Health Trends in Early Childhood

What's new? Get the latest early childhood education (ECE) information and resources directly to your inbox.

About

Welcome to Health Trends in Early Childhood, the monthly release from The Pennsylvania Key, focused on trending health issues related to children birth to age five and their families and caregivers.

Each month, find information about a recent health trend, learn why it is important, discover the impact it has on children, their families and caregivers, and the community, as well as actions we all can take to ensure the health and well-being of children in our communities. Also, find reliable resources to learn more about the issue.

Please feel free to print and share this month’s one-page Health Trend, and explore the resources.

  • TrendWhat early childhood physical or mental health-related issue is happening or on the rise that providers/ families should be aware of?
  • ExplanationWhy is this an issue of concern for ECE professionals and families?
  • ImpactInformation on how this impacts Pennsylvania providers/families.
  • ActionWhat providers and families can do to address this issue?
May 2025

Measles

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April 2025

Child Well-Being

Too many children in Pennsylvania are:

  • Missing out on quality early learning opportunities;
  • Lacking healthcare coverage and timely child health services;
  • Not provided with nutritious food; and
  • Living in unstable housing, especially infants and toddlers.
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The information in Health Trends is the most updated information at release time. The information in Health Trends is not a Pennsylvania regulatory requirement for early childhood providers. Pennsylvania early childhood providers with questions about regulatory requirements should contact their Cert rep or the Bureau of Certification.