Two Messages about the upcoming transition to International Education Evaluation:

Beginning Dec. 1, 2025 – No Cost Foreign Degree Evaluation

OCDEL and the Pennsylvania Key have developed an initiative to better support the Early Childhood Education workforce in Pennsylvania. Foreign Degree evaluations for individuals will be provided by the Educational Credential Evaluators at no cost. More information can be found at pakeys.org/international-education-evaluation.

Regarding Foreign Degree Evaluation (FDE) Reimbursement

If you are in the process of getting your international transcript or diplomas evaluated, you may still submit a voucher following the FDE Reimbursement process (pakeys.org/fde-process). This program will end on Dec. 31. 2025.

If you have not started the FDE process, begin the new process below!

Foreign Degree Evaluation Reimbursement

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The Pennsylvania Office of Child Development and Early Learning (OCDEL) offers a reimbursement to cover foreign transcripts processed through an evaluation service* since July 2019. This program reimburses up to $150.00 per evaluation per individual, as long as funding is available, and is administered by The Pennsylvania Key.

*Evaluation service must be a member of one of the two accredited organizations below.

Foreign Degree Evaluation Process

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If you hold a foreign degree and are working in early childhood education (ECE) in Pennsylvania, you need to complete this process to be placed on Pennsylvania’s ECE Career Pathway.

Required Documentation

How To Apply

1

Collect all documentation related to any degrees you hold, including high school diploma.

This should include any transcripts you have for all levels of education attained.

2

Select a NACES or AICE accredited organization for your evaluation.

To process reimbursement forms, the evaluator must be a member of the National Association of Credential Evaluation Services (NACES) (current list available at naces.org/members) or the Association of International Credential Evaluators (AICE) (current list available at aice-eval.org/members).

Each organization has its own processes, timelines, and price ranges. You may choose the organization from the list that best suits your needs.

Keep the following in mind:

  • All evaluations must be completed as “credit for credit” so that Career Pathway Verifiers may count applicable ECE credits. Many transcript evaluation organizations offer several levels of service.
  • Ensure you retain your receipt for potential reimbursement.
  • Evaluations from outside organizations not on the list will not be accepted for either reimbursement or Career Pathway Application.

NOTE: This is an evaluation requirement, not just a translation requirement.

3

Update Career Pathway Documentation

For requirements and step-by-step directions on how to apply, visit the Career Pathway page.

4

Complete Foreign Degree Evaluation Reimbursement Form and submit as instructed.

Submit this form with attachments to pakeyvoucherprogram@pakeys.org.

Allow up to 60 days to process and mail stipend check.  In the event that there are missing documents, you will receive a follow up e-mail describing what is needed to process the stipend.

Allow up to 12 weeks to process and mail stipend check. In the event that there are missing documents, you will receive a follow up e-mail describing what is needed to process the stipend.

After Submission

  • Applications are processed as received.
  • Payment will not be made until documentation is received in its entirety.
  • Should you need assistance with the reimbursement process, fill out and submit the FDE Authorization Form.
  • Payments are made once per quarter.
  • Please allow 12 weeks for processing.
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