Created in 2007 by the Pennsylvania Office of Child Development and Early Learning (OCDEL), The Pennsylvania Key implements the work and supports the policies developed and managed by OCDEL. Learn More. >
Wolf Administration Releases New Pennsylvania Statewide Report Reflecting County-Level Needs On Maternal, Child And Community Health Issues The Pennsylvania Office of Child Development and Early Learning (OCDEL), a joint office between the departments of Education and Human Services, today released a new Family Support Needs Assessment covering needs and challenges experienced by families with young children and...Read More
The Pennsylvania Key is seeking several Infant Toddler Coaching Consultants to work directly with the OCDEL Early Head Start- Child Care Partnership agencies to support infant/toddler staff in child care facilities through a coaching initiative designed to address the fundamental work around classroom environments, pedagogical perspectives, child-staff interactions and engagement of children in learning/activities. Coaches...Read More
The Department of Human Services (DHS) has reminded those needing Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) criminal history background checks as a condition of employment that the December 31 deadline to obtain this clearance is approaching and strongly encouraged anyone needing this clearance to start the process now. Earlier this year, Governor Wolf signed Act 18...Read More
In May 2020 and June 2020, more than 57,000 child care providers across the country provided the Yale School of Medicine the information needed to determine whether working in child care increases an individual’s risk of COVID-19 or contribute to its spread. This peer-reviewed medical study will be published in January 2021 by Pediatrics, the...Read More
The Oct. 14, 2020 edition of The Impact from Pennsylvania Department of Human Services shares information about food resources for Pennsylvania children. Food is a necessary resource for all people, but children especially need access to healthy meals in order to grow and thrive. October 12-16 is National School Lunch Week. The National School Lunch Program...Read More
The Pennsylvania Department of Human Services (DHS) is seeking candidates with experience in human services or social services program management for a senior-level role in the Office of Child Development and Early Learning (OCDEL). The position, Director, Bureau of Certification, OCDEL, directs the administration and oversight of Pennsylvania’s child care licensing services and regulatory administration. Please review...Read More
The October 12 ECE Recap is now available! Find the most recent and important information from the Pennsylvania Office of Child Development and Early Learning (OCDEL).Read More
Pennsylvania families are currently impacted by changes due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Many early childhood education providers have renewed commitments to serve families regardless of these shifts, leading to challenges associated with meeting these demands. The GIANT Company, in partnership with the Pennsylvania Key, a business partner of the Pennsylvania Office of Child Development and Early...Read More