Tomorrow is the Deadline for OCDEL's Market Rate Survey Responses

Tomorrow is the deadline to submit your information for the 2022 Child Care Market Rate Survey. Submit your responses by then and make an impact in future child care related programming and policy decisions, ​including Child Care Works rate setting.

Do you have questions about the 2022 Child Care Market Rate Survey, didn't receive one, or need help submitting the survey? Contact the Institute of State and Regional Affairs at ChildCareResearch@psu.edu or leave a toll-free voicemail at (866) 982-6433. Learn more.

Announcement C-22-07 Role of Department of Health (DOH) and Department of Human Services (DHS) in Ensuring Compliance with Immunization Regulations

On Oct. 6, 2022, the Pennsylvania Office of Child Development and Early Learning, Bureau of Early Learning Policy and Professional Development and Bureau of Certification Services released the Announcement C-22-07 Role of Department of Health (DOH) and Department of Human Services (DHS) in Ensuring Compliance with Immunization Regulations. This Announcement clarifies the role of Department of Health (DOH) and Department of Human Services (DHS) Office of Child Development and Early Learning (OCDEL) in ensuring regulation compliance with immunization recommendations.

For full details, including what this means for providers, resources and next steps, please read the Announcement C-22-07 Role of Department of Health (DOH) and Department of Human Services (DHS) in Ensuring Compliance with Immunization Regulations.  

Accessing Updated Health and Safety Pre-Service and One-Hour Training

On Oct. 4, 2022, the Pennsylvania Office of Child Development and Early Learning, Bureau of Early Learning Policy and Professional Development and Bureau of Certification Services released Announcement C-22-06 Updated Health and Safety Pre-Service and One-Hour Training, which provided updated required Health and Safety Pre-Service Training information for new hires and advised that all child care staff must complete any additional health and safety professional development requirements as prescribed by the Office of Child Development and Early Learning (OCDEL).

Accessing the training can be done by:

1. Login into the PD Registry; then click on Required Pre-Service for DHS from the Area of Interest drop down in the Training Calendar OR
2. Go directly to the Better Kid Care site

Comments and questions regarding this announcement should be directed to the child care provider’s Regional Office of Child Development and Early Learning:

• Central Region 800-222-2117
• Northeast Region 800-222-2108
• Southeast North and Southeast South Region 800-346-2929
• Western Region 800-222-2149

Grant Opportunity: $2 Million Program Supporting Successful Women’s Reentry

Governor Wolf's administration recently announced funding available to Pennsylvania nonprofit organizations that support women to give them the best opportunity to successfully transition back into their community and reduce recidivism. Grants of up to $100,000 are available for organizations that will provide holistic reentry support services to women across Pennsylvania. Eligible projects include providing supportive housing, workforce development services and employment assistance, job readiness support services, access to childcare, transportation assistance, healthcare, mental healthcare, peer support and mentoring, and access to family reunification services. The deadline to apply is October 25, 2022.

October PA Early Ed News Available

The October 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.

Mail In Ballot Tips

If you are voting by mail ballot, use these tips to get your ballot counted:

• On November 8, 2022, at 8:00 PM voted ballots must be RECEIVED by your county election office - postmarks are not enough.
• Seal the ballot inside BOTH envelopes
• Sign the voter's declaration

Learn how to return your mail ballot: vote.pa.gov/MailBallot