Feb. 10, 2023

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Welcome Message from the Department of Human Services - Acting Secretary Valerie A. Arkoosh



My name is Dr. Val Arkoosh and with great honor and privilege, I serve as Acting Secretary of the Department of Human Services. I come to DHS having previously served as Chair of the Montgomery County Commission, where my work included overseeing the human services system for Pennsylvania’s third-largest county – a county that includes diverse urban, suburban, and rural communities. This role afforded me the opportunity to see first-hand the impact that the human services system has on people every day.

Given the scope of DHS’ work, we have so many opportunities to make an impact on quality of life for people who intersect with that system. That is something that I do not take lightly, especially when it comes to early learning and family supports programs that help our youngest Pennsylvanians from birth through those most formative years. I am a physician by training, and it was my experience working in health care and public health that first brought me into public policy and, eventually, government. I believe deeply in government’s ability to impact population health and the quality of life for the people we serve. Each of you are a part of that for the children and families you serve, and your work makes an impact that will extend far beyond your time with each child.

I am so excited to begin to dive into this work and to get the opportunity to meet as many of you as I can in the weeks and months ahead. I know I am coming into this role at a critical time for our provider systems, and the last few years has been very difficult on early learning providers and programs. Thank you for all you do, and I look forward to working with you to support your work and its incredible impact.

Valerie A. Arkoosh, MD, MPH

Acting Secretary, Department of Human Services

Message from the Pennsylvania Department of Education – Acting Secretary Khalid N. Mumin

Dear Fellow Educators:

I am thrilled to have been appointed by Governor Josh Shapiro to serve as the Acting Secretary of Education for the commonwealth. As I’ve begun to settle into my new role, I wanted to reach out and introduce myself to you.

For the past 25 years, I have served as a teacher, dean of students, principal, and central administrator. I most recently served as the Superintendent of Schools at Lower Merion School. Prior to that role, I was the Superintendent of Reading School District for seven years. I began my career as a Secondary English teacher in Scotland, Pennsylvania in 1997, and over the years I have remained committed to promoting and sustaining student achievement, equity, and access to educational programming for all students.

As we at PDE embark on creating new opportunities for all of Pennsylvania’s youngest learners, I look forward to continued collaboration with you, our early education providers, as we join forces to create the educational conditions for all children to enter schools prepared for kindergarten. Keeping in mind that the earliest years in any child’s life are critical to ensuring successful educational outcomes, our shared dedication to these students along with your partnership and engagement will enable us to continue creating infinite possibilities of success for young Pennsylvanians both now and in the future.

Please follow our work at the department on Twitter and Facebook.

I look forward to working with you,

Khalid N. Mumin, Ed.D

Acting Secretary of Education

Update About the Deputy Secretary for the Office of Child Development and Early Learning (OCDEL) From Secretaries Arkoosh and Mumin

PDE Acting Secretary Khalid Mumin and I are pleased to announce that Shante’ Brown is going to be the Deputy Secretary for the Office of Child Development and Early Learning (OCDEL).

Shante’ began her career with OCDEL in 2021 as the director for the Bureau of Certification Services. Before coming to OCDEL, she served as a leader in multiple positions within Philadelphia, including Director of PHLpreK (Philadelphia’s city-funded PreK Initiative), Education Field Administrator, Early Childhood Coach, and PreK teacher with the School District of Philadelphia. Shante’ holds a B.S.Ed in Early Childhood - Elementary Education, M.S. in Reading Education and an Ed.S in Teacher Leadership.

Shante’ is a dedicated early childhood education leader with over a decade of experience in leading child care programs. She believes in connecting people to resources and building strong community relationships. She is a genuine advocate for the field, and is committed to positive outcomes for children, families, and providers in the state of Pennsylvania. 

Shante’ has been Acting Deputy Secretary for the past several months and we are excited for her to officially assume the role as Deputy Secretary for OCDEL. Please join us in welcoming Shante’!

Sincerely,

Valerie A. Arkoosh, MD, MPH

Acting Secretary, Department of Human Services

Khalid Mumin

Acting Secretary, Department of Education