The 2019 novel Coronavirus (COVID-19) has had significant impacts on the child care provider community beginning in March 2020. The Office of Child Development and Early Learning (OCDEL) is interested in understanding the success and challenges child care providers are experiencing as they operate during the pandemic. One strategy to collect information is a brief...Read More

Announcement: C-20-06 REVISED Interim Guidance for Certified Child Care Facilities Operating During the Novel Coronavirus Pandemic The Pennsylvania Office of Child Development and Early Learning (OCDEL) has released the Announcement: C-20-06 REVISED, Interim Guidance for Certified Child Care Facilities operating during the Novel Coronavirus Pandemic. This Announcement provides certified child care facilities with interim guidance...Read More

Child care programs may have questions or concerns about children and their families who are traveling, and the child returning to a child care or summer program. The CDC Guidance for Child Care Programs that Remain Open does not address travel situations such as traveling across state boundaries or traveling internationally.  The CDC Guidance states...Read More

The Pennsylvania Office of Child Development and Early Learning (OCDEL) has announced annual renewal inspections for child care facilities will begin Monday, June 22, 2020. All certified child care providers in Pennsylvania are subject to an annual renewal inspection. The Pennsylvania Department of Human Services (DHS) announced the resumption of licensing activities on May 28, 2020, after indicating...Read More

On behalf of the Office of Child Development and Early Learning (OCDEL), the Pennsylvania Key coordinates the Child Development Associate (CDA) Assessment Fee Voucher program and Rising STARS Tuition Assistance program. For consideration for the Fiscal Year 2019-2020, submit completed applications for one or both programs by June 15, 2020. Any applications received after this...Read More

 Governor Wolf has proposed moving Philadelphia county to the yellow phase of his re-opening plan, effective June 5, 2020 . Child care programs in counties in the Yellow Phase are free to operate without a waiver. If you have remained closed during the  Governor’s proclamation , you have much to consider when deciding whether to open your facility...Read More

The June 2020 edition of the PA Early Ed News features a special video of appreciation from PA Department of Human Services’ Secretary Teresa Miller, info on the 5-Month Enacted Budget for 2020-21 Overview Office of Child Development and Early Learning, The Impacts of COVID-19 on Child Care in Pennsylvania, Wolf Administration Outlines Preliminary Guidance...Read More

With summer right around the corner, and with Pennsylvania phasing in re-opening, how do we plan for summer? Topics include: CDC guidelines for safe opening, swimming and field trips, classroom set-up, project-based learning, social emotional components, and outdoor activities. Here is the Recorded link:  https://vimeo.com/425281972Read More