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. >
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. >Watch the welcome video (2:16 minutes) from Ruby Martin, Bureau Director of Certification Services, as she provides an update on the Bureau, the Confluence Podcast, and how to provide feedback via email.
Confluence means flowing together. In a literal sense, it’s about rivers. But it’s more often used to discuss the coming together of factors or ideas.
In the monthly Confluence Podcast, hosts Ruby Martin, Director of Bureau of Certification, and Chris Loos, Bureau of Certification Services Division Chief, take listeners on a journey to understand the complexities of OCDEL’s Bureau of Certification Services.
Listen now!
The Bureau of Certification Services would love to hear your ideas, concerns, or thoughts about ways to partner, podcast topics, regulations, and anything else. Please feel free to message Certification at RA-PWRAPCERT@pa.gov.
Effective October 1, 2024, the following documents are required when submitting an application to open a child care facility and when renewing a certificate of compliance. These documents are required for child care centers, group child care homes, and family child care homes.
To ensure that facilities licensed by the DHS operate in compliance with state and federal civil rights laws and regulations, all providers seeking licensure through DHS must complete the Civil Rights Compliance Form (HS 2126) as part of their initial licensing application process.
A Civil Rights Compliance Renewal Form (HS 2125) will be required to be completed annually as part of the licensing renewal process.
Prior Compliance (HS 2126 8/22) and Renewal (HS 2125 8/22) forms are obsolete as of October 1, 2024, and will be returned if submitted with the initial or renewal applications.
If you have any questions or need assistance with the completion of your civil rights compliance application, please contact the Bureau of Equal Opportunity Licensing office at 717-787-1579 or e-mail at RA-PWDHSCivilRights@pa.gov.
The Pennsylvania Office of Child Development and Early Learning Bureau of Early Learning Policy and Professional Development and Bureau of Certification Services has released Announcement C-25-01, Maintaining Compliance with the Child Protective Services Law (CPSL) for Department of Human Services (DHS) certified child care facilities. This announcement informs certified child care providers of the CPSL requirements for certified child care facilities in Pennsylvania and clarifies Provisional Hiring Requirements for employees hired on or after February 1, 2025. There is no change to what clearances are required for employment and volunteering.
Also outlined in this announcement are the timeframes required for updating the required clearances as well as the requirements for Mandated Reporter training and when a renewal of this training is required.
For complete details, please see Announcement C-25-01, Maintaining Compliance with the Child Protective Services Law (CPSL) for Department of Human Services (DHS) certified child care facilities.
Providers should review their inclement weather plans and inform parents of policies and procedures regarding closures and delays due to inclement weather. Ensure that accurate emergency contact information is on file for each child in the event of an early dismissal.
To help prevent slips and falls, walkways must be cleared and maintained. 55. Pa Code §§ 3270.64, 3280.64, and 3290.62 requires that outside walkways shall be free from ice, snow, leaves, equipment, and other hazards.
Cold weather can lead to less outdoor play, which leads to a rise in the spread of respiratory viruses, such as influenza, Respiratory Syncytial Virus (RSV), and COVID-19 for staff, children, their families, and the public. The good news is that there are actions you can take to help protect yourself and others from health risks caused by respiratory viruses.
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) continues to update Respiratory Virus Guidance (CDC Respiratory Virus Guidance) for the public and non-healthcare congregate settings. The CDC is the best reference for respiratory virus guidance.
A provider who observes an enrolled child with symptoms of a communicable disease or infection that can be transmitted directly or indirectly disease. Visit the Pennsylvania Department of Health for resources related to Preventing Respiratory Viruses (and other illnesses) in Early Childcare and Education Programs.
It’s hard to believe, but kindergarten registration will soon occur in Pennsylvania schools. Now is the time to request no-cost transition to kindergarten and early learning materials for families with young children. The Pennsylvania Office of Child Development and Early Learning (OCDEL) has available several materials to share with families to help during this time. Look at the available materials and place your order today!
The PA Health Alert Network (PA HAN) is a communication network among state and local public health agencies, health care providers, hospitals, and emergency management officials. The information provided on the PA-HAN website is based upon recommendations from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and other health organizations. The general public and settings (i.e., childcare, K-12 schools, non-healthcare congregate, and correctional/ detention facilities) impacted by the recommendations should read the PA HANs to learn appropriate prevention, control, and treatment steps. Sign up to receive PA-HANs here.
Submitting fraudulent documents or information, either knowingly or unknowingly, can have an impact on your ability to become or remain a licensed child care provider.
When submitting an initial or renewal application it is imperative that all questions on the application are answered completely and accurately.
Please refer to 55 Pa Code §§ 3270.11, 3280.11, and 3290.11 for additional information regarding application and reapplication, as well as 55 Pa Code § 20.71(a)(7), relating to conditions for denial, nonrenewal, or revocation.
Please use the following address when reaching out to the Western Regional Office:
DHS – Office of Child Development and Early Learning
Western Region – Bureau of Certification Services
301 Fifth Avenue
Suite 370
Pittsburgh, PA 15222
Up to date Regional Office contact information can be found at Regional Child Development Offices |Department of Human Services | Commonwealth of Pennsylvania.
The certificate of compliance issued by the Office of Child Development and Early Learning, Bureau of Certification Services, is location-specific. If you change the location of your facility, you must notify your regional office 30 days before the change is to occur (55 Pa. Code § 20.58 (a) and (b)).
In the event of the need to temporarily relocate your facility, due to an unforeseeable emergency, you are required to immediately contact the regional office regarding the emergency at the facility. Prior to relocation, you must notify the regional office of the status of the building and the need to relocate. Please see Announcement C-17-05 – Emergency Temporary Relocation of a Child Care Facility for additional information and guidance.