Updated Approved Pediatric First Aid and CPR Providers and Curriculums Chart Available Now 

The Approved Pediatric First Aid and Pediatric CPR Providers and Curriculums chart has been updated to include the number of PQAS hours participants will be awarded. These hours are based on the average length of the events scheduled for the course. This may or may not reflect the actual time frame of the scheduled event or “seat time.” Pediatric First Aid and CPR course lengths vary due to factors, such as number of participants and time needed for skill practice.

As a reminder, Pediatric First Aid & Pediatric Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation (CPR) can also count towards the annual minimum 12 clock hours for certification regulatory compliance based on the renewal of the training certificate.

View the chart and learn more at pakeys.org/firstaidcpr.

COMING SOON: Updated and Redesigned of Keystone STARS Designation Certificates 

The Keystone STARS Designation Certificates have undergone an update and redesign since they were last issued in 2016. All Keystone STARS Designation Certificates now reflect Meg Snead, as Acting Secretary of the Department of Human Services (DHS), and Shante’ Brown, as Acting Deputy Secretary of the Office of Child Development and Early Learning (OCDEL).

In addition, the Keystone STARS Designation Certificates for STAR 2, 3, and 4 have been updated to include the following information:

• Name of the program
• Program’s Master Provider Index (MPI) number
• Program’s address
• Program’s STAR level
• Date the Keystone STARS Designation Certificate was issued
• Date of expiration for the current Keystone STAR level designation
• Contact information for the Office of Child Development and Early Learning (OCDEL)
• Website for additional information on Keystone STARS

Programs will receive an updated Keystone STARS Designation Certificate at the time of their next designation, full or annual renewal. The Keystone STARS Designation Certificate will now be issued with three year expiration dates.

Please direct any questions regarding the updated Keystone STARS Designation Certificates to your ELRC.

What You Should Know about Respiratory Syncytial Virus (RSV)  

On October 27, 2022, the PA Department of Health announced via their Health Alert Network that Respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) activity is increasing in Pennsylvania and nationwide, and levels are higher than usual for this time of year. Child care providers need to be aware of this dramatic rise in RSV cases because some children can get very sick and need hospitalization.

Please note, individual cases of RSV are not required to be reported to your regional certification office or Department of Health (DOH).

Learn what child care providers can do to keep children and staff healthy.

November PA Early Ed News Now Available   

The November 2022 edition of the PA Early Ed News is now available. Get information about the latest developments in early childhood education and care in Pennsylvania.

November Family Newsletters   

Share with families in your program the November editions of family-friendly newsletters. Each newsletter contains activities that align with the PA Early Learning Standards, book recommendations, and resources.

• Learning is Everywhere
• Kindergarten Here I Come
• Kindergarten Here I Am

Reminders  

• Eligible child care providers should submit their Work Force Support Grant 2.0 application by the Dec. 6, 2022, deadline.
• Those interested in applying for the PA Pre-K Counts can register for the information webinars to learn about PA Pre-K Counts prior to full rebid in 2023.