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. >Through the Office of Child Development and Early Learning (OCDEL), Pennsylvania has created programs that work together to best serve the diverse needs of young children from pre-natal to school-age and their families. Pennsylvania’s early childhood education system provides a quality framework for all early learning programs in the state, both public and private, to help our young children reach their promise. OCDEL programs align their curriculum and activities to Pennsylvania’s Learning Standards for Early Childhood, continue to improve the quality of professionals and programs, and engage families in their children’s growth and development.
Through the Child Care Works partnership, eligible families make a co-payment to the child care program in addition to the state subsidy that Child Care Works provides. More than 200,000 children and their families receive Child Care Works subsidy each year. By accepting children receiving Child Care Works subsidy, child care programs can provide quality early learning services to at-risk children in their communities.
Pennsylvania’s Early Intervention (EI) program, which serves children with developmental delays or disabilities ages birth to five, provides individualized support and assistance for both child and family. By working to help maximize their development, the program allows participating children to succeed in any early education setting. The services offered are available in all Pennsylvania counties and are provided free of charge.
Pennsylvania’s Early Intervention (EI) program, which serves children with developmental delays or disabilities ages birth to five, provides individualized support and assistance for both child and family. By working to help maximize their development, the program allows participating children to succeed in any early education setting. The services offered are available in all Pennsylvania counties and are provided free of charge.
Home visiting programs offer voluntary, family-focused evidence-based programs to expectant parents and families with new babies and young children. Home visiting supports the child and family by buffering the effects of risk factors and stress in the family and promotes infant and child health, fostering healthy child development, preventing child abuse and neglect, and improving school readiness and family self-sufficiency. Evidence shows that when families receive home-based support, their children are born healthier and are less likely to suffer from abuse or neglect.
Through a reflective, collaborative, problem-solving and capacity-building relationship, mental health consultation encourages adults to build stronger relationships with infants and young children so that they feel safe, supported, and valued.
