September 2025 Edition

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Coming Monday: Pennsylvania’s 2025 Child Care Market Rate Survey

Are you a licensed child care provider in Pennsylvania who charges private pay tuition rates? If so, you're asked to complete the 2025 Child Care Market Rate Survey between September 8 and December 8, 2025.

More information about the Market Rate Survey, including the survey link, can be found here. All licensed child care providers will also receive an email during the week of September 8, 2025, with additional information.

The Office of Child Development and Early Learning (OCDEL) is required to collect up-to-date tuition information from all licensed providers every three years. This survey helps OCDEL set child care subsidy payment rates that are reflective of the private pay market.

Even if your program doesn’t accept subsidies, your information is still important. When all providers complete the survey, the data gives a more accurate picture of child care tuition rates across Pennsylvania.

Why your participation matters:

• The results help set payment rates for child care subsidies over the next few years.
• When more providers respond, rates are more fair and reflect real tuition rates.
• It supports policies that better reflect the real structure and value of child care services statewide.
• It strengthens the case for public investment in child care for everyone.
• If you don’t respond, decisions may be based on other programs that don’t reflect your rates.

You could also win a gift card! Respondents who complete the survey will be entered into a raffle. A total of 100 winners will each get a $100 e-gift card.

You can fill out the survey online or on paper—whatever is easiest for you. The survey is being conducted by the Institute of State and Regional Affairs at Penn State Harrisburg, in partnership with OCDEL and the Pennsylvania Key.

Your voice matters. Make sure it’s heard!

OCDEL Releases Announcement C-25-03: Policy for Transferring Care Between Child Care Facility and School

The Pennsylvania Office of Child Development and Early Learning (OCDEL), Bureau of Policy and Professional Development and Bureau of Certification Services, has released Announcement C-25-03: Policy for Transferring Care Between Child Care Facility and School. The purpose of this announcement is to update certified child care providers on the moment when care and supervision is transferred when children are picked up and dropped off for school.  

Supervision during pick-up and drop-off times for children must be clearly defined to ensure the safety and accountability of children and child care providers. 

The Announcement shares details regarding:

• Transfer of care from Child Care to School
• Transfer of care from School to Child Care

For full details, please see the Announcement C-25-03: Policy for Transferring Care Between Child Care Facility and School.

Health Trends in ECE: Spotlight on Respiratory Illnesses

As the winter season approaches, respiratory viruses—including influenza (flu), COVID-19, and RSV—continue to pose serious health risks for young children. Across the country, pediatric emergency departments are seeing significant numbers of children affected by these illnesses.

The September edition of Health Trends in ECE examines how these respiratory illnesses impact children and provides guidance on the steps families and caregivers can take to reduce risks and promote healthier outcomes. This issue is designed to support early childhood professionals in sharing accurate, timely information with families and reinforcing everyday practices that help protect children’s health.

The one-page Health Trends in ECE is perfect for parents, educators, and caregivers. Plus, you can explore the helpful links for deeper learning. Don’t miss this important Health Trends in ECE release, because every child deserves to feel safe, included, and cared for.

September 18 Deadline Approaching to Complete the PA DOH Annual Child Care Immunization Survey

Deadline Sept. 18, 2025

Although the September 18, 2025, deadline is fast approaching, there is still time to complete the Pennsylvania Department of Health Annual Child Care Immunization Survey.

The PA Department of Health (DOH) is requesting all licensed child care providers complete the Annual Child Care Immunization Survey to meet the immunization reporting requirements outlined in 28 Pa. Code § 27.77 (a)(4) Immunization requirements for children in child care group settings. 

DOH asks all licensed child care providers to complete and submit this survey by September 19, 2025. 

The following resource materials are available to help with reviewing immunization records and completing the survey:

• 2025 Childhood Immunization Schedule
• Vaccine Identification document
• Immunization Tracking Sheets
• PDF
• Excel

The survey may seem long, but this is because of the new format, not because more questions were added. The DOH developed immunization tracking sheets that follow the survey questions.  Before taking the survey this year and in future years, completing the tracking sheets will greatly help child care providers take the survey.  The tracking sheets include instructions and are available in a printable (.pdf) and electronic (Excel) version.  

Additionally, DOH and County/Municipal Health Department staff, mostly Registered Nurses, will visit randomly selected child care providers to offer education, resource materials, and other helpful items/activities about the importance of vaccines and to answer any questions. If you are one of the providers that receives a call for a visit, take advantage of the staff's knowledge and expertise about immunizations and ask for assistance in reviewing immunization records.

