Watch Relationships Matter: Reducing Suspension and Expulsion in Early Learning, a recorded webinar featuring OCDEL Deputy Secretary Suzann Morris. This 25 minute, self-paced video is designed to assist programs as they develop their own policies surrounding expulsion and suspension of children. For more resources on Suspension and Expulsion, please visit the PA Key website.Read More

An asynchronous pre-application webinar is now available under Quick Links section on the PA Pre-K Counts, How to Apply page. This webinar is designed to assist interested applicants in the completion of the application. The webinar includes information on the application process and program requirements.Read More

Department of Human Services’ (DHS) Acting Secretary Teresa Miller recently visited Columbia County Family Center, part of the Pennsylvania Family Center network, to observe its evidence-based home visiting program. The center in Bloomsburg provides early childhood and prenatal home visiting to ensure families have the support and services they need to provide a holistic and...Read More

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. §§ 15- 1511-D—15-1516-D). Pennsylvania Pre-K Counts provides children with the opportunity to experience a high...Read More

The PA Office of Child Development and Early Learning (OCDEL) Deputy Secretary, Suzann Morris, shares information about Governor Wolf’s proposed 2018-19 budget. Hear what she has to say about the impact this proposed budget has for families and early learning programs throughout Pennsylvania. Click here to listen to the recording.Read More

On February 13, 2018, the PA Department of Human Services (DHS) announced initiatives included in Governor Wolf’s 2018-19 budget proposal in support of Pennsylvania families and children. The budget items will provide opportunities for a brighter future by expanding access to services for self-sufficiency and sustainability. The proposed 2018-19 budget includes investments in high-quality early...Read More

News from our friends at PennAEYC: The U.S. Senate and House of Representatives passed a two-year budget deal, which was signed by President Trump on February 9, 2018. This means the continuing resolution process and government shutdowns are over. The spending plan would double the investment in the Child Care and Development Block Grant (CCDBG)!...Read More

In his budget address this week, Governor Wolf set important spending priorities for increasing investments in young children including: $40 million so that 4,390 additional three and four year olds can attend PreK and Head Start $25 million to help working families afford childcare $4.5 million increas in Pennsylvania’s home visiting programs that work with...Read More

The February 2018 release of the PA Early Ed News features info about what role early education plays in ESSA, how a pilot program grant will promote financial sustainability for early childhood programs, how OCDEL’s new multi-tier system of support promotes future reading and writing success, and more. Read the February edition and then sign up...Read More

All elementary schools are encouraged to implement Pennsylvania’s Kindergarten Entry Inventory in the 2018-2019 school year in preparation for enhanced ESSA requirements.  The Kindergarten Entry Inventory is available to all school districts at no cost. Pennsylvania’s Kindergarten Entry Inventory (KEI) is a reliable reporting tool that offers teachers an instructional strategy for understanding and tracking...Read More