Professional Development Organizations (PDOs) in Pennsylvania
The Office of Child Development and Early Learning (OCDEL) is focused on ensuring the early childhood education (ECE) workforce is well equipped to support the growth development of today’s youngest children and their families. Efforts include building statewide systems and standards that align with national recommendations by offering access to a unified professional development (PD) system for early childhood educators. OCDEL recognizes that under-resourced programs and under-compensated professionals face challenges that are unique in each region of the state; therefore, expansion of services and regional partnerships are crucial to maximize employment opportunities and ensure services match a broad range of needs.
Professional Development Organizations (PDOs) will drive local degree attainment through clearly articulated career pathways. Equitable, relevant career pathways will be accessible to aspiring early educators and those seeking to increase their qualifications, across settings. While OCDEL is increasing efforts and partnerships to support the preparation of early educators, the office also seeks to build in-service capacity across the state through PD institutes. Collectively, these efforts will have a greater impact on structural quality at programs and build leadership capacity across the field.
Navigating Professional Development with OCDEL
Discussing Professional Development Organizations (PDOs) with Tara Dwyer
PDO Partners
Contact your region’s PDO for more information.
Arcadia University
Black Child Development Institute
Bucks County Community College
Cabrini University
Carlow University
Child Care Professional Network
Children’s Village
Clarion University
Community College of Allegheny County
Community College of Philadelphia
Delaware County Community College
Dickerson & Associates Education Services
District 1199C Training and Upgrading Fund
Drexel University
East Stroudsburg
Eastern University
Edinboro University
Education Institute for Early Intervention
ELRC 2
ELRC 5
Esperanza College
First Up
Harcum College
Harrisburg Area Community College
Holy Family University
Keystone College
LaSalle University
Learn, Empower, Grow Consulting Group LLC
Lehigh-Carbon Community College
Lockhaven University
Luzerne County Community College
Manor College
Northampton Community College
Obioma Martin
Penn Literacy Network
PennAEYC
Reading Area Community College
Shippensburg University
Teaching Leading Coaching LLC
Temple University of the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania
Trying Together
Westmoreland County Community College
Last Updated: 10/01/2020
Additional Resources
- Governor Wolf’s Press Release Announcing the PDOs
- Supporting Pennsylvania’s ECE Workforce Flyer (PDF)
- Professional Development for ECE Professionals in Pennsylvania Flyer (PDF)
- Find Professional Development in Pennsylvania Post Card (PDF)
- ECE PDO Policies, Clarifications, and Guidance (PDF)[Last Updated: July 2022]