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. >The Office of Child Development and Early Learning (OCDEL) is now accepting applications for the Third Annual Pennsylvania Equity in Early Childhood Education Champion Awards. The award recognizes the work of the early childhood education (ECE) programs and professionals on behalf of Pennsylvania children and their families through embracing diversity and full inclusion as strengths, upholding fundamental principles of fairness and justice, and working to eliminate structural inequities that limit equitable learning opportunities.
The Pennsylvania Equity in Early Childhood Education Champion Award brings awareness to and highlights the equity work being done within Pennsylvania’s early childhood education and afterschool settings, including child care, evidence-based home visiting, and early intervention. These professionals and organizations align with the position statement of the National Association for the Education of Young Children (NAEYC), Advancing Equity in Early Childhood Education Position Statement.
NAEYC published the Advancing Equity in Early Childhood Education Position Statement (2019) to provide guidance around the core values of NAEYC that “emphasize diversity and inclusion and respect the dignity and worth of each individual.”
Pennsylvania recognizes outstanding achievements in advancing equity by individuals and early childhood education and/or afterschool programs. Pennsylvania invites nominations of individuals or programs that have demonstrated support to children and their families by embracing diversity and full inclusion as strengths, upholding fundamental principles of fairness and justice, and/or working to eliminate structural inequities that limit equitable learning opportunities.
All programs must be physically located and operating within Pennsylvania and providing early childhood education services or supports relating to Pennsylvania’s families/children.
Those who were 2022 or 2023 awardees in the Gold, Silver, and Bronze categories are not eligible for submission for the 2024 Pennsylvania Equity in Early Childhood Education Champion Award.
Submissions will be determined complete when each question has a full and complete response. Incomplete submissions will not be scored.
Completed submissions will be scored by a Nomination Selection Committee(s) using a scoring rubric. Applications receiving eligible scoring will be identified as one of three separate levels: Gold, Silver, or Bronze.
Those who score in the gold, silver, or bronze level will receive an official signed and framed certificate of placement level (Gold, Silver, Bronze) from the Pennsylvania Office of Child Development and Early Learning (OCDEL), appropriate for display. Completed submissions will also receive electronic copy and supporting images for their own digital use on websites, social media, electronic communications, etc.
Completed submissions will be highlighted in April 2024 through press and promotion of the Month of the Young Child.
All scoring and placement level (Gold, Silver, and Bronze) decisions are final.
Mary Hall
marhal@pakeys.org