Thank you for taking the time to complete this survey, and please send any questions you may have to RA-DHImmunize@pa.gov. 

Don’t Miss Out – There’s Still Time to Register!

Join the Let’s Chat More About Little Moments, Big Impact: Interactions that Count – a FREE webinar hosted by the PA Office of Child Development and Early Learning (OCDEL) and Early Intervention Technical Assistance (EITA).

📅 Date: September 10, 2025

🕐 Time: 1:00 – 2:30 pm

This session is designed especially for early childhood educators who want to make the most of everyday moments. Discover practical, easy-to-use strategies to support children’s social, emotional, and language development during daily routines like:

• Circle time
• Free play (indoors or outdoors)
• Snack and lunch times
• Walks & water play

… and so much more!

Bonus: Participants can earn PQAS Credit hours, Infant Toddler hours, and ACT 48 hours.

Don’t miss your chance—register today and learn how small moments can make a big impact in children’s lives! Click here to register!

• Sept. 6: BCDI 2025 Conference, Future Seeds: Cultivating Black Brilliance and Healing in ECE, Philadelphia
• Oct. 4: UnConference: From Representation to Inclusion, Pittsburgh
• Oct. 7-10: DEC's 41st Annual International Conference on Young Children with Special Needs and Their Families, Portland, OR
• Oct.8-9: ZERO TO THREE LEARN Conference, Baltimore
• Oct. 8-11: CDA Council's Early Educators Leadership Conference (EELC), Orlando, FL
• Oct. 13: National Association for Early Intervention (NAFEI) Empower & Inspire: Learning Without Limits Conference, Chester, PA
• Oct. 18: National Association for Early Intervention (NAFEI) Empower & Inspire: Learning Without Limits Conference, Philadelphia
• Oct. 18: National Association of Early Intervention Annual Conference, Philadelphia and Virtual
• Oct. 19-21: Pennsylvania Early Childhood Education Summit, State College, PA
• Nov. 18-19: 2025 PA Head Start Association and PA Association for Infant Mental Health Conference, Tracks to Connection: Growing Together in Early Childhood, Altoona
• Nov. 19-22: NAEYC Annual Conference, Orlando, FL
• Dec. 1-4: 2025 National Farm to Cafeteria Conference, Albuquerque, New Mexico
• Dec. 8-11: NHSA Parent & Family Engagement Conference, Orlando, FL

2026

• Jan. 26-29: National Head Start Association’s Winter Leadership Institute, Washington, DC
• Feb. 19-22: Growing School Gardens Summit, Phoenix, AZ
• March 1-4: Beyond School Hours 2026 Conference, Orlando, FL
• March 11-14: Save the Date: National After School Association Conference, Nashville, TN
• March 19-20: International Conference on Early Childhood Development 2026, Bali, Indonesia
• April 28-May 1: BOOST Out of School Time Conference, Palm Springs, CA
• May 4-7: NHSA’s 2026 National Head Start Conference & Expo, Minneapolis, MN
• June 22-24: ACF's National Research Conference on Early Childhood (NRCEC), Arlington, VA
• Oct. 2-6: Save the Date: World Association for Infant Mental Health Interim World Congress, Toronto, Canada
• Dec. 5-8: Save the Date: NAEYC Annual Conference, Washington, DC
• Dec. 14-18: Save the Date: NHSA Parent & Family Engagement Conference, Nashville, TN

Are you subscribed to Pennsylvania's Coaching e-News for the Early Learning Professional?

The Coaching: Window With A View e-News informs the early childhood education and care community about news and resources for coaching in Pennsylvania. This monthly newsletter is where you can find information, research, articles, and perspectives to support the engagement and development of the coaching mindset. 

The upcoming September 2025 release focuses on Unlocking Growth with Curiosity. As we step into a new season this fall, it’s the perfect time to reflect on how we grow as leaders, and one of the most powerful tools for growth is feedback.

Learn more about coaching in the early learning setting and access the monthly Coaching e-news. 

Register for the Pennsylvania Out-of-School Time (OST) Healthy Eating and Physical Activity (HEPA) Program Webinar

The PA Department of Health and The Pennsylvania Key have teamed up to present the Pennsylvania Out-of-School Time (OST) Healthy Eating and Physical Activity (HEPA) Program Webinar on October 22, 2025, 11 am-12 noon. The HEPA program supports Out-of-School Programs to improve policies and practices to help kids eat healthier snacks and move more. 

