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).
Face Covering Order

By Order of the Acting Secretary of Health, as of Sept. 7, 2021, adults and children age two and older must wear a face covering while inside early childhood education (ECE) facilities (including PA Pre-K Counts programs, Head Start Programs, Preschool Early Intervention programs, Family Center Child Care Centers, private academic nursery schools, locally-funded prekindergarten activities and child care providers licensed by the Department of Human Services of the Commonwealth) – regardless of immunization status. OCDEL extends their sincere gratitude to all Pennsylvania early childhood education professionals, working to ensure the health, safety and education of children. ​

Programs who would like, can print and display the Face Coverings Required flyer, available in English and Spanish.
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For details, please see the Announcement C-21-07: COVID-19 Policy Updates and Answers to FAQs (PA Department of Education).
COVID-19 Best Practices for ECE

The Pennsylvania Office of Child Development and Early Learning (OCDEL) has developed Best Practices for early childhood education professionals navigating COVID-19 protocols.
 
The first topic is Face Coverings which includes best practices and resources for ECE professionals and resources how to help children wear their masks. The COVID-19 Best Practices for ECE page will be kept up to date and new information will be posted on the Pennsylvania Key website and shared via the ECE Recap. 
ARPA Stabilization Grant Update - Allowable Expenses Webinar

Stabilization Grant funding can be used for a wide range of COVID-19 related expenses incurred in the past, present, or future. This includes expenses incurred on or after January 31, 2020, which you have not paid for with other grant funds. Funds can also go towards expenses you anticipate as a result of the ongoing impacts of COVID-19 on your program. Visit the Pennsylvania Key website for additional details.

Deputy Secretary, Tracey Campanini, will host an Allowable ARPA Stabilization Grant Expenses Webinar live on Sept. 8, 2021, at 6:00 pm, to answer questions around this topic. To register click here. The webinar will be recorded and shared back through this newsletter and will appear on the ARPA Stabilization Grants page.
Vaccinations and Continuing Safety Measures

The COVID-19 vaccine is another tool in our toolkit in the fight against COVID-19. People who are vaccinated still need to wear masks, wash hands, use hand sanitizer, physical distance and avoid small and large gatherings. Individuals will be much more protected and can have that comfort that they will have a lesser chance to catch COVID-19 and/or a less severe case if they do get COVID-19. OCDEL anticipates it will take significant time to get through the vaccination phases and have community spread go down significantly. Until that time, OCDEL needs everyone to continue all the safety measures that are now in effect. More information regarding vaccines can be found at Vaccine FAQs (pa.gov).

As a reminder, OCDEL does not require individuals to be vaccinated. ECE programs should not ask ​individuals, such as certification representatives, early intervention staff and therapists and other Direct Service Providers, for proof of COVID-19 vaccination.  Vaccination records are protected health information that are not required to be disclosed at this time outside of decisions implemented between employers and employees. Continued screening of individuals' health upon entrance to a facility, wearing a mask, continued good hygiene, and vaccination will help to mitigate COVID-19.  

Concerns regarding ECE programs requesting proof of vaccination should be emailed to ra-dpwocdnet@pa.gov.
Apply Now to Serve on the Early Learning Council Executive or Subcommittees

The Office of Child Development and Early Learning (OCDEL) is seeking members for the Pennsylvania Early Learning Council (ELC) Executive and Subcommittees. 

Established by Executive Order in 2008, ELC is a Governor appointed council that advises the work of OCDEL by providing feedback on current and proposed OCDEL initiatives and policies. Applications, including a resume/vita with contact information,  will be received until 5 pm on Sept. 30, 2021. Click here to learn more about the work of 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.
Deadline Extended to Participate in ARTIC Survey

The deadline to participate in the ARTIC Survey has been extended to Sept. 14, 2021. Administrators or Supervisors who provide supervision to early childhood professionals, working with or supporting children ages 0 through 8 and their families, can participate in the Attitudes Towards Trauma-Informed Care (ARTIC) Survey. The ARTIC Survey is a three-year project that will help guide statewide decision making around workforce development and early childhood mental health resources on trauma-informed care. Twice a year, participants will take a 15-35 minute online ARTIC Survey and provide confidential input about how they view and experience the availability of knowledge, support, and other resources for the practice of trauma-informed care as it is integrated into the early childhood system. For more information, including how to register, visit the Pennsylvania Key website.
Upcoming Deadlines