Don't Be the Missing Piece of the 2022 Market Rate Survey

Every early childhood educator is a vital support for Pennsylvania families, children and employers. Your participation in the OCDEL 2022 Market Rate Survey provides important information that can impact future child care related programming and policy decisions, ​including Child Care Works rate setting.

Don't be the missing piece of the 2022 Market Rate Survey!

We're nearly half way there, so complete your information now to be among the 49 percent of Pennsylvania's certified child care and after school programs who have responded to OCDEL's 2022 Market Rate Survey. Send your survey by the Oct. 11, 2022, deadline.

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.

Do You Qualify for the Limited Public Service Loan Forgiveness Waiver?

The COVID-19 pandemic resulted in financial hardship for many, including members of the early care and education (ECE) workforce. If you work for a qualified employer—including many Head Start, preschool and child care programs—you may now be eligible for federal student loan forgiveness for your important public service, even if you were not eligible before.

The Department of Education announced major changes to the Public Service Loan Forgiveness program for a limited time, as a result of the COVID-19 national emergency. Some borrowers will need to consolidate their federal loans and/or submit a PSLF form by October 31, 2022, to take advantage of this opportunity.

More information on this limited Public Service Loan Forgiveness waiver, including how to qualify and apply, can be found here: PSLF Waiver Offers Way to Get Closer to Loan Forgiveness | Federal Student Aid. Get additional information specific to Early Childhood Educators.

Open Position: Infant Toddler Coaching Consultant

The Pennsylvania Key is seeking an Infant Toddler Coaching Consultant to work directly with the OCDEL Early Head Start- Child Care Partnership agencies. This position will support infant/toddler staff in childcare facilities through a coaching initiative designed to address the fundamental work around classroom environments, pedagogical perspectives, child-staff interactions and engagement of children in learning/activities. The consultant would also be asked to provide training as needed for staff.

Deadline to respond is Sept. 30, 2022. Learn more.

Accessible Voting for Citizens with a Disability

Voters with a disability may get help voting and have several choices for how to vote. Visit vote.pa.gov to learn about accessible voting system at your polling place, how to get assistance at the polling place, Third Party Ballot Delivery for mail voting, and more. 

Not yet registered to vote? There's still time and it's easy to register. Visit vote.pa.gov to learn more.