In this webinar, learn about the HEPA Program, including web-based asynchronous professional development events, resources, and strategies through the Out-of-School Nutrition and Physical Activity Initiative (OSNAP), and technical assistance through the Pennsylvania Key and Department of Health. 

Who should attend? Anyone who currently runs an out-of-school-time program for kindergarten through 8th-grade students. This includes administrators and program staff, DHS-certified child care, 21 CCLC grantees, libraries, recreation programs, Boys and Girls Club, tutoring support, etc.

This program is free of cost and will award up to $750 in innovation awards.

If you cannot attend on this date and time, register and the recording will be available and sent to you. Questions? Contact Betsy O. Saatman at betsaa@pakeys.org or 484-955-5909. Register here for the Oct. 22 webinar. 

Check out this year’s Early Childhood Education Summit Workshop Sessions

The schedule for the Pennsylvania 2025 Early Childhood Education Summit is now online and features two days of over 65 workshop sessions. Workshop titles, descriptions, and times are available online. Make your plans now and choose the sessions you want to attend. Click here to view the Summit schedule and workshops at Agenda At-A-Glance. Participants will be able to earn PQAS and Act 48 credit. 

Register today at www.earlychildhoodsummit.org.

PA Farm to School Network September Virtual Open House

September 25, 2025, from 3 - 4:30 pm EST

The PA Farm to School Network (PFSN) is hosting a virtual open house for farmers/growers, educators, school food service directors, early care and education (ECE) providers, parents, and community partners to connect and learn more about farm to school resources on Thursday, August 25, 2025, from 3-4:30 PM ET. Learn more and register to attend the virtual open house here!

Registration Now Open for Tracks to Connection: Growing Together in Early Childhood

Early Bird Registration Deadline Sept. 30

Early bird registration is officially live for the 2025 PA Head Start Association and PA Association for Infant Mental Health Conference, Tracks to Connection: Growing Together in Early Childhood, happening November 18–20, 2025, at the Blair County Convention Center in Altoona, PA. This one-of-a-kind event will bring together more than 400 early childhood educators, infant mental health professionals, and community leaders from across Pennsylvania.

Why Register Early?

• Exclusive early bird pricing (limited availability for Association members only)
• Guaranteed spot before tickets sell out
• Free conference t-shirt for early bird registrants
• First pick of hotel locations before rooms fill up

Don’t miss out! Early bird pricing is first come, first served and will close once slots are filled or by September 30, 2025, whichever comes first. Click here for more info.

Council for Professional Development Implements Changes

As of August 1, 2025, the Council for Professional Development began implementing a new exam-first approach for the CDA credentialing process. This change enhances standardization and streamlines the process, allowing candidates to demonstrate their expertise in a structured manner. Before scheduling a verification visit, determine what you need to know about completing the CDA exam.

The CDA Council will no longer require First Aid and CPR certification for CDA Renewal. Additionally, renewal candidates must submit training, membership, and experience documentation directly to the Council. Learn more about CDA Renewal updates. 

USDA Publishes Study of Nutritional and Activity in Child Care Settings

Child care providers who participate in the USDA, Food and Nutrition Service’s Child and Adult Care Food Program (CACFP) serve healthy meals and snacks to the children in their care. Children have better overall diets on days when they are in child care than on days when they are not, according to the July 8, 2025, release by the Food and Nutrition Service (FNS) report, USDA’s Study of Nutrition and Activity in Child Care Settings II (SNACS II).

SNACS-II is the second study in the SNACS study series. It collects and analyzes data about CACFP child care providers, the children they care for, the meals and snacks they serve, the cost of producing those meals and snacks, and the physical activity opportunities they provide. This study reviews CACFP early child care (infants – age 5 years), and CACFP before and after-school meals (ages 6-12 years), using the Healthy Eating Index-2015 (HEI) to assess how well program meals and children’s diets align with the Dietary Guidelines for Americans. 

Improving Recruitment and Uptake for Home Visiting Services

Home visiting is a voluntary service delivery strategy to support the health and well-being of parents/caregivers and their young children (birth through age 5). However, low enrollment and high attrition can limit potential positive impacts. A new report from Child Trends shares the results of an evidence review—funded by the Conrad N. Hilton Foundation—on ways to improve recruitment and uptake for home visiting services. The report describes the 21 strategies we identified, categorizes them, and highlights the most promising ones.

