Every three years, states update information regarding the prices child care providers charge families. This is known as a Market Rate Survey (MRS).  The last official MRS was conducted in 2016. The Office of Child Development and Early Learning (OCDEL) invites all Pennsylvania certified child care providers to participate in the 2019 Market Rate Survey. Share your...Read More

Natalie Grebe Now that classrooms are settling into a new school year, many teachers will be planning Fall activities and themes. In Pennsylvania, October not only means chillier days on the playground and colored leaves in the Science Center, but also Fire Prevention Week. Many local fire departments host community events at their station and...Read More

By: Robyn Kelton Those familiar with the Business Administration Scale for Family Child Care (BAS) know that each item in the BAS is comprised of two pages: Notes Page and Scale Page. The Scale Page serves multiple purposes from education on best practices to formal assessment of quality practices. The information provided on the Notes...Read More

Regina Wright When children choose block play, they are not only building their creative imagination, they are using self-expression, mathematics, science, small and large muscles, and problem-solving skills. Block play promotes the development of spatial awareness and develops hand-eye coordination as children reach for, lift, move and build with blocks, strengthening their fingers, hands and arms.Read More

October is National Learning and Development Month which encourages individuals to focus on broadening and advancing their personal and professional skills. Pennsylvania provides multiple opportunities for those in child care professions to increase their knowledge, experience and awareness of quality early learning. Dr. Marnie Aylesworth’s article, A Leader’s Mind Matters, on the Center for the Promotion...Read More

Erin DelRegno  “How much good inside a day? Depends on how good you live ‘em. How much love inside a friend? Depends how much you give ‘em.”  – Shel Silverstein, A Light in the Attic   When I was in elementary school, I absolutely loved to read. I only owned a few books at home that...Read More

Leah Zabari I absolutely love gardening! Putting seeds and plants in the ground is my favorite time of year, but shhhh… don’t tell anyone, I do NOT have a green thumb! Those seeds and plants never sprout too much of anything (insert tears). I guess I garden as a de-stressor and I’d like to think...Read More

By Stefanie Camoni Please take a moment to remember those who lost their lives and honor those who gave theirs. “The attacks of September 11th were intended to break our spirit. Instead we have emerged stronger and more unified. We feel renewed devotion to the principles of political, economic and religious freedom, the rule of...Read More

Kitty Syster We all know that changes in CACFP whole grain food requirements occurred a little over a year ago and they can be confusing. The reason for the change, is that grain/bread products are an important dietary source of iron, thiamin, niacin, and riboflavin. The 2010 Dietary Guidelines for Americans encourage at least half...Read More