Effective Aug. 1, 2020, there is a new process for early childhood education (ECE) professionals and families to request supports for a child with unique needs or challenging behaviors to help prevent expulsion and/or suspension from ECE programs. In the past, providers and families would call the CONNECT Helpline. Starting Aug. 1, 2020, to request assistance from the Office of Child Development and Early Learning (OCDEL), ECE professionals and families should complete the online form at www.surveymonkey.com/r/PAExpulsionHelp. See this document for more information.
Families and ECE professionals do not need to complete the survey under the following circumstances:
- The family has an established relationship with their local Early Learning Resource Center (ELRC), in which case providers and families may reach out directly to the ELRC to receive program support.
- The child is already receiving Early Intervention (EI) Services, with parent permission, in which case the provider should reach out to the child’s local EI program to request assistance.
Families who have concerns about their child’s development can still call the CONNECT Helpline at 1-800-692-7288 for information and to connect to Early Intervention Services and Supports in Pennsylvania. For additional details, please see the document on developing suspension and expulsion policies.