OCDEL
The Pennsylvania Office of Child Development and Early Learning supports families and their children from prenatal through school age by using data, research and stakeholder guidance to assure high quality services.
Important Deadlines Approaching for HSSAP and PKC

Two significant deadlines are fast approaching to submit Letters of Intent for the Head Start Supplemental Assistance Program (HSSAP) and PA Pre-K Counts (PKC). 

Current HSSAP grantees MUST re-apply as part of this full competitive rebid process. Failure to reapply for funding will result in the re-appropriation of funds to those who have applied and been selected to receive funds.

Letters of Intent are required for the HSSAP application and for the PKC application. 

Pennsylvania's fiscal year (FY) 2017-18 proposed budget makes historic investments in education to prepare our children for the jobs of tomorrow, including an additional $75 million more for early childhood education. With new investments in Pennsylvania Pre-K Counts ($65 million) and the Head Start Supplemental Assistance Program ($10 million), the state will be able to increase the number of children served in high-quality pre-kindergarten by 36 percent. The proposal in the FY 2017-18 Executive Budget represents the further steps toward achieving the goal of universal access to high quality pre-kindergarten programs. Funding is contingent upon approval by the Pennsylvania legislature.
HSSAPPennsylvania HSSAP Request for Applications
Letters of Intent due April 21, 2017

The Pennsylvania Department of Education (PDE), Office of Child Development and Early Learning (OCDEL), is releasing a competitive Head Start Supplemental Assistance Program (HSSAP) Request for Application (RFA). This RFA process is a full competitive rebid for HSSAP funding, and will include the Governor's proposed $10M in expansion funds. OCDEL encourages all eligible Head Start providers to apply. 

Current HSSAP grantees MUST re-apply as part of this full competitive rebid process. Failure to reapply for funding will result in the re-appropriation of funds to those who have applied and been selected to receive funds. 

HSSAP applicants MUST completed a REQUIRED Letter of Intent using the template posted at the PA Key website. Deadline for submitting Letter of Intent is by 3 pm on April 21, 2017.

This competitive opportunity will select eligible grantees for a five-year grant period beginning this year. The following entities are eligible to apply in the competitive process for FY 2017-18: 
  • Head Start grantees
  • Early Head Start grantees
Please visit the PA Key website for additional details, including Program Requirements, Letters of Intent, Pre-Application webinar, and important requirements for application.

PKC
Pennsylvania Pre-K Counts Request for Applications 
Letters of Intent due May 5, 2017

The Pennsylvania Department of Education (PDE) is seeking applicants for Pennsylvania Pre-K Counts. Pennsylvania Pre-K Counts was enacted into law by Act 45 of 2007 (and amended in 2008 and 2010) amending the Public School Code of 1949 (24 P.S. ยงยง 15- 1511-D-15-1516-D). Pennsylvania Pre-K Counts provides children with the opportunity to experience a high quality pre-kindergarten program. The program standards ensure a high return on the investment in the preparation of young children for school and will help to close the achievement gap. Early education through Pennsylvania Pre-K Counts can open the doors of opportunity for every child to do well in school, in the workforce, and in life.    

PDE is issuing this Request for Applications now in order to support providers in preparing to serve children and to assist in being ready for enrollment by September. We recognize that providers need to conduct outreach to families; recruit, hire and train staff; and do all of the planning necessary to successfully implement the program pending approval of proposed funding.

This competitive opportunity will select eligible grantees for a one-year grant period beginning in FY 2017-18. Please note, a full competition for funding will occur in FY 2018-19. 

This RFA process is for expansion slots ONLY. Current PA PKC grantees should complete a continuation grant within the PELICAN system for their current funding/slot levels.

Pennsylvania Pre-K Counts applicants MUST complete a REQUIRED Letter of Intent using the template  
posted at the PA Key website. 
Deadline for submitting a Letter of Intent is by 3 pm on May 5, 2017.

Please visit the PA Key website for additional details, including Program Requirements, Letters of Intent, Pre-Application webinar, and important requirements for application.
The Office of Child Development and Early Learning (OCDEL) provides families access to high quality services to prepare children for school and life success. 
  
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The Pennsylvania Early Childhood Education News is a project of the Pennsylvania Build Initiative and the Pennsylvania Departments of Education and Human Services to inform early learning professionals, the early childhood community, policymakers, community leaders and the public on developments in early childhood education and care in Pennsylvania.

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