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).
ARPA Stabilization Grant Update - Calculation

The Office of Child Development and Early Learning (OCDEL) is making American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) Stabilization Grants available to eligible child care providers. This email will help eligible certified child care providers (child care center, group child care homes, family child care homes) understand how much ARPA Stabilization Grant funding they can anticipate receiving when they submit an application.

OCDEL partnered with Penn State Harrisburg’s Institute of State and Regional Affairs (ISRA) to develop an evidence-based methodology to distribute ARPA Stabilization Grants to eligible certified child care providers throughout the commonwealth. The American Rescue Plan Act Stabilization Subgrants for Child Care Providers Summary Report provides information on how stabilization grants will be calculated for eligible certified providers. View the ARPA Subgrants for Child Care Providers Summary Report.

OCDEL and ISRA also collaborated to create a certified provider Stabilization Grant Estimator. This tool allows certified providers to input information specific to their program and better understand how much their stabilization grant could be when they apply. The dollar amount the tool provides is only an estimate. The actual grant amount may differ when the application is
ARPA Child Care Stabilization Grants - Provider FAQs

The Pennsylvania Office of Child Development and Early Learning (OCDEL) has released Allowable ARPA Child Care Stabilization Grants – Provider FAQs. The document provides responses to questions raised during the ARPA Stabilization Grant Allowable Expenses Recorded Webinar (watch recording here).  
The Allowable ARPA Stabilization Grant Expenses Recorded Webinar Transcript

The Allowable ARPA Stabilization Grant Expenses Recorded Webinar Transcript is now available as a webpage and can be easily translated using your internet browser translation tool. The transcript provides a written reference for the webinar which reinforces and reviews information around eligibility and the application process released by OCDEL about the ARPA Child Care Stabilization Grant. Read the transcript or watch the recorded webinar.
Announcement C-21-08: Compliance with Acting Secretary of Health’s Face Covering Order

The Pennsylvania Office of Child Development and Early Learning (OCDEL), Bureau of Early Learning Policy and Professional Development and Bureau of Certification have released Announcement C-21-08: Compliance with Acting Secretary of Health’s Face Covering Order. The purpose of this announcement is to: (1) clarify the minimum necessary documentation that must be maintained by a child care provider to demonstrate an exception for a medical condition under Section 3.B of the Order; (2) clarify the enforcement actions that DHS will take for noncompliant licensees; and (3) update Appendix A of Announcement C-21-07 accordingly. 
Indoor Air Quality and Ventilation in Child Care Settings

Best practices and additional resources to help ECE providers ensure proper indoor air quality and ventilation during COVID-19 has been added to the COVID-19 Best Practices for ECE page. 
RFA Announcement: Olweus Bullying Prevention Program 

The Pennsylvania Department of Health is seeking community youth organizations to implement the Olweus Bullying Prevention Program to promote the reduction of bullying among 12 to 17 year old youth. The anticipated grant term is Jan. 1, 2022, to Dec.31, 2023. Pending availability of funds, the Department may award up to five Grant Agreements. The submission deadline for applications is October 18, 2021, at 1:30 PM. Get more information regarding the RFA.
Update on Child Tax Credit Payments 

On Sept. 16, 2021, another round of Child Tax Credit payments landed in the bank accounts and mail boxes of working families. Share with families that they should look for a $250 to $300 payment labeled “CHILDCTC” in their bank account. For more information, visit ChildTaxCredit.gov.
Make an Impact Through the Early Learning Council Executive or Subcommittees

You can make an impact on Pennsylvania's early learning. Through the Early Learning Council (ELC) and subcommittees, you can identify and recommend opportunities to the Governor and Pennsylvania State Agencies for the elimination of disparities due to systemic factors that may hinder the development of young children. ELC also advises on collaborative efforts to improve and expand upon existing early childhood programs and services, including those related to maternal health, nutrition, child welfare, housing, mental health, health care, and other systems that shape children’s developmental outcomes. 

Applications, including a resume/vita with contact information, will be received until 5 pm, Sept. 30, 2021. Click here to learn more about the ELC, its member’s responsibilities and how to apply. All questions may be directed to Karen Grimm-Thomas, OCDEL Director of External Relations, at c-kgrimmth@pa.gov.
Upcoming Deadlines