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. >On August 25, 2026, the Pennsylvania Office of Child Development and Early Learning (OCDEL) Bureau of Certification Services released “Episode #13 – Support Before Sanctions: Helping Child Care Providers Stay on Track” of their podcast The Confluence.
Running a child care program comes with real challenges, from staffing shortages and leadership transitions to training, documentation, supervision, and the day-to-day responsibility of keeping children safe. When challenges begin to build, knowing when and where to ask for help can make all the difference.
In this episode of Confluence, Deputy Secretary Shante’ Brown and Bureau of Certification Services Director Ruby Martin discuss how OCDEL can support child care providers. They talk about early warning signs, when to reach out for assistance, what happens when a provider asks Certification for help, and the resources available through OCDEL and its partners.
The conversation also explores how OCDEL balances its responsibility to protect the health and safety of children with its commitment to helping providers understand requirements, strengthen their programs, and successfully maintain compliance.
You don’t have to wait until there’s a serious problem to ask for help.
Started in 2024, the Confluence Podcast comes from the Pennsylvania Office of Child Development and Early Learning (OCDEL)’s Bureau of Certification Services. Confluence means a flowing together. In a literal sense, it’s about rivers. But it’s more often used to talk about the coming together of factors or ideas. Join host Ruby Martin, Director of OCDEL’s Bureau of Certification Services for a podcast that will take you on a journey to understand the complexities of OCDEL’s Bureau of Certification Services, DHS Certification Services Bureau in partnership with stakeholders across the commonwealth, most importantly early childhood providers, children, and families.