Leah Zabari Do you ever wonder what the point is to be answering some of the questions the assessors ask during the interview portion of the ERS observation? Some of them might seem silly too, but I promise there is a good, valid reason for these questions! Let me tell you about a real situation...Read More

Stefanie Camoni Being in the field of early childhood for over 12 years has given me the opportunity to meet so many people. All have taught me something about myself and my profession. One person, however, was the most influential person and I was proud to call her my friend. For the sake of privacy,...Read More

Natalie Grebe Many people think of young children as loud, talkative creatures with never-ending energy. It seems that wherever you go, you see children playing, chatting, and enjoying their youthful, stress-free lives. While this may be the case for most children, not all have such outgoing personalities. I witnessed this while visiting a school-age after...Read More

Regina Wright “A hundred years from now it will not matter what my bank account was, the sort of house I lived in, or the kind of car I drove… but the world may be different because I was important in the life of a child.” ~FOREST E. WITCRAFT Teacher/Scholar As a young child I...Read More

Michelle Mallonee Long I recently spent a few days hanging out with a (very special to me) three- year old. During that time, we gathered a bunch of nature supplies (leaves, twigs, rocks, birdseed) and got out some paper, paint, glue, wiggle eyes, ribbon, etc. for the two of us to “Get Creative.” For almost...Read More

Beginning in 2019, the Pennsylvania Treasury Department is investing $100 for every baby born or adopted to be used for the baby’s future higher education expenses through the new program, Keystone Scholars. To encourage families to plan early for their child’s future education, Keystone Scholars will provide $100 to all babies born or adopted in...Read More

The Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) for the PA Pre-K Counts Request for Applications (RFA) is now available on the PA Keys website.Read More

Kweli Archie Over 20 years ago, I worked as a family child care provider.  I operated a family child care business for six years and enjoyed every time of it!  Working from home afforded me the opportunity to do two things I love dearly: being a Mother and caring for children.  During those wonderful six...Read More

The application deadline for the Pennsylvania Department of Education Office of Child Development and Early Learning’s 2019 Prenatal to Grade 3 (P-3) Governor’s Institute: P-3 Collaboration – Working Together for Student Success has been extended to May 9! The P-3 Governor’s Institute can help school districts, early learning providers, and community organizations throughout the commonwealth...Read More

The Department of Human Services, Office of Child Development and Early Learning (OCDEL), Bureau of Early Intervention Services and Family Supports, is offering funds through a Request for Applications (RFA) to implement or continue Family Center (FC) programs that include evidence-based home visiting services and an approved fatherhood program. This Project combines the Commonwealth’s existing FC and...Read More