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. >
The Commonwealth recently announced (click here to access the press release) the selection of a vendor for the Resource Information and Services Enterprise – or RISE PA – the upcoming statewide resource and referral tool. When fully implemented, anyone in Pennsylvania will be able to access this tool from their personal computers, tablets, and mobile...Read More
Everyone’s story is unique, and hearing stories from other families and early childhood education (ECE) professionals can provide information, inspiration, encouragement and support. PA’s Promise for Children wants to celebrate families and ECE professionals during April’s Month of the Young Child. Sharing a story is easy! Please consider sharing your story and encouraging families within...Read More
The Pennsylvania Office of Child Development and Early Learning (OCDEL), Bureau of Early Learning Policy and Professional Development, has released the Announcement ELRC 21-#02 Increase to Child Care Works Base Payment Rates. The Announcement announces an increase to base rates paid to providers participating in Child Care Works (CCW). Base payment rates are also known...Read More
Two flowcharts are now available to aid Pennsylvania early childhood educational programs in determining next steps when programs are temporarily closed due to COVID-19. View the Announcement from Dec. 21, 2020, then the Reopening of Certified Child Care Facilities Temporarily or Permanently Closed Due to COVID-19 Flowchart (PDF) or the Reopening of Keystone STARS Child Care...Read More
Better Kid Care Online Modules to Fulfill Health and Safety PD Requirement ¡Y también disponsible en Español! – Updated Feb. 2021 On behalf of the Office of Child Development and Early Learning (OCDEL), the Pennsylvania Key and Penn State’s Better Kid Care collaborated in 2018 to create new online courses to meet the requirements for...Read More
Feb. 5, 2021: The Pennsylvania Office of Child Development and Early Learning (OCDEL) released the Special Announcement: 2021-22 Governor’s Executive Budget Overview, Office of Child Development and Early Learning. Click to read.Read More