In the March edition of the PA Early Education News (EEN), OCDEL announced the Early Learning Resource Centers (ELRCs). There is a lot of interest from child care providers and other early learning stakeholders on the implementation of this project. OCDEL is eagerly waiting final approval to make the announcement of who the selected agencies...Read More

Due to bidders’ conferences being rescheduled during inclement weather, the deadline for the Letter of Intent has been moved to April 6. The Pennsylvania Department of Education (PDE) is seeking applicants for Pennsylvania Pre-K Counts. Pennsylvania Pre-K Counts provides children with the opportunity to experience a high-quality pre-kindergarten program. The program standards ensure a high...Read More

Please note: Due to inclement weather, the Southwest Region Bidder’s Conference will be postponed. The conference will now be held March 28 from 1:00 PM to 3:30 PM at the Appalachia Intermediate Unit 8. Due to this change, the deadline for the Pennsylvania Pre-K Counts required letter of intent has been extended until April 6...Read More

RFP Deadline April 13 The Tuscarora Intermediate Unit (TIU), on behalf of the PA Office of Child Development and Early Learning (OCDEL), has issued a Request for Proposals for a new Shared Services Pilot. With funding from The Heinz Endowments, the goal of the initiative is to build both pedagogical and business capacity in early...Read More

Submission deadline April 6. The Lancaster Chapter of PennAEYC invites submission of proposals to present at the annual fall conference to be held September 29, 2018 in Lancaster, PA. Presenters should consider a topic that addresses current issues, trends and initiatives, and/or research based effective practices in early childhood education. Attendees represent a wide array...Read More

The PA Pre-K Counts Bidders Conference for the Northeast has been changed to March 22 due to anticipated inclement weather. For additional details, please visit the PA Pre-K Counts webpage.Read More

A new survey from OCDEL is gathering information to determine how OCDEL is meeting professional development needs when it comes to the suspension and expulsion policy. Those who play a role in child care or pre-k should complete the survey, including those who have received the guidance documents, and/or received the initial policy announcement and...Read More

Professionals in York and Adams counties have been working for years on a collaborative response to assist child care with behavior concerns and possible expulsion or suspension of young children. They began seven years ago with a program entitled SPEC, Supporting Positive Environments for Children. This model provides ongoing coaching support to early childhood programs...Read More

Watch Relationships Matter: Reducing Suspension and Expulsion in Early Learning, a recorded webinar featuring OCDEL Deputy Secretary Suzann Morris. This 25 minute, self-paced video is designed to assist programs as they develop their own policies surrounding expulsion and suspension of children. For more resources on Suspension and Expulsion, please visit the PA Key website.Read More

An asynchronous pre-application webinar is now available under Quick Links section on the PA Pre-K Counts, How to Apply page. This webinar is designed to assist interested applicants in the completion of the application. The webinar includes information on the application process and program requirements.Read More