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. >
A 5-year grant from the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA).
Implemented by OMHSAS Children’s Bureau, the Department of Health (DOH), in partnership with OCDEL
The main goals are to support young children’s healthy physical, social, emotional and cognitive development, to help strengthen families, and promote parent-child interactions that support healthy development.
Strategies are piloted in Allegheny County in collaboration with the Allegheny County Department of Human Services are targeting the school districts of Pittsburgh, Baldwin-Whitehall, and Woodland Hill communities.
Successes will be shared with all Pennsylvania counties to support encourage statewide expansion.
All children, birth to eight years, their families, and pregnant women will flourish through the benefits of a comprehensive, seamless system of promising and evidence-based approaches that promote physical, behavioral, and emotional well-being, thus enhancing school and life success.
Screening and assessment in a range of child-serving settings
Integration of behavioral health into primary care settings
Mental health consultation in early childhood education
Enhanced home visiting through increased focus on social and emotional well-being
Family strengthening and parent skills training
There are two groups of stakeholders that are driving the implementation of PA Project LAUNCH, a State and Local Young Child Wellness Council (YCWC). Both councils are comprised of family members, leaders from early care and education, health, mental health and family support programs, who will work together toward comprehensive, systemic goals to meet the needs of children, parents, and providers. The Early Learning Council is now serving as the State YCWC for the remainder of the grant project. The state level strategies focus on policies, financial mechanisms, and other reforms to improve the integration and efficiency of the child-serving system. The Local YCWC focuses primarily on improving collaboration across the programs and services that serve children and families in Allegheny County as well as improving access to prevention services and wellness promotion activities.
Brandy Fox
PA Project LAUNCH Coordinator
brafox@pakeys.org
Kimberly Eckel
Local Coordinator
Kimberly.Eckel@AlleghenyCounty.us