On behalf of the Office of Child Development and Early Learning (OCDEL), the Pennsylvania Key has compiled a list of resources for Early Childhood Education (ECE) programs and professionals impacted by COVID-19 (Coronavirus) in Pennsylvania.

General Coronavirus (COVID-19) Information

Recorded Webinars for Child Care Providers

LATEST CORONAVIRUS GUIDANCE FOR EARLY LEARNING IN PENNSYLVANIA FROM OCDEL AND THE CDC VIA WEBINAR AND FAQ: Click here!

Guidance for Schools and Child Cares

State Guidance

Federal Guidance

Medical Guidance

Announcements from OCDEL via the PA Early Ed News

To stay up-to-date, subscribe to the PA Early Ed News.

Request Waiver for Child Care Program To Remain Open for Life-Sustaining Populations

The Pennsylvania Department of Human Services, recognizes the temporary closure of child care facilities is a burden for all Pennsylvania families who depend on this service. Because it is especially burdensome for essential services personnel such as health care workers, first responders, direct health care staff and long term care facility staff who must have safe and stable care options for their children to report to work, the Office of Child Development and Early Learning (OCDEL) has implemented a waiver process for child care facilities serving these families. Operators seeking a waiver from the commonwealth’s temporary closure order should fill out the form below and email it to OCDEL at RA-PWDRACERT@pa.gov. Child Care Certification staff will respond to requests as quickly as possible. Email subject line should read, “Waiver Request – (insert county name)”.

Supports for Child Care Programs Operating During COVID-19

Infant/Early Childhood Mental Health (IECMH) Consultation

If you have received a waiver to remain open, the IECMH Consultation Team is offering support during this difficult time via distance technology.

IECMH Supports are available to:

  • Support staff in coping with stress and balancing their mental health needs
  • Support children’s transitions to care and their social emotional development
  • Support families and offer resources around family engagement
  • Share resources related to all of the above

Email PAIECMH@pakeys.org, so we can connect you with a IECMH Consultant in your area.

The Pennsylvania Key Infant-Early Childhood Mental Health Program offered Holding Space: Let’s talk about: Reassurance, Regulation, Relationships, Resilience, a series of online discussion groups to allow early childhood education professionals and families to connect and gain new insights about how to support ourselves and our children during this transition. Check out the resources.

Resources on Food and Nutrition Services

Resources for Businesses and Employees Affected by Closures

Resources for Families in Pennsylvania

Resources in Other Languages

For more languages, visit the PA Department of Health website.