Experiences of Material Hardship Have Ripple Effects on Young Children’s Development

As families face difficulty affording housing, food, or health care, young children experience ripple effects, including emotional distress and developmental delays, according to new national research. The latest findings from Stanford University's RAPID survey in partnership with the University of Nebraska Medical Center show that children's well-being is at risk. 

Investigating Nature-based Preschoolers Gains in Early Literacy and Select Executive Function Skills

A study, Investigating Nature-based Preschoolers' Gains in Early Literacy and Select Executive Function Skills, published in AERA Open, of 140 preschoolers compared outcomes for children in nature-based classrooms (spending two additional hours outdoors daily) with those in non-nature classrooms. Both groups showed similar growth in early literacy, working memory, and inhibitory control across the school year. However, children in non-nature classrooms demonstrated greater gains in behavioral self-regulation.

The September editions of the family-friendly newsletters are here! Created for families and caregivers of young children—from birth through kindergarten—each issue is filled with fun and simple early learning activities families can enjoy together at home and professionals in the early learning setting. These ideas support a child’s development and are based on the Pennsylvania Early Learning Standards. You’ll also find helpful tips, resources, and tools to support families in their important role as their child’s first teacher!

Take a look, then share with families and friends. Subscribe to get the next release directly into your inbox.

• Learning is Everywhere
• Kindergarten Here I Come
• Kindergarten Here I Am

Don’t miss the September Calendar of Activities. September is National Preparedness Month—a time to help families and caregivers prepare for emergencies, just in case they happen. It has fun ideas and helpful info for Early Learning Professionals and staff. It's packed with ways to support children and their families as they prepare for a successful school year.

The October Calendar of Activities for Early Childhood Education (ECE) Professionals is here, packed with ideas to keep little learners and their families engaged all month. Celebrate National Farm to School Month, spark curiosity during Fire Prevention Week, and discover fun, meaningful ways to involve families in your early learning program.

Special thanks to Tammy Korczyk for suggesting including the calendar a month early so early learning professionals have more time to plan activities. From now on, access the calendar a month ahead of time!

The Ultimate Back-To-School Guide for Families of Children With Disabilities

The excitement of a new school year is in the air! For families of children with disabilities, this time brings unique challenges and opportunities. Proper preparation can make all the difference in a child’s growth and success. Share with families this blog post from The ARC to offer some practical tips to help families and their child start the school year off right.

School Success Kit for Kids With Sensory Processing Issues

Going back to school is an exciting time, but for kids with sensory processing issues, it can be overwhelming. Share with families these strategies from the Child Mind Institute to help children (and families!) feel calm, comfortable, and confident this year.

National Fruits & Veggies Month

National Fruits & Veggies Month is here! This celebratory month takes place in September and is hosted by the Foundation for Fresh Produce. This year’s theme is Every Time You Eat, Have A Plant®. This is the perfect time to promote fresh produce to the families you work with. Check out the toolkit for ideas.

Brain Smart Start Guide: Free Download for Educators & Parents

Educators know all behavior comes from an internal state. This printable book from Conscious Discipline will help guide you so that you and the children in your care can start the day in an optimal state and make the best out of the day.

ABC Flash Cards

Food can be fun and educational! While little ones learn about their ABCs, they can also learn about different fruits and vegetables. You can also serve recipes highlighting these fruits and vegetables, or do a fun activity. NCA’s ABC Flash Cards include many great ideas to get kids excited. 

Accessibility Guide for Growing Spaces

Temple University Institute on Disability has created a new guide offering practical strategies and recommendations to ensure community growing spaces are accessible to everyone. Accessibility isn't just about meeting regulations - it's about designing spaces where all individuals can actively participate, contribute, and feel welcomed. When making a certified early learning space accessible, always check with your Certification office for questions and concerns.

Outdoor Learning

Whether it’s a walk around the block, a moment in the park, or simply looking out the window, these activities from Sesame Street in Communities are easy to integrate into daily routines. Families and providers can help children notice, wonder, and grow—one outdoor moment at a time.

The August resources from Camille Catlett are now available. The August release of Baby Talk features information about early brain wiring, genes that strongly influence when babies take their first steps, and more. The August release of Natural Resources features information about how babies' brains develop, a baby brain map, and more.

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