 4, there is additional funding included in the calculation. If you are increasing your Keystone STARS designation (i.e. Moving from a STAR 2 to a STAR 3), waiting to apply until your new Keystone STAR designation is finalized may be beneficial. Other factors that change day to day and will impact the grant amount are 1) Current enrollment and 2) Availability of funding. If you don't anticipate increasing your Keystone STAR designation, apply now! Get the answers to other questions in the FAQ document on the Pennsylvania Key website.

It is important to OCDEL that every eligible provider have the opportunity to apply for funds. To ensure providers are aware, ELRC staff will begin to reach out to providers who have not yet accessed the grant or submitted a "no thank you" form. Providers may have reasons for waiting to apply, but we want to make sure there is no one missed for this important opportunity.
Family Friendly Newsletters for November

The November editions of family-friendly early learning newsletters have info and resources for families and early childhood education partners.

Click here to subscribe.
Pennsylvania Early Ed News

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 November edition of the PA Early Ed News. Click here to subscribe.
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.  
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