OCDEL Releases Episode #7 of the Confluence Podcast

On September 15, 2025, the Pennsylvania Office of Child Development and Early Learning (OCDEL) Bureau of Certification Services released “Episode #7 – The Market Rate Survey, Understanding the How, Why, What and When” of their podcast The Confluence.

Special guest Phil Sirinides from Penn State and the Office of Child Development and Early Learning’s own Bureau of Policy and Professional Development Director, Luisa Oliva-Wolf, discuss the importance of the Market Rate Survey and how the data benefits child care providers across the Commonwealth.

More information about the Market Rate Survey is available at pakeys.org/market-rate-survey. For assistance with the Market Rate Survey, contact (814) 865-1775 or ChildCareResearch@psu.edu.

Started in 2024, the Confluence Podcast comes from the Pennsylvania Office of Child Development and Early Learning (OCDEL)’s Bureau of Certification Services. Confluence means a flowing together. In a literal sense, it’s about rivers. But it’s more often used to talk about the coming together of factors or ideas. Join hosts Ruby Martin, Director of OCDEL’s Bureau of Certification Services and Chris Loos, Bureau of Certification Services Division Chief for their monthly podcast that will take you on a journey to understand the complexities of OCDEL’s Bureau of Certification Services, DHS Certification Services Bureau in partnership with stakeholders across the commonwealth, most importantly Early Childhood providers, children, and families.

 Listen now and learn more. >