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).
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.  
Did You Know...ARPA Edition

Learn how to apply for the APRA Stabilization Grant by viewing the tutorial video or the tip sheet. Eligible providers are encouraged to review all materials on the American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) Stabilization Grant web page including instructions, the Frequently Asked Questions document, additional information and previous announcements thoroughly BEFORE submitting an application. In addition, your ELRC is prepared to help you think about the best use of the funds in your program.
Coming Soon

The Pennsylvania Professional Standards and Competencies for Early Childhood Educators (PA PSCECE) are coming soon! Watch for the ECE Recap and PA Early Ed News announcements sharing updates to the Pennsylvania Key website and the release of a NEW Introductory course coming Nov. 1, 2021!
2021 Out-of-School Time Professionals Survey

Anyone who works in afterschool programs, Pennsylvania Statewide Afterschool/Youth Development Network (PSAYDN) needs to hear from you! Your responses will help in understanding trends and conditions in Out of School Time (OST) across Pennsylvania, and will inform new strategies, identify potential career pathways, and support advocacy for the profession.
 
With only five minutes of your time, you will help uncover trends and identify opportunities and gaps in the OST field that will inform new strategies, support professional growth, improve representation in advocacy efforts, and help to advance equity within the field. Complete the survey by Nov. 19, 2021, and you are eligible to win a new Chromebook! Be sure to share the survey link with your colleagues so they can contribute to this important dataset. Click to take the survey.
Enter to Win Books in Better Kid Care Drawing

Better Kid Care (BKC) is celebrating ten years of On Demand professional development courses and they couldn’t have done it without early learning professionals. They are giving away ten children’s books to celebrate BKC’s 10th On Demand (OD) birthday. Click to fill out and submit the book giveaway form for a chance to receive ten children's books. Drawing will be held on Oct. 20, 2021.
Outdoor & Nature-Based Learning

Young children love to play and learn in nature. When you head outside, the natural world is full of exciting learning opportunities. When children are collecting sticks, listening to wind chimes, or stomping in puddles, their imaginations and curiosity are fully engaged outdoors in ways very different from inside. Get tips and resources from PA's Promise for Children to help families and early childhood education professionals encourage outdoor play and keep children healthy during the fall and winter seasons.
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